ALDERSHOT BOYS & GIRLS ANGELS 1 – 5 READING GIRLS WHITES

(Subs: Beth, Milly)

Whites were called into defensive action from the off with Charlotte and Shanna kicking it anywhere to get the ball away.  Then, as Aldershot kept pressuring our defenders a shot flew straight through the box full of players into the net, Ella having no view of the ball until it hit the net and as is becoming the norm lately, we were a goal behind (1-0). (Shanna off/Beth on).  Lauren moved back and Beth started to control the midfield, passing back to Charlotte, who passed forward to Jade out wide on the right, her cross/shot going wide.  Beth and Melissa then combined well and moved forward, Melissa putting in a great cross but neither Chloe or Jade could connect with it and the ball went out.  Beth then drove forward into the box and forced the keeper to parry the shot away, the rebounded shot was also saved.  From a Melissa throw in, Beth picked the ball up in the box and this time her shot hit the post.  (Charlotte off/Milly on).  Milly slotted in well at the back and had an immediate impact on the game, passing wide to Melissa, who passed on the Beth who slid it through to Jade but she was shadowed well and they cleared the ball for a corner.  After four consecutive corners, Melissa swung in the ball and it just needed a flick from Beth to knock it past the keeper and level the scores (1-1).  Aldershot attacked trying hard to get back in front but Ella was brave and came out well to save on the ground.  (Lauren off/Shanna on).  Chloe and Melissa passed between themselves and then involved Beth, whose shot was saved well at the second attempt.  From a throw, a curling shot from Beth needed punching away from danger by the keeper for the corner.  (Jade off/Charlotte on).  The Aldershot keeper had to save a shot from Melissa with her legs after a winding run past two defenders.  From defence Milly went on a driving run straight down the middle of the pitch into the box, her shot was saved but then she and Chloe fought for the rebound, Milly won the battle and celebrated her return to the team with a well deserved goal.  (1-2).  Beth then went on an identical run into the box but her shot was straight at the keeper and she collected it comfortably.  Once again Beth drove forward this time she went wide and took her shot from the right and this time it beat the keeper (1-3).

Half time: Aldershot Boys & Girls Angels 1 – 3 Reading Girls Whites

Second half

(Chloe, Melissa off/Jade, Lauren on)

As the second half got underway so did the rain.  Charlotte took a throw in on the right which Beth picked up, she crossed into the box and Jade was there to poke it over the line into the net (1-4).  The conditions deteriorated with driving rain now and increasing winds.  However, Whites were dominating; a chance by Beth hitting the post and falling back to Lauren, who knocked it back to midfield to Charlotte and from just inside the half she hit the ball and it looped straight into the back of the net and yes, Charlotte, had scored! (1-5).  The conditions worsened but both team were happy to continue.  Lauren then went on a run into the box but her shot was blocked and cleared.  Then Milly had a couple of chances both saved but the second needed palming over the bar by the keeper.  (Beth, Shanna off/Melissa, Chloe on).  The Aldershot keeper then denied us again this time saving Chloe’s effort.  (Charlotte, Milly off/Shanna, Beth on).  Floodlights would have come in handy now, as the skies remained darkened.  Chloe, Jade, Beth and Melissa were all forward on their own and it needed some outstanding keeping from Aldershot sliding out in the mud bath to force Beth’s shot wide.  As the rain now turned to hailstones and conditions became unplayable it was decided to blow up slightly early and call it a day and everyone ran for cover!

Full time:  Aldershot Boys & Girls Angels 1 – 5 Reading Girls Whites

Whites: Ella, Charlotte, Shanna, Beth, Melissa, Lauren, Jade, Chloe Smith, Milly

LS