L1A: Reading 3 Wimbledon 1

It was double delight for Kirsty Reeman as she scored twice in Reading 1a’s crucial 3-1 defeat of Wimbledon on Saturday.

The team went into the match knowing that only a win was really good enough, and they responded well to the pressure with a good start to the game.

The early play was mostly Readings as the team combined well and began to put together some slick passing moves. Liana Smith was unlucky not to put Reading in front as her early shot hit the post and rebounded away from the goal.

Good work from left defender Katharine Pike and midfielder Nicky West meant the pair were able to gain territory for Reading as their overlapping runs and quick one-two’s moved the ball forward.

15 minutes into the game Reading were able to convert their early pressure into a short corner and Kirsty Reemans shot snuck through the Wimbledon goalkeepers pads to give Reading the lead.

As the game restarted after the goal Reading began to close the ball down well in all areas of the pitch. They set up well to limit Wimbledons chances, taking the opportunity to control the game and maintain possession.

A slightly extended halftime followed as Wimbledon questioned the decision not to water an already wet pitch, but despite the unnecessary delay Reading kept their focus and started the 2nd half in a similar manner to the first. Less than 10 minutes later a short corner gave Reading the opportunity to extend their lead, and Kirsty Reeman scored her second of the day as she fired in a rocket of a shot that smashed into the backboard just inside the post.

Wimbledon attempted to fight their way back into the game earning a series of short corners, but these were staunchly defended by the corner defence unit. Amy Sanders was quick out to put the striker under pressure, and goalkeeper Sarah Gowers was on fine form as she pulled off a couple of good saves.

Player of the match Reeman completed a good day at the office as she blocked a hard shot on the goal line and shortly afterwards found space to play a quick hit out to Amy Simmons on the right, whose surging run took the ball into the D at the other end, and resulted in another short corner for Reading. The corner was neatly dispatched by a Katharine Pike deflection, and with 15 minutes remaining Reading were leading 3-0.

Wimbledon found a break to score a consolation in the closing 2 minutes, leaving the final score 3-1 to Reading in what was a fine team performance.

The result lifts Reading up a place to 7th in the 10 team league, but with only 6 points separating 6th-9th positions the remaining fixtures make for a competitive finish to the season.

This coming Saturday sees a stiff challenge as Reading travel to league leaders Buckingham. They then hope to continue a fine cup run as they head east for a semi final tie v Ipswich in a bid to reach the final of the England Hockey 2XI cup competition.

TEAM – Sarah Gowers, Katharine Pike, Kirsty Reeman, Fran Feather, Amy Sanders, Nicky West, Louisa Gueritz, Liana Smith, Cyd Hartland, Hayley Munt, Amy Simmons, Jen Bogg, Alex Marshall.

PLAYER OF THE MATCH – Kirsty Reeman

NEXT MATCHES – Saturday 7th March, v Buckingham, Away 11.00

Sunday 8th March, v Ipswich, Away 11.00

Reading Hockey Club

Ladies 1a’s Team Match Report

Date – 28/02/09

Opposition – Wimbledon 1’s

Venue – Sonning Lane

Result – Won 3-1

Scorers – Kirsty Reeman x 2

Katharine Pike