L1: EHL University of Durham 0 Reading 1

L1: EHL University of Durham 0 Reading 1
Chiara Clarke FG 45

Reading played a second successive away game on Sunday against a University of Durham side that sat second from bottom with only 6 points, but had lost their previous six games by only a single goal and were a much more competitive side than when Reading thrashed them 6-0 earlier in the season. Reading also had to cope with the challenge of a long drive and being without their coach and their England junior stars, reducing their squad to 12 for this match.

Again the weather was bright, warm and sunny and perfect conditions for hockey, on a slick Maiden Castle pitch very similar to the turf at Sonning Lane so Reading were quickly into their stride. In a similar game to that the day before Reading always felt they had opportunities when their forwards took on the Durham defence but had to be vigilant against another pacy and skillful attack that threatened on the counter attack where Cat Horn and Loren Sherer were notable players.

Controversy came midway through the first half when Reading’s captain Alice Margerison collided heavily with the Durham keeper and was left screaming in agony on the turf. Despite this Durham played on and the umpires allowed play to continue despite Reading remonstrating for the game to be stopped so Margerison could receive treatment. With all Reading playes having stopped, Durham were through on the Reading goal until Marianne Hood raced over and broke down play to force a halt to proceedings. Margerison was treated on the pitch and then went to hospital where unluckily for her an x-ray revealed she had suffered her second fracture of the season, in only her second game back after recovering from her earlier injury. We wish her another speedy recovery.

Reading then faced the remainder of the game without their captain and with no more substitutes, so they knew they would have to conserve their energy and hope for no further injuries. It was no surprise that Reading took some time to regroup from this setback, but they also managed to reorganise themselves sufficiantly that Durham were not able to capitalise and there was no score at half time.

Reading still felt confident going into the second half, and this confidence was rewarded in the 45th minute when Claire Kerr tormented the Durham defence again with her skill and link up play and layed on an inviting pass in the D which Chiara Clarke slotted home to take Reading into the lead.

Preserving a slender lead is not usually the Reading way, but the circumstances demanded a pragmatic approach if Reading were to secure a precious 3 points under difficult circumstances. Whilst Reading didn’t neglect to attack when the opportunities were available, Kerr being particularly unlucky not to pick up a goal for her efforts, the final 25 minutes of the game became an exercise in determination and team organisation for Reading as they gave everything to defend their lead. The defence did well. Keper Lucy Stevenson saved everything when called upon, Alison Pope denied both Cat Horn and Loren Sherer when they had clear opportunities to equalise, Marianne Hood broke a finger and played on and the half backs Becky Dru and Emma Kavanagh worked hard to tackle and also provide important outlets to relieve the pressure. Dru’s arial balls were used to grat effect to gain Reading territory and break the Durham press.

However this was a tremendous team defensive performance with the midfield and forwards controlling their desire to push forward to run themselves into the ground and keep their discipline and strucuture. They never stopped hassling and pressing and even when Durham through everyone forward in the final minutes you felt that they would not find a way through the wall Reading had created.

So by the end of the game Reading were delighted to have 6 points to make the long 5 hour journey home that bit easier, even if they were saddened to face the loss of their captain again. Their victories take them to third position in EHL division 1 and they now need to replicate their efforts next weekend in a second successive double header to consolidate their position. Reading are away to Barnes Hounslow Ealing on the Saturday (13:30 Dukes Meadow) then at home against Loughborough Students on the Sunday (13:30 Sonning Lane)