South Berkshire beat Oxford 3-0 to keep the unbeaten run going.

After last week’s 5-5 draw a reaction was expected as South Berkshire welcomed Oxford to Cantley Park. With young Jake Rouse making his 2nd XI debut and a full compliment of players, South Berkshire had a steely glint in their eyes on a very wet Saturday. There was no complacency in their approach this day, no swagger, just a determination to get a the job done. Oxford were also equally as determined and actually had the better of the first 10 minutes. Whilst not really threatening the South Berkshire goal, Oxford frustrated and worked hard to deny South Berkshire space and time in midfield forcing turnover after turnover. This would definitely be a game of patience and South Berkshire decided to play the long game today. Slowly but surely the team worked themselves into the match. The odd shot here, a great pass there and a period of sustained possession saw South Berkshire gain the ascendancy. This soon took its toll on Oxford as Des Sanders scored from a tight angle after a goal mouth scramble. Not pretty but a goal well deserved after an extended period of pressure.

Half time allowed some slight tinkering by coach Sean Hardingham and this paid huge dividends early in the second half. Dan Ray latched on to a through ball and calmly slotted the ball past the Oxford goal keeper. A significant goal in more ways than one. Not only was this the crucial 2nd goal for South Berkshire, but it was also his 200th goal in MBBO leagues. A fantastic personal achievement. Not satisfied with just the one Dan Ray was on the score sheet again. In an almost carbon copy of his first, Dan found himself bearing down on the Oxford goal. The outcome was never in doubt and he grabbed his second of the game and extended South Berkshire’s lead to 3. Oxford rallied and finally found their rhythm with a few forays into South Berkshire’s D only to find Jake and the defence in no mood to concede. The game ended with South Berkshire in control and with another 3 points.

A great professional performance to get back to winning ways. Two personal milestones in a clean sheet debut and a 200th league goal. Today was a good day. Next week South Berkshire travel off to West Hampstead in a historically difficult fixture....but only after England win the Rugby World Cup.