Sonning Mens 3rd XI vs Windsor 1st XI

Match Report written by Andy Beasley for the game on 26/11/16

“I think they’re a couple of places above us in the league, we shouldn’t have too much trouble.”

“They might be first team, but I don’t think they’ll travel well...”

There was cautious optimism as the 3 rd XI went through their well drilled car park warm-up routine. As loss was a distant memory way back in October, the squad were confident that they could continue the unbeaten record and take a long cherished three points from Windsor. Along with the rare gift of a couple of substitutes to support the effort, the pieces were set for a strong Sonning performance.

From the outset a dynamic midfield applied increasing pressure to the Windsor defence. The tenacious Sam W proved himself to be a permanent thorn in the opposition’s side, hounding possession and collecting loose ball to switch the advantage. Steve W connected passes well and as passages of play moved towards the opposition D, with Harvey taking any opportunity to run at the defence, an early goal seemed inevitable. But the final link didn’t quite come.

The team benefited from the addition of two returning players. Bambi kept a grip on the right hand touchline blocking out a line of Windsor’s attack - and Squires made his presence felt by dominating the middle of the park, tracking back to cover as the opposition started to break quickly.

The defensive force was increasingly called into action as the first half rolled on. Colin, once again, demonstrated his versatility by holding firm at left back and never missing an opportunity to forge up the wing in counter attack. Stalwart defending by Pete at centre back saw off a couple of late attempts from a deceptively fast Windsor attack, and brought the half to a close with no score on the board.

Our Glorious Leader gave some wise words over the half time break and the squad returned to the pitch with a determined sense that we weren’t going to let the game go without a damn good fight. Fortunately there was a glimmer of hope in the second half in which a clutch of passes, a flustered opposition defence, and an energised scramble from the Sonning attack saw us take the lead. Stoney later claimed this goal. But, considering his dictator’s stance on claiming any and all goals scored by the team, we may never truly know who deserves the credit.

Despite a defiant performance by Craig B, stopping shots confidently with both stick and pads, Windsor managed to dribble a ball into the bottom right hand corner following an overlap in open play.

As both teams began to tire, the squad pushed to take back the lead. Persistent hard work from Fordy gave us options to move through the midfield - and Ian continued to supply the attacking play. Nick fought to increase his goal tally for the season, but wasn’t able to find space in the opposition D to strike. Not long after a timed-out short corner opportunity, Nick also earned himself a new nickname from the opposition defence. To everyone’s surprise he chose the moral high ground, and decided not to start showing his own creativity with pet names.

Unfortunately his restraint wasn’t shown by the rest of the team, and some rash decision making in defence by Andy B saw a player from each side sent from the pitch. Fordy also earned himself a breather by ‘not breaking his stride’ and conveniently bringing down a player to stop a surging Windsor attack.

Sonning rallied to protect their goal with reduced numbers and after a nervous couple of minutes the full strength of the team was restored. Time slipped away, and the final whistle was blown to bring the game to a close.

The unbeaten record was preserved, but the squad felt that the illusive win had slipped through their grasp once again. Plenty to be proud of, but lots of work left to do this season. Spirits stayed high as the 3 rd XI retired to the bar, and all agreed that more goals are to come as we look to round off 2016 in style.

Dick of the day was given to Andy Beasley for a litany of offences, inclusive of; deciding to casually sit down mid-game, and for being told off by his mother for fighting other boys.

Man of the match was awarded to Colin for a solid and versatile performance.