Rovers: HAC Sutlers 3 Reading 4

Rovers continue pleasing the crowds.

HAC Sutlers 3 – Reading Rovers 4

A little sentence spoken after a thrilling 4-3 win on the opening week of the season. ‘What’s the betting we win every game 4-3????’  So apologies to the rest of the team for what is turning out to be quite the prophetic statement….

The game away to HAC Sutlers was a top of the table clash and the first few minutes showed why they are right up there. Although there seemed to be a dubious foot in the build up, the finish was very good by the Sutlers’ striker. The game continued to be played at quite a pace, although it was our midfield which was having to do most of the defending. Our chances came mainly through breakaway attacks with Atif and Mark stretching their defence with some strong runs. It was from one of these that we won a short corner. Now, the Rover’s corners have been very successful this year but not in the conventional sense. It seemed to be a case of, ‘while they don’t tackle, keep the ball.’ However, the equaliser was scored by a grateful Atif, who increased his tally for the season after Monkey had his shot saved. The Rovers had a couple of chances to take the lead with their keeper making a couple of good saves from James and Mark.

With halftime bearing down on the players, it was HAC’s pace and number in midfield that put them back in front. With the defenders marking the HAC strikers, it was a midfielder that drifted in unmarked to smack home the goal. It was a goal that was just deserved with Reading having less and less of the ball. After good work from PQ, running up the right wing with the ball and creating a good chance, the Rovers won a second short corner. This time, it was Paul Hayward who ghosted in at the far post to score his first goal of the year. So 2-2 at half time and for once, the need for the usual PQ speech was not needed.

Straight from the whistle in the second half, Rovers picked up their game, being first to every ball and putting the oppo under serious pressure. It was HAC who were on the back foot with Mark starting to run the show in midfield and Andy, with fresh legs after umpiring the first half, bothering their defenders. With the pressure building, Hugh managed to even get forward and self proclaimed that he made the third goal. Much of that was true as he got the ball to Andy in the D who tussled with the HAC keeper, only for the ball to ping up to James to the right of the area. Now although many would have you believe that he closed his eyes and took a wild swing, there was a certain element of intent, as he guided the ball down past the keeper into the net. (this is the short version of the goal. I had written a good 200 words but thought you may not make it to the end…)