READING GIRLS 4-1 KNAPHILL WANDERERS

The girls turned in a superb performance to defeat title challenging Knaphill.  Having been narrowly defeated in 2 high quality games earlier in the season, it was good to see the girls turn the tables, in another excellent game.

The early exchanges saw both teams attack, looking for that important first goal.  The closest Reading came inside the first 15 minutes, was a trademark long range free kick, from the impressive Tiff Brunton.

After an even first 20 minutes Reading went goal crazy.  Mel Saunders had a fine game and found space in the centre midfield to thread a ball through to MILLIE Bilcliff, who ran through and superbly placed the ball left footed past the keeper into the corner of the net.  Within 5 minutes it went 2-0.  Millie fed Hannah Sheehan who started well on the left wing, the speedy Rachel Stout created an excellent overlap and then slipped a beautifully weighted ball through to MILLIE, who again finished left footed with some aplomb.  At this point everyone was starting to get a bit excited and just as the manager was trying to keep things calm it went 3-0!!  Millie played in Mel who made a great run in support and as the keeper came out the ball ran loose 20 yards out.  Lurking on the left side of the box was HANNAH who took a touch and rocketed the ball into the roof of the net.

Now at this point it was impossible to keep things calm!   Even the manager Louise who through seriously bad planning missed the game, was getting excited via phone calls on the line!

At this point to Knaphill’s credit, they produced 15 minutes of top quality football, which in all fairness should have led to a goal.  In that spell they hit the post and Kathryn Wood on one occasion made an excellent save, however the ball went loose, with the rebound hitting into the side netting, as Knaphill’s best chance of the half went begging.

Half-time was all about half the job being done and keeping up the impressive play from the first half.  The second half was tighter in terms of chances.  Kate Dennis who is growing by the game in the centre back role was again the dominant ball winner. Charlotte Muzeen was superbly efficient in the sweeper role, and the 2 full backs Sian ‘what a throw’ Wylie and Rachel were very reliable, as the defence goes from strength to strength.  Sian also had time to venture forward and nearly score with a looping effort from fully 30 yards.

Some of Reading’s best chances came from some superb corners from Tiff, where Hannah and Olivia Gardiner were so close at the far post to adding a fourth goal.  The midfield unit had a very good game with Jade Searle again impressing in the holding role and Sophie Pearce tireless down the right hand side.  In the end the killer blow was delivered with around 15 minutes to go.  Tiff weighted a superb ball through to MILLIE, who had a bit to do and strode forward to thump a right footed shot into the back of the net, for a superbly taken hat-tick.  Not only were the goals well taken, but the hold up play and closing down of defenders was a feature of an excellent display.

Knaphill again responded with another shot hitting the post, which Kathryn bravely saved, after initially palming away a free-kick.  The final action of the game saw Knaphill finally break through the resilient home defence for a final score of 4-1.

I won’t do a muppet of the day, as Louise wouldn’t thank me!

LC