U18 Ladies through to EH Cup Semi-Final!

An outstanding 3-0 win by the U18 Ladies over old adversaries Surbiton, saw them through to the semi-finals of the EH Cup.

Reading started as they meant to go on, by putting immediate and continual pressure on the Surbiton team. With a fairly balanced first half, with both teams having short corner opportunities, the Reading teamwork and pressure began to tell. With about 10 minutes to go in the first half, Reading won another short corner which Celeste converted with a trade-mark slider.

At 1-0 up at half-time, we were in the ascendancy, but with a long way to go. Team talk at half time: keep doing what you are doing, keep up the pressure, go for a second half win, do NOT try and just hold the lead.

Surbiton came out fast, clearly trying to win a quick goal, playing 2 players high. However the Reading team were more than a match, soaking the pressure and always looking dangerous going forward. Eventually the game play won through, with Anna scoring from open play. 2 goals in front and Reading confidence grew, as Surbiton's fell away. By now the atmosphere was intense, the Reading crowd giving vocal support, and Surbiton sensing a momentous defeat.....

With 12 minutes left on the clock and nothing to lose, Surbiton went to a kicking back. However Reading took advantage as Abbie tucked in the third goal and put the game beyond reach.

Fantastic teamwork, great passing, and supportive play had won the day, with every single member of the team putting in a superb performance, and showing an unrelenting will to win!