Reading Girls U18s faced their latest opponents Harleston Magpies in the EH Cup semi-final, having beaten favourites Surbiton in the QF, and Harleston Magpies having overcome Leicester.

In contrast to the dreary overcast day, the match was anything but! Reading started strong, immediately pressing Harleston Magpies at every opportunity with sustained attacks especially with Alice Rolfe's blistering pace down the right hand side causing all sorts of problems for the Magpies. Soon the continued pressure resulted in a goal, and with Reading dominating the first half two more followed in quick succession with the scoreline at 3-0 at half-time.

After the break, the Magpies threw everything they had at Reading, looking for the through ball and quick counter attacks. Eventually they managed to find a way through the defence and scored. They tried to sustain the pressure but our back line held strong with Mila performing great saves, Celeste Spink and Gabi Dyer doing sterling work as Fullbacks, and India Shakespeare blocking off the attacks down their right and having the deft skills to counter attack, soon the Magpies attacking game started to wilt.

Reading took full advantage and gradually started to control the game again, with Jess Beech locking up midfield and Abbie Dixon running searing attacks that carved through the Magpies defensive lines it was only a matter of time before more goals came. The fourth goal was a beauty, started just inside the Reading half, with 4 one touch passes in quick succession leading to a perfectly weighted cross from Hannah Gilmour to be tapped in. Manmeet Saundh was unlucky in having a goal disallowed, but goal 5 came soon after.

For the Magpies, the final whistle couldn't come too soon, they had put on a brave performance but were outplayed by a disciplined, quality Reading side who are now off to the National Final on the 12th May.

Goals scorers :
Zoe Hopkinson
Gabi Dyer
Robyn Cumberland
Anna Gutierrez
Emily Harris