Mens' 3s win at the Lane

Reading returned from the Christmas Break with a resounding victory against an Eastcote side that started the day level on points.

Eastcote shook off the mince pies to start the game quickly and could have taken a lead when a skilful midfielder broke forward only to be denied by a good save from Henry Saxby in goal. However it was Reading who, having picked up the tempo, won a penalty corner which Nat Majakas slotted home in a manner familiar to regular spectators at the Boys U16s games. With Eastcote pushing for an equaliser and causing Reading problems the home side tightened their grip on the game when Ahmet Tuney scored his sixth goal of the season from another Penalty Corner. Eastcote responded and it took a superb double save from Saxby to keep them at bay.

The contest was effectively over by half-time when Prandeep Gangeswaran deflected the ball in to the visitor's net after a cross field run and a stinging cross from the left from Rob Kearney gave Reading a third and a drive and finish from the top of the D gave Reading their fourth and Majakas his second goal of the day.

Eastcote came out guns blazing at the start of the second half and it took some good anticipation from Duncan Bond and a truly awful tackle from the skipper, Jeremy Sandell to prevent Eastcote from pegging a goal back. Reading's sole goal of the second half came from Chris Wright who could have had more but for some good saves from the Eastcote keeper.

Overall it was a strong display of passing and movement from Reading to secure all three points against decent opposition for the first game of 2017.