A change of competition but the same result for Hobnob as they extend their unbeaten run in their Division 3 (East) tie with AC Winnersh.
After the squad rotation of the previous week, Mike Terry was able to recall Chris Chapman, Dan Robertson, Clifford Davies and himself into the starting XI at the expense of Dave Gale, Ed Bargent, Dave Harris and the injured Rich Paine. This meant that Hare was restored to his preferred position of striker and the familiar face of Chris Chapman was back in goal.
Once again Hobnob continued their record of scoring early by hitting the opposition at pace. This time round it was a break through the middle that caused the damage when the influential Plant was able to trick his way through the AC Winnersh midfield. A one-two with Hare followed and Plant was able to smash in the opener. The early pressure was excellent across the pitch, with AC Winnersh not being given a moment on the ball. This pressure created several first half openings with Davies and Dan Robertson all going close. Throughout this period Winnersh were continually nulified with Cheng and Terry winning absolutely everything. Only a deflected free kick threatening Chapman's goal. This solidity enabled Hobnob to go into half time with a one goal lead.
The second half started in the same vein with Plant running straight at the opposition from kick off and earning his side a penalty when he was body checked inside the edge of the box. After missing his last spot kick, Dan Robertson stepped up to send the keeper the wrong way and scuff it inside the left hand post. It was the least Hobnob deserved. The Winnersh response was stark and they began throwing numbers forward. They got their reward just before the hour mark when a long throw from the right was nodded in. It was the first sniff they'd had and Hobnob's marking was suspect. Winnersh's fresh approach create a lot of space in the middle of the pitch, space that Hobnob began to exploit. First Dan Robertson went through, only to see his shot well saved. Shortly afterwards Terry won a good fifty fifty in the centre circle and marauded his way into the box before firing inches over. Winnersh continued to attack and with 10 minutes to go there followed a bizarre incident with the ball cannoning off both Hobnob posts and being cleared off the line twice before Tom Robertson was able to bundle the ball away. This proved to be an important moment in the game. With Winnersh beginning to feel like the break through would never come, Hobnob won a corner. Hare's outswinger was headed only as far as the recently returned substitute Cross who gave it back to Hare, his cross found Plant unmarked who smashed in Hobnob's third. Dan Robertson then had a game questionably chalked off for offside. Winnersh rallied too late and a last minute penalty after a Terry push was nothing more than consolation.
Three more points for Hobnob who will be pleased with a solid defensive display in a game marked by the bad temper of the referee.
