This season Sonning have entered a ladies team in the National Over 35s cup competition as it dawned on us that we had enough players to make a decent squad.

After some discussion the name Classics was born and so we went into battle against Woking on 9 November. With a full squad and quick rotations by coach Scarth, Sonning gave it their best but were eventually beaten 5-2, with goals from Coops and Sinead. Player of the match was Gallibird with Willers a great choice as muff.

This defeat meant Sonning now entered the Trophy competition and another away trip beckoned against Basingstoke on 30 November.

Player availability was not so good for this game but new players were drafted in and a strong squad of 13 took to the field under the guidance of coach Mai-Po Wan.

Sonning started strongly and were soon putting the home side defence under pressure which paid dividends when they were awarded a penalty flick. Unfortunately, the Basingstoke keeper made a good stick save to keep the score goalless.

Basingstoke’s tactic of firing long balls down field on a bouncy pitch soon paid off as a high forward picked up the ball behind the Sonning defence and fired an unstoppable shot at shoulder height off the inside of the far post, just missing Rita on the goalline.

Sonning were not behind for long as Lisa picked up on a rebound to equalise. Sonning should then have taken the lead but a goal line clearance kept the ball out.

At half time Maips suggested that Sonning play a shorter passing game and be more patient. This worked wonders and at times there was some champagne hockey – or was it the thought of the bottle of port after the game!

Sonning took the lead from their first short corner of the 2nd half as Pikey passed the ball back to Helen to score (she did say she was in space) Helen then scored her second after AJ had worked hard to retrieve the ball and passed to Helen who unleashed a fierce effort inside the post which we think the keeper didn’t even see!

The passing was much better with the back 4 in total control of switching play and the midfield working hard to link with the forwards.

Great passing play from Gallibird and Emma saw Coops score with a windmill, and Gallibird scored Sonnings 5th with a determined dribble down the right and a reverse stick flick over the keeper.

In between Basingstoke had a short corner strike deflected over the bar by Pikey (probably with her eyes closed) and scored a 2nd as Rose couldn’t decide whether to clear the push at goal with her left or her right foot and ended up doing a “Strictly shuffle” as the ball went past her!! She was a clear winner of the muff voting.

Player nominations were shared between 8 players but the winner was Helen with her great workrate and 2 goals.

Thanks to Willers for providing the Muff cheese and port even though she wasn’t playing, and to Lars for the cakes.

The supporters were much appreciated during the game, and I think they appreciated the cheese & port.

Next round is on Sunday 11 January and is against Southgate at home. Time to be confirmed. All supporters welcome.