Relics Unbeaten

The Reading Relics travelled to Southgate for an early January resumption to the league and a 2-2 draw leaves the Relics unbeaten this season and still top of the table.

Our 2-2 draw against Epsom before Christmas felt like a win but today’s 2-2 draw felt like a loss as we dominated the second half and were unable to put away any chances to seal the game even with Southgate reduced to 10 men for the final 10 minutes. As we expected Southgate fielded a very much younger and stronger Magnums side than usual and we had to fight hard to take the lead with a penalty flick converted by Pelly followed by a very well worked goal finished in style as Wright deflected Gavin’s pass into the roof of the net. Unfortunately, we allowed Southgate to score a weak goal just before half time to ensure they went into the second half with their tails up and playing with more confidence.

Southgate equalised mid way through the second half from a well worked short corner which left it a very open game, but with some of Southgate’s youngsters getting a bit hot under the collar and cards appearing we failed to take advantage of a lot of possession and rued missing too many chances against an inspired Southgate keeper; it was our game to win and we sadly we failed. Thanks to everyone for travelling and playing, when we strung it together we looked a very strong side but must learn to be more patient in stretching opposition defences down both flanks, as always a few beers just about brought smiles back to the team selfie featuring our number one fan, Millie Pell.

With Indian Gym drawing today at Bromley it now looks like a three horse race for the title between Epsom, Reading and Southgate in what is proving to be a good competitive league so everything to play for with eight games remaining.

Game on

Micky