READING GIRLS 2-3 BEAULIEU BELLES

Things didn’t look good when both centre backs pulled out on the eve of the game.  With Charlotte Muzeen injured and Kate Dennis away it was going to be a very tough assignment, against a Beaulieu that would eventually win the league, with this narrow victory.

The format was risky, but designed to try and win as much ball as possible in centre midfield.  Reading played with 3 narrow defenders, flooded the centre midfield with 5 players, 1 up front and played with no width.  Initially things didn’t look good as the girls gave away an early goal and when a good long shot put Beaulieu 2 up inside 15 minutes things were no looking good.

The spirit and attitude of the players has been first class this season and in the final 65 minutes they adapted to the new system really well and gave Beaulieu a real scare.  Tiff Brunton had tested the keeper with a well struck long range shot, which the Beaulieu keeper did well to save, however on 20 minutes the girls did pull a goal back.  There were some very spirited performances in the midfield and they were heavily involved in the goal. Hannah Sheehan started the move feeding Rachel Stout, who helped the ball forward to Olivia Gardiner, she did well to find Mel Saunders, who exchanged a couple of passes with Tiff Brunton, which eventually saw TIFF in the clear and she made no mistake with a clinical finish from 12 yards.  It was a great passing move and really gave the girls some confidence, as they started to compete really well.

The second half panned out to be a very exciting affair, as Beaulieu became a bit nervous, seeking the victory that would give them the league title.  Millie Bilcliff, who has led the front line very well this season, put in a tireless performance dropping back into the midfield.  Jade Searle again showed her liking to the new holding midfield role, as Reading started well.  In the end though, the tiring legs did start to take their toll a bit.  To narrow the pitch the excellent defensive 3 of Sophie Pearce, Sian Wylie and Rachel started to push up and play a more aggressive offside trap and this initially worked well.  There was a 10 minute spell though that belonged totally to Kathryn Wood who had her finest hour (well 10/15 mins) in the Reading goal.  Beaulieu in this period had 4 or 5 chances to score and each time Kathryn stood firm with a succession of excellent saves in the Reading goal.

The pressure in the last 15 minutes eventually told when a good shot from the right found the corner of the net.  Would Reading now fold?  No chance.  Within 2 minutes they were back in it.  Millie was fouled on the right edge of the box and TIFF hit a lovely curling free kick into the corner.  The last 10 minutes saw the game open up as Reading tried to push for an equalizer, but also resulted in Beaulieu breaking clear.  Eventually the final whistle was blown and the girls valiant effort was defeated.

A far better game than a lot of people were anticipating, as this was an extremely tough ask for 10 girls.  If we can just add a couple more girls to the squad (and we are on the case!) things are looking very promising for next season.

The girls individually and collectively have grown in stature as the season has progressed.  The last 4 games have been particularly encouraging with a string of impressive displays, which has seen some rapid development in the all of the players.

LC