Sonning dig in to win again

A dogged display turned a rainy afternoon into a bright one for Sonning as they continued their great start to the season with a 2-0 win at Oxford.

With many of the regulars finding better things to do on a Saturday afternoon than travel to Oxford in the torrid rain, the 5s fielded a much-changed line up but with plenty of quality to step in and confidence still on show.

Sonning exerted a lot of the pressure early on, with some fluid build up play and sharp passing leading to a goal within the opening minutes as Elliott swept in through a crowded D courtesy of a fine bit of vision by captain Max to pick him out.

Oxford then had their turn to attack, and Sonning found themselves on the defence as much as attack for much of the first half, with both teams unable to take control of the game in the difficult conditions.

Kev, Paul and other Kev, back from a few weeks out, held firm at the back and we came in a half time with a slender 1-0 lead and the game very much in the balance.

The second half saw Sonning show why they are top of the league with Max and Hadders taking control by winning the midfield battles and Andy, Wes and Warbs providing useful outlets on the wings as Sonning broke forward with pace throughout the second half.

A defensive hesitancy from Oxford allowed Elliott to nick the ball on the half way, before running clear of the last man and lifting the ball over the keeper for his second of the game and the 2 goal cushion that Sonning very much needed.

From then on it was a solid and compact display from Sonning, with a clear focus to keep a clean sheet for the second successive game. The midfield were breaking up the play and making smart decisions with the ball, with Sam bursting forwards regularly as Oxford became stretched to link up with Elliott and Grant for what could have been a few more Sonning goals but for some last ditch Oxford defending.

Overall, a good day out once again for the table-topping 5s and the winning streak continues for another week.

By Elliott Weiss