Sonning 1st XI 0 - 3 Eastcote 1st XI

Sonning began the game well, settling immediately into a defensive shape that was solid and hard to break down. Their opponents have pretty much scored at will at home this season, so after 20 minutes, when the game was still 0-0, the frustration was becoming apparent.

It was then that Sonning had their only clear chance of the game, with David Painter unfortunate not to convert a 1-on-1 with the onrushing Eastcote keeper. He got his shot away, but the keeper smothered it well, with the loose ball just out of reach on the rebound.

At half time, the crowd were fairly subdued as the score remained 0-0. Sonning had managed to disrupt the obviously natural fluent attacking play of an excellent Eastcote side.

It wasn't to last for long though. In the second half, Sonning were pressed back deeper and deeper, and their midfield weren't able to sustain their work-rate, which had been dogged for 45 minutes. Eventually spaces were created and Eastcote managed to despatch 3 chances through the last 20 minutes. Keeper Alasdair Allan had an excellent game in goal, and was unfortunate to be on the receiving end of 3 goals. If it weren't for his heroics, the deficit could have been much worse, as Sonning's league rivals have found out on this ground.

Sonning now find themselves bottom of MBBO Regional 1, where they will stay for at least a fortnight. Next week, their league game against Oxford 2nd XI has been postponed so they can make the slightly longer trip to Guernsey for their NOW: Pensions National Trophy second round match. Does a glorious cup-run await for the league strugglers? Only time will tell...

MOM: Alasdair Allan
DOD: Jimmy Manser