L1A: Harrow 1 Reading 1

Reading travelled away on Saturday hoping to put some distance between themselves and bottom side Harrow.

A lengthy delay ensued when both umpires failed to arrive for the 11.30 start, following a mix up in the times detailed in their confirmation e-mails.

The game eventually got underway around an hour late by which time the spring midday sun and sandy pitch could easily have sapped energy.

Despite this Reading got off to a lively start, pressurising the Harrow D immediately. Reading were able to convert the pressure into several early shots, but the Harrow goalkeeper and defence managed to keep the ball out, mainly by just getting in between the ball and the goal.

Reading were rarely threatened but fell 1-0 behind following an individual effort from a Harrow player on the break.

Reading were back in the Harrow half straight away and Player of the Match Hayley Munt found plenty of space in which to pick up the ball and drive at the opposition defence.

Reading continued to pepper the Harrow goal with shots, but could not get the ball across the line, leaving them to go into half time wondering just what more they needed to do to score.

The team remained patient as the 2^nd half got underway and retained control for large spells. The back 4 of Amy Sanders, Kirsty Reeman, Fran Feather and Katharine Pike kept the ball moving round the back, sending it forward when they spotted an opportunity.

An attack led to a short corner for Reading and Cyd Hartland picked up a loose ball. With her first touch being blocked by the goalkeeper she did well to retrieve the ball from between the keepers pads and poke it past her into the goal.

With the scores levelled Reading continued to push forward. On one attack Chloe Lyons was brought down by the last Harrow defender, who received a yellow card, but Reading were unable to capitalise on Harrow being a player down, and the score remained at 1-1. Harrow made a last ditch effort to win themselves, but Reading defended well, including some short corners, and the points were split between the teams.

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

PLAYER OF THE MATCH – Hayley Munt

Reading Hockey Club

Ladies 1a’s Team Match Report

Date -  21/03/09

Opposition - Harrow 1’s

Venue - Away

Result - Drew 1-1

Scorers - Cyd Hartland