SONNING 0 - 1 ABINGDON
2nd February 2008

There is no doubt that Sonning 3rd XI have been having a strong season, and are regarded as the in form team to beat. With only one draw and one loss against their name, the 3s have been running a strong promotion race. But a league season is about endurance, and with over 20 games there is likely to be some hiccups along the way. If only it were possible to predict where and when.

Despite the absence of Snape and Cheeseman, and the fact that Abingdon were third in the league, Sonning were still confident. Perhaps even complacent after last weeks overwhelming performance against Harrow.

However, Abingdon have only lost 5 games themselves this season, (one of which was against Sonning at the Uni), and only one of the remainder at home at Tilsley Park. Abingdon were not about to surrender the points without a scrap.

The 1st half started with Sonning patiently observing Abingdon's strengths and weaknesses. In fact, Sonning were so casual that Abingdon were able to penetrate into the last 3rd several times. Sonning weathered several Abingdon chances, and conceded a couple of penalty corners from the pressure. One of these led to a strike from the top which went straight down the middle. What should have been bread and butter stuff for the Sonning Keeper (with the best defensive record in the league AND the best defensive record in the MBBO outside of Div 8), turned into a rare error as the ball squeezed between his pads striking the top of the backboard.

Sonning switched up a gear, and started to put together some good attacking moves, but Abingdon, buoyed up by the one goal lead, battled hard to keep Sonning at bay. Battled very hard in fact. Both umpires seemed content to allow tackling from any angle, and play was relentlessly (and clumsily) broken down throughout the midfield and deep into the Abingdon half. Despite numerous stick tackles and feet in the D, Sonning were only awarded a couple of penalty corners which were not converted, and had to go into half time a goal down.

Frustrated by being unable to play hockey, Sonning were nevertheless undaunted feeling that their chances would come. From the second whistle it became apparent that Abingdon were content to continue in the same vein, unchecked by the umpires, and the spoiling continued with effect. Immediate pressure from Sonning continued to mount and several open play opportunities went unconverted, notably Ben Tagoe hitting the post. As Sonning began to dominate, it looked as if Abingdon were content to tough out a 1-0 lead and defend in numbers. Despite offering nothing in attack, Abingdon were defensively resolute and Sonning were finding it difficult to get depth in attack and penetrate a crowded 25 yard area. Pressure from Sonning amounted to as many as 8 short corners. Sadly, all were executed poorly except for a flick from Samuels which was saved on the line by the left post man. As frustration grew, Sonning began to give as good as they were getting in the tackle but this was not going to be the answer, and as the final whistle went a disappointed Sonning team were forced to concede that there had been ample opportunity to go home with a victory, but the ball just wouldn't cross the line.

A jubilant Abingdon will acknowledge the importance of the Scalp they took on the day, and will be pleased of the points which have brought them within reach of second spot in the league.