Classics say 'harrow' to the next round of the O35s trophy

Sonning Classics travelled to Harrow on Sunday to play in the Ladies Over 35 Trophy and after the monsoon at the start of the last match, the Classics were pleased to see a dry start to the game.

Sonning started brightly with a lot of pressure and with Gallibird and Helen controlling the centre of the pitch, chances came and went. With Stacey & AJ working hard up front to put pressure on the Harrow back 4, we kept them pinned into their 25 for long periods. Sonning attacked down both flanks with Willers winning the ball and distributing well and debutant Sue Patterson making great impressions down the right. The home side resorted to long balls which gave them 1 or 2 chances which centre defenders Mei and Lynne kept out.

With a minute to go of the first half the Classics attacked up the left with Annie, Sophie and Gallibird linking up well and as the ball reached the circle, Gallibird had continued her run to finish and take the lead.

The Classics continued their dominance in the second half with Jilly Bean finding space to run at the home side. The Classics won 2 short corners in quick succession. The first saw the ball back to Mei who put the ball back across the goal but a Classics stick was not found. Shortly after the same routine saw Mei get her angles spot on to take Sonning 2-0 up.

This set-back spurred on the home side to set up some chances of their own. Rose made a couple of saves but was beaten in quick succession when Harrow quickly moved the ball from right to left and found themselves outnumbering the Sonning defence to open the scoring and then forcing a short corner which saw a bobbling ball beat the Sonning defenders.

So 2-2 and the umpires signalled 2 minutes to go. The Sonning players, and manager Miche, were turning their thoughts to penalties, but not Willers who subbed herself off telling Gallibird to "do something" as both wanted the game finished in 70 minutes. Captain Pikey took a quick hit out across to Annie who drilled a perfect ball down the left where Sophie found AJ who looked up to see Gallibird unmarked in the circle. The pass was spot on and with the keeper charging out Gallibird showed her class and composure by calmly lobbing the keeper. There was still time for the home side to mount one final attack but the Classics were determined to hold on.

A 3-2 win sees the Classics into the next round of the Trophy. Well done to all the players and looking forward to the next round on 27th November.

In a repeat of the 2014-15 season, the Classics have been drawn away to Jersey - now to start the planning of flights, hotels, transport and the No15 bus. As usual great chat and teas after the game, with Stacey setting the bar high with 2 muff cakes including an excellent Victoria Sandwich which led to comments of "the best day of my life" from Sophie.

Player of the match Gallibird - 2 fab goals and great distribution
Muff of the match - Jilly "Bambi" Bean