SONNING 0 - 1 SWANS
1sr December 2007

The third table topping clash in as many weeks meant we were going to be well and truly tested again.

We'd only picked up one point from the last 2 games, so Swans probably fancied their chances, but the lads were all raring to go, despite the torrential rain that greeted the start of the game.

Despite 2 changes in defence and a new midfield set-up, we quickly took control and pushed for an early advantage. If anything, the rain seemed to help zip the ball around as we used both flanks to out-position their players.

The driving rain didn't stop the driving runs by Dave Ransome, Mark Hansford, Antony Matheson, Pat Horne & Liam Booles, with Jordan Manning criss-crossing and creating holes behind for team mates to exploit. Ever on the alert, but with less to do than had been expected, the defence stood firm, with John Flint playing another great match, Andrew Bowyer clearing his lines when needed and Joe Saunders solid as a rock yet again.

It all seemed to be working rather well, but we could not finish the moves off once near their goal. One stinging shot from just outside their D found a gap, but a diving Manning Senior just missed the ball and it thudded harmlessly against the back board - 9 out of 10 for his artistic merit but zero for what mattered most!

We started the 2nd half more slowly and let Swans have more of the play. Ed Andrews and Clive Tombs stopped what came their way but we lost our direction for a while and the frustration was clear on everyone's faces. We still looked more capable of taking the lead but only slim chances were created and the game became niggly and fragmented on both sides.

5 minutes left saw a great diving save by our goalie followed by an odd decision to award a short corner - only their 2nd of the game - and the ball wasn't charged down in time to prevent it being lifted over the goalie and our sticks. The thud was a sickener, especially given the way we had played for most of the match, but they scored and we didn't, so that was that!

Results elsewhere didn't go our way either, so we are now in 4th place, but only 2 points off the top slot with half the season to go. Roll on January!
 

Man of the Match was awarded to Joe Saunders again - outstanding defensive play and good counter attacking down the left flank.
Big thanks to Steve Ford for umpiring at short notice straight from his game for the 4s.