M2: Reading 3 Southgate 1

Who would of thought a lack of water could cause such an expensive phone bill? For the first time since having a very healthy 600 minutes free on my shiny new contract phone I think I actually might have used them when the watering system failed at Sonning lane. Having heard the news that the game would be cancelled if we could not find an alternative pitch it was into action quickly, many speed dials later and a pitch was found. (Apologies for still having my old club on speed dial, especially with it being Maidenhead!) The pitch however proved wet and open for play, so in we dived. Straight from the first whistle it was clear that Reading were the ones who were going to dominate on this new home from home for the day. As we happily splashed our way into Southgates half with alarming regularity for their some what flappy defence, we were able to split them open and win numerous fouls inside their box. Three penalty corners later, and with the aid of just the slightest of deflections a drag flick was scored by Dan Bradley. This was quickly followed by the smooth talking Irishman Chris Cargo easing through a gapping whole to smash his ball past the exposed Southgate goalie. And more could have followed before half time but chances were fired wide of the mark. With Reading firing blanks, Southgate begun to ease themselves back into the game, and it was only the umpire blowing at half time that allowed us a much needed rest and some time to rejuvenate ourselves.

After the break it became a messy affair with neither side wanting to back down. The flow of the game was constantly interrupted and foul play started to take over. Posh being sin binned twice after coming from behind with his tackle and their Scottish midfielder being unable to leave our Irishman alone also left for a breather on the side line. Eventually however things started to ease up and the holes begun to appear again. Reading were first to take advantage with Paul Hayes working well from the sides to give Blair Dickinson the easiest of finishes from a matter of inches. The whole team sighed a sigh of relief when Blair managed to reach the open net for a 3 – 0 lead and a certain 3 points. Southgate came back with a late goal but by then it was all too late. A great win against a tough sid