Sheerwater took on Virginia Water in a midweek fixture that proved to be an entertaining and competitive third league match of the season.

After two draws from their opening two league games, the Sheers were looking for their first league win—and they achieved it with an excellent all-round team performance.

The Sheers started brightly, and on 12 minutes Razza Ajibola spotted the Virginia Water goalkeeper outside his area. His effort, however, lacked the height to trouble Matt Jones.

Four minutes later, the visitors threatened with a dangerous cross into the Sheerwater penalty area, but Zac Jervis reacted quickly to stab the ball clear.

Sheerwater took the lead on 19 minutes following a well-worked move. George Sellick found Razza Ajibola, who linked up with Zac Jervis. Jervis beat his marker neatly before feeding Harvey Valter, who returned the ball to Ajibola. His clipped pass forward found Kareem Foster racing into the Virginia Water area. Foster then delivered a cross into the six-yard area, where Zac Jervis followed in to put the Sheers ahead.

Virginia Water threatened again on 26 minutes when Ellis Skeete broke through the Sheerwater defence, but goalkeeper Joe Hill was alert and raced off his line to beat the forward to the ball.

The Sheers went straight up the other end and almost doubled their lead. George Sellick played a good ball to Kareem Foster, who struck a first-time effort that flashed just past the Virginia Water post.

On 33 minutes, Skeete sent another dangerous cross into the Sheerwater box, but Hill claimed the ball confidently.

Virginia Water equalised on 38 minutes following a disputed free-kick decision, with the visitors also appealing for a possible penalty. Jack Mills delivered a curling free-kick into the area, and the onrushing Kai Boylen rose powerfully to head the ball into the Sheerwater net.

The visitors' equaliser lasted just two minutes. Sheerwater produced another excellent attacking move, with Elliot York providing strong hold-up play before finding Zac Jervis. Jervis laid the ball wide to George Sellick, who advanced before crossing towards the far post. Kareem Foster pounced on the delivery to restore the Sheers' lead, with the Virginia Water defenders and goalkeeper Matt Jones unable to react in time.

Virginia Water finished the half strongly and came close to an equaliser. Hill had to make a good touch to turn a shot behind for a corner, and the resulting corner was eventually cleared off the Sheerwater goal line—a real scare for the home side.

Half-time: Sheerwater 2–1 Virginia Water

Virginia Water goalkeeper Matt Jones was called into action again on 53 minutes, getting down well to save an effort from Kareem Foster.

Two minutes later, Virginia Water's Turnell Sinclair swivelled inside the area before shooting over the Sheerwater bar.

Sheerwater continued to create opportunities, and on 74 minutes Kareem Foster fed Harvey Valter, whose shot was blocked. From the resulting corner, Tom Blampied fired wide of the visitors' target.

The Sheers finally extended their advantage on 77 minutes. George Sellick sent a long ball towards the far post, putting the Virginia Water defence under pressure. The goalkeeper could only punch the ball away as far as Razza Ajibola, who showed excellent composure to slide a pass into the path of Tom Blampied. Blampied side-footed the ball into the net, with his effort going in off the post to make it 3–1.

Sheerwater continued to create chances through Foster, Valter and Max Hurst, but ultimately they were delighted to secure all three points after a thoroughly impressive team performance.

Man of the Match: Tom Blampied

Joe Hill, George Mackie, Callum Mackie, Jake Horn, Tom Blampied, Tyrone Magala-Bryan, George Sellick (Charlie Rose 86), Rahman Ajibola, Harvey Valter (Maxwell Hurst 86), Zac Jervis (Jack Griffin 90), Kareem Foster (George Walker 77). Unused substitute: Harvey Dosanji.