READING GIRLS V ALTON UNITED                                  1ST November 2009
3                                2                       

Venue: BCSA
The captain for the day was Clara.

Everyone was asking was the game on as the rain has been torrential for hours. The pitch condition was excellent but very soft.

The game started brightly with Reading taking the initiative to Alton. It was clear Alton were playing a tactical game with the defenders playing a high line to catch the Reading forwards offside. Eloise was lively on the left side of midfield and linked up well with Livvie to feed Clara who shoots wide.

April gains possession in the Alton half who plays a ball through to Clara and the keeper makes a competent save. Alton play a ball over the top for Morgan to come out and pick up the pieces. Sophie has support of Eloise who defends well to keep the Alton winger at bay. Leanne goes on a run down the right and crosses and Clara shoots wide. Another attack allows Clara to run through the middle and blasts the ball goal bound and the keeper could do no more than push the ball up into the roof of the net. Reading 1-0. 

Jemma and Hannah both come on in midfield and continue our progress down the wings. Leah defends effectively although Alton not really posing a threat on the left side. Jae looks organised and communicates well with the team. Good work by Hannah on the right side to force a Reading throw in.

Half time:  Reading 1 Alton 0.      

More of the same required by Reading in the second half would surely see a welcome home win with a solid performance. Alton trying hard to get a break and it comes with a Reading defensive error passes to an Alton forward who passed the ball into the net. Reading 1 Alton 1.

Alton continue with the high line tactic and are Reading intelligent enough to take the advantage when the opportunity arises? April now playing right back intercepts the ball and waits for the run of Clara who picks up the ball and slots into the net. Reading 2-1

The game looks relatively evenly matched with Reading being caught more offside in this half. The problem here is we are breaking through more as well so Alton need to be careful. Jae challenges hard in the middle of the park and is clear, passes the ball and Livvie offside. Leanne presses high up field and passes to Clara who was offside.

Clara breaks again and tricks the defender and not for the first time slotted the ball home. Reading 3-1. What a cracking hat trick. Tired legs see Alton push in the last 10 minutes and for the first time in the game we were outnumbered in our own box. A pass allows time for the Alton attacker to pull back a late consolation goal. Reading 3 Alton 2.

Fulltime: Reading 3 Alton United 2

A good game against two evenly matched teams although Reading slightly shaded on overall chances to deserve a valued 3 pointer.
 
Player of the match today goes to Clara for her endless running. Her timely runs allowed for opportunities to come in the form of a hat trick which was well deserved. Great captain’s performance. 

TA