Wokingham 1st XI 1 - 0 Sonning 1st XI

Sonning began the day joint top of the league, while their hosts and opponents found themselves propping up the table. But in what is proving to be a highly competitive league, the visitors took nothing for granted and readied themselves for 70 minutes of tough hockey. With what was an almost full strength 14, they started confidently and immediately put their opponents under pressure, with a couple of early penalty corners that went begging.

But it was Wokingham who drew first blood, with a dribble from a central position, and a weak but bouncing through-ball finding it's way to a centre forward who turned home simply from the P-spot. Disappointing marking and pressing made this all too easy for Sonning's opponents.

Sonning, clearly flustered, were well off their game for the remainder of the contest, with missed traps, stray passes and frustration creeping in at times. Disappointingly, they were unable to rally at half time unlike on a couple of occasions this year, and although they limited their opponents to nothing in the second half, they were uncharacteristically profligate in front of goal.

Next week they need to bounce back quickly for one of their toughest challenges of the season however, as high flying Aylesbury 1st XI visit the Doombar Arena for their last fixture before Christmas. A win would see them stay in the mix at the top of the table, but defeat would see them 6 points off the pace at the half-way point of the season. Can't hold anything back now!!.... #COTN