L1: Reading 1 (1) Sunderland 2 (2)

This was a crucial game for Reading with the opportunity for them to retake the top spot from their visitors, Sunderland, if they could win. They were without coach Rhys Joyce, who was with the Mens 1XI in The Hague, but the squad was back to full strength after the regional tournaments. Reading started well and were very composed, controlling the game. This was a tight game, with both sides playing similar patterns and with similar skill levels, as is expected between the top two sides. Reading looked to have the edge however, as again Erin Ruxton caused problems. It was, however, a great piece of individual play by Alex Smith that saw them take the lead. Smith beat two Sunderland defenders in the D before calmly slotting the ball home with great composure.

Reading looked strong and organised, and Sunderland struggled to create any meaningful chances until just before the half hour mark when for some reason, Reading lost their concentration for a mad five minutes that was to take the game away from them. Sunderland levelled after a late challenge by Emma Thomas to break down a counter attack brought their first penalty corner, which they converted with a strike that Ali Pope got a stick to, but couldn’t prevent going over the line. Reading struggled to shake off their disappointment at conceding against the run of play, disappointment that was compounded when Sunderland took advantage of Reading’s slipped composure to take the lead only 2 minutes later, after again punching easily through the midfield almost straight from the restart for Ali Gordon to fire them into the lead.

Reading to struggled to regain their discipline and shape and were fortunate not to concede further as a buoyant Sunderland took the game to Reading. Reading consoled themselves at half time with the thought that for much of the half they had played well. However, in such a close game of few chances, recovering the deficit was always going to be a challenge against a well organised side keen to protect their advantage. Reading again won a series of penalty corners, but were unable to convert any of them. For once, Readin’gs press failed to create enough sustained pressure to crack the Sunderland defence, and whilst pressing for an equaliser Reading’s back four had to be vigilant against the counter attacks posed by Sunderland, but thanks to player of the match Marianne Hood they weren’t breached again.

Reading suffered two further setbacks in the half. As frustrated challenge by Emily Malden saw her sin binned for 10 minutes, but more seriously in the context of Reading’s season captain Alice Margerison left the pitch midway through the half, and a fractured thumb was confirmed after the game. Reading will wait to see how serious her injury is, and how long she may be out for. Reading worked really hard, and can be proud of the way they played, but they simply couldn’t create the chances to get them back into the game. Falling to a second successive league defeat sees them drop to fourth after being overtaken by Trojans and Sutton Coldfield, as well as losing ground on Sunderland.

Their game on Sunday against Trojans, who like Sunderland are unbeaten so far, now becomes even more crucial for getting Reading’s title challenge back on track. A win will see Reading still jostling for position at the top of the table, but defeat will leave them with a lot of ground to make up, and that would be disappointing given their fine start to the season.

Squad: Lucy Stevenson, Kirsty Reeman, Marianne Hood, Alison Pope, Emma Kavanagh, Erin Ruxton, Emma Thomas, Alex Smith, Alice Margerison, Jenna Woolven, Claire Kerr, Becky Dru, Emily Malden, Chiara Clarke, Vicky Bryant, Helen Marsden
Management: Emma France, Fi Holmes
MVP: Marianne Hood

Fashion Faux Pas of the Week: I’ve forgot my shoes. I’ve forgot my shoes I’VE FORGOT MY SHOES!!!! Could Tiny possibly forget any more kit??? Also for sitting in the changing room staring at Smurf and Erin cooing over Smurf’s new belt and saying I wish I was more of a girl and could appreciate a belt for more than just holding my trousers up (something I am pleased to report ET has finally caught up on).
OJ-ism of the Week: Ok technically from last night but … HAVE YOU EVER SEEN ANYONE MORE FEEBLE AT DOING A PRESS UP. I made her do one press up. Overhead saying to Cyd at the end of the session “My arms are too tired to drive…..”
Favourite Fine of the WeekOooops wasn’t there..
Socialising: Any gossip from Posh and Smelly’s birthday party! At Tiny’s gig on sunday night someone fell asleep apparently amidst the scary groupies