SONNING 2 - 1 KIDLINGTON
19th January 2008

Moving into the second half of the league season, Sonning opened the game with uncharacteristic verve and vigour! Determined to make up for the losses before Christmas, and with the return of players from injury and new blood invigorating the team (note I said "new" not "young" - yes, we really are a team of veterans!), our New Year's resolution was to better the draw of the previous meeting with Kidlington.

However, Kidlington were equally determined, and they controlled the game from the start. Sonning found themselves battling in defence, but the strength of the back four stood up to the onslaught and enabled Sonning to turn the game around and start to dominate. Sonning's first short corner of the game, expertly pushed out by Anji Higgins, saw Sharon Oldham find the backboard with a satisfying thud.

Buoyed by the goal, Sonning continued to apply constant pressure, and finally found Debbie Webb in a superb position, able to slot home Sonning's second and her first goal of the season.

Inspired by their hockey in the first half, Sonning decided on a tactical change of formation and pushed an additional player up front. Kidlington found themselves defending hard with Sonning practically camping out in their half. Occasional forays into the Sonning half was dealt with swift precision by the back three of Ruth Beasley, Karen Vive and Carol Miles - each having a cracking game. However, despite wave after wave of Sonning attack, several short corners and multiple attacks on the D, Sonning were unable to find the elusive third goal.

The game looked to be in the bag when 30 seconds from the final whistle Kidlington broke into the Sonning half. Carol Miles - the last line of defence - made a superb tackle, but coming down heavily, was injured and unable to pursue the attacker, leaving a one-on-one with Sonning keeper Sue Hicks. An initial save resulted in the ball rebounding between the keeper's legs and dribbling across the line, leaving the final score 2-1.
 

S.Oldham

Team: Sue Hicks, Carol Miles, Ruth Beasley, Carol Reader, Karen Vive, Anji Higgins, Liz Weeks, Jan Hepplewhite, Debbie Webb, Sharon Oldham, Carolynne Woffington, Fran Ford.