The girls bounced back from the previous week’s defeat, with a very good performance against a battling Epsom side.

Reading started very brightly, and in the opening 20 minutes created numerous chances, however the magic touch in front of goal initially eluded them.  In Epsom’s first real attack they forced a corner.  A good delivery into the heart of the Reading area, was met by a free header for the Epsom player, which resulted in them taking the lead.

Reading carried on playing the football and eventually the rewards started to materialize.  Mel Saunders headed through for MILLIE Bilcliff to stride clear for the equalizer and shortly after, Hannah Sheehan put MILLIE through to slot one into the corner for the lead.  Just before half-time HANNAH found space on the left and her well struck cross flew into the top corner.

The second half was a more one-sided affair as Reading dominated possession.  The defence was looking solid and winning plenty of ball to feed the attacking options.  Megan Heybourne had a sound game at right back.  Also back in defence after a half-term break was the reliable Rachel Stout.  The full backs were well supported by the central pair of Charlotte Muzeen and Katie Dennis.

Millie put MEL through to score with a neat scooped finish over the keeper and number five came soon after, when Lauren Harling fed Hannah on the left to run on and hit a fierce left foot strike into the top corner.

The sixth goal was an excellent passing move. Jade Searle had a fine game in a new holding central midfield role, picked up a throw in from the left and swept a super ball out to the right wing.  Sophie Pearce offered excellent width throughout the game put in a very inviting cross, that MEL controlled and hit a great shot into the top corner,

Millie crossed, across the face of the goal and HANNAH side stepped the keeper, to place in the empty net for a well taken hat-trick and Reading’s seventh.  Hannah returned the compliment by putting MILLIE in for her hat trick and Reading’s eighth goal.  The final goal saw LAUREN burst through the Epsom defence and place a left footed shot into the corner.  The final action of the game saw Epsom denied a late consolation when Mel superbly headed a corner out from under the Reading cross bar.

Best wishes to ‘Spoony’ who missed the game through illness, Olivia who had to come off at half time feeling unwell and to our long term absentee Tiff who hopefully will be back fighting fit in the new year.

LC