SONNING 3 - 1 GERRARDS CROSS
20th October 2007

Another home win and in the white shirts again - (note to self: we must wear white more often as we score 3 goals and win each time).

This was a more action packed match than the previous 2, with both sides having chances to score. Andrew Bowyer was finally pressed into action in goal, a combination of the post ("I knew it was safe" he told us) plus fine saves giving us a clean sheet in the first half. Again we looked confident on the ball and the movement was good, but it took us a while to create clear cut chances. The first goal came from a great build up and pressure in the D, with Angus Bloomfield getting the decisive touch.

We had more of the play in the 2nd half, as they tired and we kept rotating our players. We have been moving the ball quickly in all our matches and the 5 colts all played an important part. Joe Saunders, Mark Hansford and Jack Allen shared left wing duties effectively, while Antony Matheson is quickly building a reputation for being both strong in the tackle and capable of producing defence opening runs (2nd note to self: don't say this too often otherwise Tim will want him for the 5ths). Meanwhile, Jordan Manning ran his socks off up front, drawing defenders away from the goal and creating room to receive the ball and attack the D.

Just when I thought Gerrards X would sneak a lucky one and ruin the day, Mr Bloomfield struck twice in quick succession. 3-0 and surely game over, but a short corner routine worked well by Gerrards X found the only gap in our defence. Disappointing not to keep a clean sheet after the stirling work by all 4 defenders but, hey-ho, it's another win in the bag!

That's 7 points out of a possible 9 now and we sit at the top of the table. It's early days yet but this is where we want to be, so a great start - well done chaps!
 

Man of the Match: it could have been several players, but it went to Richard Boyden for his solid defensive play and productive forays forward in support of the midfield.
Special thanks to Chris Hinton & Ed Dingwall for umpiring