Sonning 1st XI 6 – 0 Harrow 1st XI

Following an unconvincing win at Oxford Hawks, where they started slowly and were made to work for the points, there was a quiet intensity to Sonning’s pre-match routines this week. Harrow, despite eventually going down 5-2 in the reverse fixture, are known to be a physical side, with an aerial threat, and some stand-out players who can hurt any side in the league on the break if given an opportunity.

Skipper Jonty Rider had a full complement of 14, with Nick Leach back in the mix following a spell on the sidelines with a broken hand, and both Finlayson and Lockhart returning after a week out. Jonathan Sharp was unfortunate to miss out on selection, but played a key role in the high flying 2nd XI’s win over OMT, with 2 goals to his name.

Sonning began exactly as planned and immediately took the initiative, penning their opponents back for almost the opening 10 minutes. Harrow looked menacing at times when breaking from deep, but Sonning adopted a clear plan to focus their press on Harrow’s creative central midfield and eventually the pressure told. A spell of pressure led to a high turnover, and with 2 swift passes Ian Finlayson was able to turn home from all of 60 centimeters to put Sonning 1-0 up. There was a hint of thievery about the goal, which from a distance already seemed to be goalward bound from Jimmy Manser, but Sonning cared little and went to work continuing their assault.

Two more first-half goals were nothing short of what the home side deserved. With Leach and Neil Pursell in particular doing a good job of frustrating Harrow and mopping up any attempted breaks, Sonning continued to have the lion’s share of both possession and territory. Noel Plant got himself on the scoresheet, carrying on his impressive run of form, before Manser bagged himself a goal for 3-0. Both goals came about from possession turnovers, swift recycles, transfers and accurate passing in the circle, which surely pleased player/coach Pursell.

After half-time, Harrow’s threat dissipated entirely, with frustrations becoming evident. Down to 10 men for multiple spells, with their main playmaker sidelined twice after some verbal, then physical transgressions, they struggled to impose themselves and Sonning added three more goals, which put gloss on the score-line.

First, Manser got his second of the game with another short range effort demonstrating the art of being in the right place, at the right time. Then Huw Thomas slapped home a controlled effort after a textbook baseline cutback from Ian Gallagher after a right wing break. Finally, Nick Leach returned to goalscoring form with a short corner finish that while far from his best, will have felt like a weight off his shoulders, whilst giving his side a sixth of the day.

Another pleasing outcome from the day was a second clean sheet in 3 games for keeper Ben Sullivan, which sees Sonning extend their goal difference to +47, a stat which could yet become important if later results don’t go their way. Sonning now sit 2 points clear of South Berks, with a game in hand. But with the Sonning v South Berks game still to play, there is still everything up for grabs.

Next up, Sonning face the long away trip to Milton Keynes, who always represent a stern test on their home ground. In other news, Sonning 2nd XI vs. Henley 2nd XI at 16:00 should make for a cracking end to the day on Saturday. #COTN

Squad: Ben Sullivan, Jonty Rider (c), Neil Pursell, Patrick Thomas, Nick Leach, Ed Williamson, Ian Finlayson, James Lockhart, Stephen Ridley, Callum Richardson, Huw Thomas, Jimmy Manser, Ian Gallagher, Noel Plant

Goalscorers: Ian Finlayson, Nick Leach, Jimmy Manser (2), Noel Plant, Huw Thomas

MOTM: Huw Thomas / James Lockhart

DOTD: Stephen Ridley (Last one – we promise)