Wallingford 1st XI 2 – 1 Sonning 1st XI

Sonning travelled to Hithercroft for an away fixture against a side they have gotten to know well in the last few years. Missing Ian Finlayson and James Manser from their starting XI, skipper Jonty Rider recalled Callum Richardson, and played midfielder Jon Sharp as part of his front three.

Both sides put in performances that were more workmanlike than explosive and Sonning in particular started laboriously. They almost found themselves 1-0 down early on, with Wallingford taking a free hit quickly just outside the Sonning circle. After a referral, umpires deemed that a Wallingford player who played a cross into the circle for a deflection didn’t start five metres from the initial free hit, much to Wallingford’s protestation.

Following this the momentum shifted into Sonning’s favour and it was the away side who scored the opener, through winger Huw Thomas. He and his brother Pat turned on some brotherly telepathy in their link up play before a deft finish for 0-1.

After the half time break Sonning started aggressively again, but their performance remained disjointed, and Wallingford did well to make them pay for it. They scored from open play, and again through a penalty corner to leave the away side reeling.

Sonning pressed in the final encounters, and with the last play of the game Nick Leach saw a penalty corner effort pushed wide, and the game finished 2-1.

Sonning next welcome Oxford Hawks to the Doombar Arena as they hope to get back to winning ways. #COTN

Squad: Ben Sully, Neil Pursell, Sam Terry, Jonty Rider, Nick Leach, Callum Richardson, Jon Sharp, James Lockhart, Ed Williamson, Huw Thomas, Ian Gallagher, Noel Plant, Ben Allday,

Goalscorers: Huw Thomas

MOTM: N/A – Yes it really was that bad

DOTD: Huw Thomas