27.10.07
Man of the match: Joe Jerrome
Saturday saw a second win for the improving reserve side who thoroughly deserved their victory against a determined Sonning side. Although Corinthians were a goal down at half time, the team had underperformed against a Sonning team who had played to their full potential and couldn’t cope with the Whites in the second half.
It was a disappointing start for Corinthians when Sonning took the lead after 10 minutes when a failure to close down a midfield player led to a cross which was not dealt with effectively, resulting in a headed goal. Thereafter however the side began to take control, with Roger Alwood, Gary Mancini and Richard Hand dominant at the back. Only one more long range shot came from Sonning which was comfortably tipped over by Andy Stranks.
As the half went on, there were some promising passages of play revolving around the Corinthians midfield, with Rob Briginshaw in particular working hard to close gaps and initiate attacks. Ricky Sidhu and brothers Joe and Ethan Jerrome constructed some flowing movements, but never enough to threaten Sonning seriously, who were ponderous but annoyingly well organised. Steve Cail and Simon Ibbitt worked hard on the flanks and did their best to get involved, but were forced into more defensive roles for the most part.
At half time manager Hand was confident that the game was there for the taking, and made some slight tactical changes, which had an instant impact when, within the first minute of the half, Joe Jerrome finished off a team move to equalise. Sonning tried to reply, but Corinthians took the lead when Sidhu made it 2-1 from the penalty spot. The defence by this stage looked confident and untroubled with Alwood dominant in the air and Hand finding space to make the occasional foray forward.
Sonning could have found a way back into the game when they made a claim for a penalty which was at best 50 -50, when Stranks came out strongly but fairly, although the Sonning striker made a brave attempt to reach the ball. Shortly afterwards however, the game was all but over when Joe Jerrome fired home from inside the box to put the game out of reach. Tom Bell and Andy Ian O’Reilly came on to swap with Cail and Ibbitt and to provide fresh legs, and to aid the side to see out a well deserved win.
Corinthians host Turnpike Sports next week, the side that handed them their worst defeat of the season so far in September, and the performance and result in this game will be a good test of the team’s progress.