Sonning 1st XI 7 – 1 Marlow 2nd XI

Marlow had been one of only two sides to take points from Sonning before Christmas, so there was a steely focus in the air during Neil Pursell’s pre-match masterclass. Skipper Jonty Rider has been blessed with genuine strength in depth this term, so missing both Huw and Pat Thomas was easily solved by welcoming back into the fold long term 1st XI players Jonathan Sharp, and Sam ‘The Biceps’ Terry.

Sonning began in inimitable style; Ian Finlayson batting down a failed aerial attempt before pressing forward, with Manser turning home from short range after less than one minute played. This lead was doubled shortly after with a Nick Leach short corner effort to settle the nerves. 2-0.

The game began in earnest at this point, and with a head start, Sonning began to move the ball freely. Marlow, to their credit, switched defensively to a half court press that worked well for them for a spell. They stole possession after an impatient attack down Sonning’s left, broke at pace, and their young forward beat Ben Sully in goal from a tight angle, pretty much into roof of the net for 2-1.

This was as good as it got for Marlow, who would go on to concede three more goals in quick succession. First, Jimmy Manser bagged a second, finishing a slick move on the break, beginning with Sonning defending a short corner, and ending less than 10 seconds later with a tap-in for Manser after 3 slick passes. Sonning have made this a real trademark this season.

Next, Leach was to get his hat trick before half time, with two more short corners the source. The Marlow keeper seemed unable to read Sonning’s routines and was being offered little support by his defensive team, and with Marlow’s senior players descending into ill-discipline, the result was all but settled at the break. 5-1.

Sonning came out in the second half looking to carry on as they had in the first. Ian Gallagher finished a beautiful passing move with a powerful drag flick for Sonning's 6th goal, before Jimmy Manser produced a finish that was both sublime and ridiculous, with a single handed reverse volley, from near the baseline that nestled in the side netting. Marlow’s keeper made several good saves in the half but could do little to defend against striking of such majesty and ingenuity. 7-1.

The half finished on a slightly sour note with Sonning losing James Lockhart to injury and Ed Williamson suffering a blow to the head. But Sonning will be pleased with a confident home win that keeps the pressure firmly on the chasing pack of MBBO 2. Next up, a challenging away trip to Oxford 2s, who despite a heavy loss on their visit to Sonning Lane, looked to be a goal threat throughout. #COTN

Squad: Ben Sullivan, Jonty Rider (c), Neil Pursell, Nick Leach, Sam Terry, Ed Williamson, Callum Richardson, Ian Finlayson, James Lockhart, Stephen Ridley, Ian Gallagher, James Manser, Noel Plant, Jonathan Sharp

Goalscorers: Ian Gallagher, Nick Leach (3), Jimmy Manser (3)

MOTM: Nick Leach/Jimmy Manser
DOTD: Ben Sullivan