Sonning 1st XI 1 - 2 Trinity Mid-Whitgiftian 1st XI

In a disappointing result, Sonning were defeated by a quick Trinity Mid-Whitgiftian XI. Missing a few regulars, but still with a decent 16 man squad to call on, hopes were high that a win was achievable. But Sonning were given a torrid opening 10 minutes and eventually succumbed, with poor marking coupled with some good skill by their opponents seeing them down 0-1 fairly early in the game.

They equalised not long after, when a crash ball into the Trinity circle found a defenders foot, with the resulting penalty corner despatched by Ian Gallagher, who tucked away a crisp reverse strike. However, their equal footing didn’t last long, as around the 20 minute mark Trinity struck again, with some individual skill at a penalty corner giving Allan little chance in goal. 1-2.

Trinity’s keeper then made one good save in the latter stages of the half to keep his side in the lead, and at the other end Allan was called upon to keep Sonning in the contest on a couple of occasions, but in general the second half finished without major incident. 1-2 it remained.

Half time was a unique one however, with a pitch change requested by the umpires, due to poor lighting on the Reading sand-based astroturf. This appeared to help the home side a bit, as their passing improved significantly, meanwhile Trinity’s excellent use of 3D skills seemed slightly nullified by the less bouncy Sonning pitch.

Nevertheless, despite some huff and puff, Sonning spent the half moving the ball fairly well, but lacking bite up front to find an equaliser. One late chance fell to David Painter but his deflection whistled agonisingly wide. In the end, Sonning will be disappointed with a defeat, but it was probably a fair reflection of the match as their efforts fell just short against strong opponents.

Sonning wish Trinity the best of luck in the next round, and thank their supporters who endured some pretty torrid conditions to stay until the bitter end! #COTN

Goalscorer: Ian Gallagher
MOTM: Mark Dobbie
DOTD: Huw Thomas