L1A: Reading 1 Epsom 3

Reading 1a’s faced another tough test this weekend when 2^nd placed Epsom visited Sonning Lane.

Reading got off to the worst start when they turned over possession and conceded a short corner within seconds of the start, however they successfully defended the corner and began to try and settle into the game.

Epsom continued to press Reading and before half time the 1a’s found themselves trailing 3-0.

There had been little opportunity for Reading to reply to the 3 goals, with just 2 short corners providing the only real chances – however the team did not make the most of these, with one deflection going just wide of the post, and the other move breaking down.

The second half looked more hopeful for Reading as they did better to keep possession and attack the other end. With Fran Feather moving back to her usual full back position alongside Kirsty Reeman Reading began to find some stability, allowing some good play to be built up the pitch with Nicky West and Amy Simmons both pushing forward up the flanks.

It was West who put Reading on the score sheet when she picked up a loose ball in the D and launched an unstoppable shot into the roof of the net.

The goal looked to have found an opening back into the game for Reading, with Hayley Munt pushing high to pick up some long passes and Katharine Pike working well up the left to send some crosses into the D, but the Epsom defence held firm and the deficit was too big for Reading to recover from.

They eventually ran out of time still 3-1 down.

Reading Hockey Club

Ladies 1a’s Team Match Report

Date -14/03/09

Opposition - Epsom 1’s

Venue - Sonning Lane

Result - Lost 3-1

Scorers - Nicky West

Player of the Match votes were evenly spread but it was the left side combination of Nicky West and Katharine Pike who jointly took the honours.

Despite a much improved second half Reading again fell foul to the inconsistency that has plagued them throughout the season, leaving them to face a must win encounter against Harrow next weekend.

TEAM – Sarah Gowers, Katharine Pike, Kirsty Reeman, Rachael Marriott, Amy Sanders, Nicky West, Louisa Gueritz, Fran Feather, Liana Smith, Hayley Munt, Amy Simmons, Cyd Hartland, Helen Ritchie.

PLAYER OF THE MATCH – Nicky West and Katharine Pike

COACH – PAUL TURK