SONNING 3 - 0 AYLESBURY
12th January 2008

A simple strategy well executed has been the part of this season's success for the 3rd XI, but the real secret has been the commitment each week from a squad that believes it can win.

This belief was required this Saturday as a competent Aylesbury side set out their stall from the whistle to defend in numbers and frustrate the home side. Sonning totally dominated the possession in the first half- Aylesbury scarcely found their lone forward for 35 minutes- whilst their Keeper was working up a sweat between the posts. Aylesbury were digging in and Sonning were attacking in waves. The visitor's problems were compounded as their Captain and centre back, who had been influential up to this point, was forced to retire from the field of play with a groin strain. With this chink in Aylesbury's armour exposed, Sonning pressure began to force errors and was rewarded with several penalty corners, and it was from one of these set pieces that Geoff Samuels was finally able to break the deadlock just before the half time whistle.

Half time team talk reminded the team not to try to force a goal, but to maintain discipline, patience and possession. A focussed Sonning resumed the game with composure and authority, and once again Aylesbury were asked to endure remorseless pressure with several near misses proving very frustrating. Aylesbury looked to counter attack with a few quick breakaways, but the shots were few and lacked either the accuracy or the power to genuinely trouble the Sonning keeper.

As Aylesbury tired, so Sonning's patience paid off and the midfield energy of Cooke and Rushbrook began to totally dominate the middle of the park. Sonning forwards were also able to push deeper and get behind the defence causing confusion, and the second goal, which had seemed inevitable, finally materialised as Samuels again was able to convert a penalty corner.

To this point Aylesbury had been clinging to the hope that they might find an opportunity to steel a draw out from under Sonning's noses, but it was clear that there was no way back form a two goal deficit. Sonning maintained the pressure, and when a ball from the left found Cooke in dangerous space on the Aylesbury 25 yard line, the defending team looked to be on the ropes. An explosive turn of pace and some deft stick work left the Aylesbury Sweeper stranded and, as the ball crossed the line into the D, Cooke struck with power and accuracy to beat the keeper's outstretched right foot to the left hand corner.

However, the satisfaction of the solid thud as the ball rattled against the backboard was short lived as the right honourable Umpire Weeks questioned whether the ball was inside the D when the shot was made. His uncertainty was tipped when the 'mighty Toon' declared he thought it was outside, and the goal was disallowed. Oh dear- what a mistaker to maker! A disgruntled Cooke will have to be comforted by the Aylesbury keeper's confession after the match that he thought the shot was good. And an apologetic Toon will have to take a leaf out of Arsene Wenger's book and learn to 'not see' any contentious incidents on the pitch.

And the 3rd X1 squad could take comfort collectively by the (actual and recognised) third goal which was secured when O'Mara, driving into the D, wrong footed the Goalie and effected a limp wrested lob shot which was poached on the line by a well placed Eighteen.

Surely, it was all over. Almost. There was a final page yet to be read- Aylesbury had a last ditch breakaway and were able to earn a penalty corner with just seconds to go to the final whistle. Some cack-handed wizardry from (Aylesbury and league character) Bob Gregory failed to score a goal, but ensured a dramatic finish. Another penalty corner given a split second before the full time whistle. Sonning midfield and forwards, with hearts in their mouths, had to watch the defence protect a clean sheet with this last action of the game. Surely to concede a goal now would be a travesty, so it was with great relief and a wry smile that the game was called to an end as the ball went harmlessly past the right post and over the baseline. A twist in the tail, but ultimately no sting.

Another competent performance from the now league leaders. Witney away next week at the prison exercise Yard. Don't be late for this one Snape- it's practically a home fixture for you.

C'mon the 'ning !

M.o.t.M.- Jon Cooke for tireless midfield work, telling passes and a fine individual goal (disallowed- DOH !).
An Acknowledgement to 'Aylesbury Nemesis' Samuels for a brace of Goals.
D.o.t.D.- Toon- outside the D indeed - muppetry!