Sonning 0

West Hampstead 2

WEST Hampstead continued their stranglehold of the league when they netted either side of the break to dispose of Sonning, and themselves nine points clear of nearest rivals Slough.

The victory was WH’s 13th league win of the campaign and in truth they have looked a class above the rest of the Middx, Berks, Bucks and Oxon Regional One division, which they joined after last season’s relegation from South League Division Two.

The two goals at Sonning increased WH’s tally to 80 this season and leaves them with a whopping goal difference of 67 as they have conceded just 13 times this campaign.

But WH captain Jamie Dru, who has led the side since the closing games of the 2006-7 season, is keeping his feet on the ground and is intent on ensuring the high standards are maintained in their quest for promotion.

“After the highs of last weekend in which we went a long way to securing the title, we let ourselves down with our performance on Saturday at Sonning,” Dru said.

“Defensively we struggled to maintain our shape whilst going forward.

“We attempted too much individually rather than adhering to the teamwork principles that our success has been based upon.

“Thankfully Finn Bell in goal was in outstanding form, winning his third man of the match award of the season, making a series of great saves.”

Fourth-placed Sonning provided a stern test for Dru’s men but the visitors battled their way back into the match and opened the scoring in the 20th minute when Rob Frampton netted with a drag flick from a short corner.

WH maintained their slender lead at the break, and with it all to play for in the second half, Sonning set out in search of the equaliser.

But the visitors were up to the challenge and kept the visitors at bay as Bell continually thwarted Sonning’s attack.

WH continued to take their chances and doubled their lead in the 50th minute when Mark Little passed to Dru in the D.

The skipper squared the ball to Harry Willets, to slot into an open goal.

WH seek to continue their good form when they play their second team at Brent Cross on Saturday.