Oxford 1st XI 4 – 3 Sonning 1st XI

The last competitive fixture Sonning played on the Oxford Brookes pitch was in December 2013. It was one to forget. They were down 3-0 in 15 minutes and lost 5-2 in a horribly one-sided game against Oxford 2nd XI. So returning there to play Oxford 1st XI was a daunting task. However, it became apparent early on that Sonning’s minds were focussed, and they came with a game-plan. Playing a much more compact structure than in previous weeks, they absorbed the early pressure well from the fast-starting Oxford side, content to play on the break in a style which has suited them in previous years.

Despite this, they found themselves down a goal pretty early on when Oxford converted an early penalty corner with a strong flick from the top of the circle. 1-0 Oxford. This was then exacerbated when Sonning went down to 10 men. Somewhat harshly, Matt Sloper was adjudged to have raised a stick above shoulder height to bring down an aerial.

However, this galvanised Sonning, and while a man-down, they struck on the break in trademark fashion. In 4 passes, Sam Terry found Chris Hinton in midfield, who in turn found Noel Plant’s surging run. Next, Plant put in Jack Mason, who rounded the keeper and tucked his chance away clinically. 1-1.

The score-line did not last for long. Oxford re-doubled their efforts, and moved Sonning around well until they were able to secure another penalty corner, which they duly despatched through what one can only assume was an ‘unrehearsed’ routine… albeit an effective one! 2-1 Oxford.

At half time, skipper Stephen Ridley lifted Sonning spirits well, and they started the second half in the best way possible. Within 3 minutes of the re-start they broke out from deep with Jimmy Manser finding himself one-on-one with the Oxford keeper. There was only likely to be one result, with Manser once again in clinical form. 2-2.

Sonning then sought to remain compact and hard to break down, however, once again Oxford manufactured and despatched a chance, almost from the re-start, with a flowing passing move that left Sonning once again a goal behind and stunned. 3-2 Oxford.

The Oxford crowd were getting their money’s worth here as a pulsating encounter continued. Like two punch-drunk boxers, the sides continued to exchange blows in the following minutes. Oxford’s passing game deserted them somewhat and Sonning were able to strike, once again on the break, as Jack Mason coolly engineered a short corner, from basically nothing as he was totally isolated with nothing else on. Ian Gallagher converted the chance, with a sweet strike. 3-3.

For the first time in the game now, Sonning found themselves on-top. They chased for a winner as Oxford went down to 10 men after three consecutive heavy challenges on Ian Gallagher. The Oxford keeper made a good save from a Jimmy Manser deflection, after James Lockhart was able to beat his man and get his pass away on the right side of the Oxford circle, and Oxford defending a handful of Sonning penalty corners well.

However disappointingly for Sonning, it was Oxford who won the game with just a couple of minutes remaining. 70 minutes of chasing had taken its toll on the Sonning midfield and another impressive passing move ended with a well taken strike that Alasdair Allan could do little about in goal. 4-3 Oxford.

Sonning can be pleased with their day’s work, if not the result. Next week sees Wallingford 1st XI visiting The Doombar Arena at 10:30, where Sonning will be hoping to bag their first win of the league season.

Goalscorers: Jack Mason, Jimmy Manser, Ian Gallagher
MOM: James Lockhart
DOD: Matt Sloper