With the younger members of the squad due to play in a vital National u14s Cup semi-final the following day, the 6s fielded a somewhat more mature line-up than usual, with those younger players that were selected restricted to more cameo performances. Ops started brightly, despite the somewhat Arctic breeze, dominating the early exchanges. The decidedly veteran back four of Dave Whitehead, Dave Brazier, Simon Jones and Steve Letley were afforded time to move the ball around the back, with young Oisin Doyle in goal not troubled at all. Paul Andrews was given time and space in the middle of the park to pick passes and free the wide players in Carl Bondzio and Joel Davison to carry the attack down the flanks and move the ball on to the front players, Evan Carter, Norval Scott and Josh Scooter. Gradually though, Sutton Valence began to exert some more authority on the game, testing the back line. The youngsters were introduced into the game with Daniel Andrews, Arthur Ireland, Jake Davison and Joseph Allon all given the chance to stretch their legs and inject a bit more life into what had become a slightly pedestrian Ops display. Another veteran performer in Stephen Rowe was introduced on the right wing, and his direct running and all-action style gave the Ops a touch of impetus. Despite having the better of the chances, it took a good 20 minutes for the Ops to open their account, with Andrews sr thumping home a short corner strike after working himself some space at the top of the d. 1-0 at half time, but Ops knew this was not by any means a finished job. They started the second half very well, doubling their lead when their next short corner saw Andrews sr switch the ball to Scott to fire home. Just minutes later, the next short corner saw Andrews sr switch the ball the other way this time. Joel Davison applied a clever touch to pass the ball on to the charging Scooter to finish at the back post - much more like it! However, at 3-0 up, the game again became a tad pedestrian, lacking the usual change of pace and attacking verve that has been the hallmark of the 6s this year. The game saw chances come and go at both ends of the pitch, but without any real threat of either side adding to their tally for the day. Eventually, Ops did carve out a chance, with Scott belying his age to fire home a reverse stick strike whilst performing an extravagant dive - such a shame that the video streaming wasn't working as it would have made for a fantastic coaching clip! As in the reverse fixture, SV scored towards the end of the match to earn some reward for their endeavours, but the Ops closed out the game to notch another win and 3 points, despite not really hitting their straps throughout the game.