SONNING 2 - 0 AMERSHAM & CHALFONT
13th October 2007

Sonning found themselves under pressure from Amersham & Chalfont from the outset. Although we had the skill and experience to take control, we allowed Amersham to dictate the pace of the game, and with unforced errors and poor passing, Sonning spent the majority of the first half in a defensive fury - refusing to let the opposition score a goal, but unable to break through into the attack. Only several skilful saves from keeper Sue and some tremendous defensive work by the back three - Carol, Carol and Ruth - ensured we went into the half-time break an even 0-0.

At half time, captain Sue Hicks made what proved to be a superb tacital move and re-shuffled the team, dropping the sweeper position and playing two attacking centre halves.

And what a difference it made - from the whistle, Sonning were in control and playing our game at our pace (slow!). The two centre halves, Liz and Jane, complemented each other perfectly and bridged the midfield gap that had been apparent in the first half. Capitalising on this, slipping unseen behind the Amersham defence, Sharon Oldham picked up a through ball and with only the keeper to beat, put the first goal safely away.

The second goal came from a penalty corner, with Carolynne knocking out to Sharon who, with an Amersham defender straight on her, pushed - yes, pushed - the ball, causing it to trickle slowly through the entire Amersham defence into the back of the goal - pathetic, but they all count!

Mention must be made of a younger guest member of the team - Kelly - who kindly stepped in to bolster a depleted squad and ran her socks off - much like the rest of us did about - ooooo - 35 years ago!

And a special mention and thanks must go to our newly-qualified umpire John Jackson - well done and welcome back John - we missed you.
 

Team: Sue Hicks, Carol Miles, Ruth Beasley, Carol Reader, Debbie Webb, Sara Edgerton, Janet Hepplewhite, Sharon Oldham, Carolynne Woffington, Liz Weeks, Jane Ireland, Kelly Hunt.