Ladies 1s Canterbury 2 Reading 0

Canterbury 2 Reading 0

Written by Dave Wright - Reading Post

Blues are still seeking their first Investec Women’s League goal of the season, but went very close to breaking their duck on Saturday.
Early in the game, Charlotte Daly was only denied by a split-second challenge from a defender after rounding the keeper before the home side took the lead in the 10th minute.

Having conceded a penalty corner, the Reading players on the line broke too quickly on two occasions and that left just two and keeper Sarah Ellis protecting the net, and they could not prevent Sarah Kerly finding the net.
“On the second occasion it was just a matter of a millimetre too early, so we were unlucky there,” said Blues coach Merijn van Willigen.

Blues continued to create scoring chances. Becky Halle was only inches away, as was Ellie Cockburn from the edge of the circle, while Abi Harper’s reverse stick shot hit the side-netting.

There was more frustration and disappointment for Blues early in the second half. Canterbury were awarded a penalty corner by the umpire furthest away from the incident and Grace Balsdon made it 2-0 .

Blues played the whole of the second half without central defender Leah Wilkinson, who suffered a hand injury just before the interval.
Willigen said: “While I felt we were unlucky not to be on level terms in the first half, Canterbury had the edge in the second half and deserved to win the game. But I was pleased with our overall performance."
Reading are home to promoted Buckingham on Sunday (12.30pm).