SONNING 0 - 1 AYLESBURY
17th November 2007

A rejigged team arrived at Bracknell with expectations of a tough game. Results just below us had been quite mixed over the previous few weeks but Aylesbury were on a roll. Nevertheless, our confidence was high.

We took our time to find a rhythm and Aylesbury just about shaded the play early on. Just as we seemed to be getting into to it, their goal came out of nowhere. A loose ball found its way into our D and we failed to clear it. A jab of a stick and we all see the ball creeping over the line. How would we respond to going behind for the first time in a league game? Well we pressed and fought and started to win balls we had no right to do.

Half time gave us a chance to regroup and we carried on as we finished the first. Excellent defensive play by Jeremy Matheson - our rock! - and John Flint & Joe Saunders gave the midfielders opportunities to pick up the ball and run at their D. Si Betson, Tom Hurst and Will King all got stuck in and Mark Hansford did a great job attacking one minute and then chasing back to defend.

How we didn't score I will never know. No excuses though! We created chances (which is hugely encouraging) so we should have put at least one away - but their goalie was outstanding and we are all now very familiar with the metal 'ting' sound that the ball makes when it hits the goal posts. It just wasn't meant to be.

Results elsewhere went our way so we remain on pole position. Next up - the top of the table clash v Leighton Buzzard away. We're quite a mixed side, with 6 colts and a wide range of match experience, but we can do well in this league - this will be a real test of what we have to give though!

Man of the Match: Joe Saunders & Will King - players couldn't split their performances.
Thanks to: Alec Campbell for umpiring before shooting off for his own game.