SONNING 4 - 0 ASHFORD
1st December 2007

Sonning 3s went into the game still unbeaten and top of the table against an Ashford team with just 2 wins to their name this year. You could be forgiven for thinking the result was a forgone conclusion. Well it was. I am pleased to say that, (other than what can only be described as 'Flexible' meet times- apologies from Capt 'Punctuality' Butler), the 3s are proving to be a fully committed team on the pitch and took nothing for granted on Saturday.

Apart from having 'lost' third team regulars Gary Kenny and Ben Snape to the 2nd X1 again this week, the third team's strength appears to be in its depth. Cookie stepped up and with all other regulars being available, the squad was indeed strong.

The game itself was fairly dull for the defence who managed yet another clean sheet. Alec described it as 'boring'. The same word was used to describe Captain 'Boring' Butler's team talk (thanks for that astute and grounding observation from top critic Mille Cooke, age 4 )... So, good solid performances from the back four and keeper - who was AWOL from the army for the afternoon - exactly the sort of commitment that we are coming to expect from the 3s.

The midfield was kept busy and had to put in the legwork against a fairly mobile opposition. But early work and thoughtful positioning from the forwards, combined with patience and discipline from Toon and Cheesy meant that Ashford could seldom penetrate into dangerous areas and returned the possession to Sonning through forced and unforced errors. Capt 'Gobshite' Butler managing to keep in the umpires good books - a miracle considering one was Gallibird.

Strong counter attacking with selfless movement from forwards and quick passing from midfield put pressure on the Ashford defence. Super stick skills from Eighteen produced Penalty corners which inevitably paved the way to Sonning's first goal, with a well struck short corner from in form O'Mara. With the lion's share of possession and pressure, Sonning went into half time one goal up and feeling confident that more could come in the second half.

And more goals there were. Another slick Penalty corner saw Samuels drag the ball into the corner of the goal so tight that it ricocheted off the inside of the post. The patient pressure continued with Ashford at a loss for an answer. I change of tack saw Capt 'lumbering' Butler take a more direct approach and taking on the last defenders, drove forward into the opposition D only to be felled at the point of shooting. A stone wall flick which S@*t Jeff jogged the length of the pitch to volunteer for. 3 - 0.

Capt 'blood injury' Butler took a breather to patch up his Astro burns which coincided with a 10 minute spell where Sonning lost their way chasing more goals instead of protecting a clean sheet. But Ashford were finished and threatened very little. Sonning regrouped and all hope was extinguished for Ashford when the fourth goal was claimed from another penalty corner by Flec 'power push' Goodwin with an assist from the mighty Toon on the injection.

So another good win, but no complacency please Gentlemen. The 3's biggest challenge remains this coming Saturday with Birbeck College looming for the top of the table clash. C'mon the 'Ning !

Thanks to Ben Snape, and Magic mascots Sam Cooke and Millie Cooke for your much appreciated support.

Written by Mark 'lovin' it' Eighteen.
Edited by Capt 'all publicity is good publicity' Butler's Self Promotion Agency.