Sonning 1st XI 4 - 4 Marlow 2nd XI

Sonning started the game in the worst possible manner, shipping 2 goals in the opening 15 minutes, both from cheap turnovers. One of the goals definitely never crossed the line, but Sonning created their own bad luck and can have little complaint about finding themselves 0-2 and with an uphill task.

After around 20 minutes, Jonny Partenheimer beat several players in a tightly packed D before unleashing his strike for 1-2 , but it was short lived when Marlow re-extended their lead through a straight flick at a penalty corner that beat Allan in goal at an awkward height.

After half-time, and probably lucky to only be 3-1 down, Sonning re-started brightly and had a really positive spell in the game. First, a short corner hit the body of the last Marlow defender, and a dubious penalty flick was awarded (balancing out the injustice of the first goal) and converted by Partenheimer. Shortly afterwards, Partenheimer got his hat-trick when unleashing a powerful drag flick that gave Marlow's young keeper little chance. 3-3.

Sonning went ahead in the game for the first time after around an hour, when Ian Gallagher struck from a short corner, but as after Sonning's first goal, Marlow struck back almost immediately after a couple of missed tackles led to a scrap in the circle, and a loose ball eventually being turned in, much to the home team's dismay. 4-4.

With many other games left unplayed due to frost, it is yet to be seen how much Sonning will pay for failing to hold out after leading the game, but 4-4 is probably fair on the day as both teams were bright going forward but below par defensively.

Next up, a tough away trip to British Airways. #COTN

Goalscorers: Ian Gallagher, Jonny Partenheimer (3)
MOTM: Jonny Partenheimer
DOTD: Paul Brown