Saturday morning was overcast but the Ladies 2nd team were keen to start the second half of the season as they meant to go on – with a win.
From the first whistle Abingdon played brilliantly, passing the ball around well and really challenging the Sonning defence. The ball was worked well through mid-field, Sabrina doing a sterling job as centre mid passing the ball out to Margarite on the left and Georgia on the right, who supported the attack with drives forward and some excellent passes. Captain Kirby caused some real problems for the Sonning backs, narrowly missing several chances and Clare A at right forward made some fantastic runs. Down the left hand side Keziah and Tara were both involved in some great attacking play, and for the first 35 minutes the Sonning team did not know what had hit it!
Unfortunately Abingdon were unable to capitalize on their numerous chances, there were so many near misses and the Sonning Keeper was kept very busy by the side in blue and had to make some great saves to stop strikes from Kirby and Georgia from sailing past her.
After a good half time talk from Kirby, Abingdon came out at the Sonning side hard determined to score the goals they had missed out on in the first half. But the Sonning side seemed revitalized and stepped up their game. After having had most of the possession in the first half, Sonning now made some good challenges on the Abingdon defence, but they were no match for the back combo of Sarah B, Emma C, Hannah B and Kirsty. The Abingdon backs worked hard making some fantastic tackles, and marking the opposition well. And as Sonning began to push forward this left the field of play open for Abingdon to counter attack – and the defence began to push forward with Hannah, Kirsty and Emma making some great runs forward.
Abingdon continued to hassle the Sonning defence and won a number of short corners. Finally the break through came after another short was won – Sabrina pushed out perfectly, Georgia stopped the ball and slipped it to Kirby who managed to slot it in the back of the net after a good strike.
Final Score: 1-0, a much deserved win for the 2s, well done ladies!
