SONNING 1-1 STAINES
29th September 2007

Sonning began the first league game of the season with what is quickly becoming a trademark bright opening to the game. Wide play, fluid passing and good movement off the ball resulted in promising attacks. It was only a matter of time before Brendan 'Bjorntoughsticksonsonson' Toger scored from a well placed hit from the top of the D slung in by Dan 'The Slinger' Slinger.

After that Sonning relaxed and allowed Staines back into the game, and although their ambitious free hits were mostly harmless, the Staines youthful attack force managed to win a few short corners. The first was defended by a great block from Simon 'Bandanarama' Betson, but the Sonning defence were unable to prevent the scoreline from becoming 1-1 at half time.

The second half began the same way as the first, Sonning regained their shape and for the rest of the game switched the ball quickly from one side of the pitch to the other for extremely effective attacks. However, throughout the game Sonning suffered from poor final balls into the D and as a result poured more people forwards in an attempt to score. This resulted in a quick end-to-end battle with fast counter attacks from Staines giving an exciting end to a game that should have been wrapped up by Sonning in the first half.

At least Sonning can take heart in the fact that they will be ahead of Staines in the table. Albeit alphabetically.

Man of the match: Brendan 'Bjorntoughsticksonsonson' Toger
Cards: none

Richard Pegram