Reading’s first game of the season ended in disappointment, as they were comprehensively defeated by a very impressive Beaulieu Blades team.

A very slow start saw Beaulieu 2-0 up inside 10 minutes and they had further opportunities to extend their lead, as they dominated the early exchanges.

Reading were thrown a lifeline 10 minutes before half time.  Millie Bilcliff was fouled 25 yards out and TIFF Brunton curled a superb free-kick into the top corner.  Beaulieu responded well though, and restored the 2 goal lead shortly before half-time.

Reading started the second half promisingly, closing down and marking tighter than any other time in the game.  However the next goal was always going to be important and when Beaulieu made it 4-1, it not only dented the confidence of the team, it also saw an enforced switch of goalkeeper, when Kathryn Wood went off with a shoulder injury, to be replaced by Kate Dennis.

Kate did really well in goal, but was powerless to prevent some very well taken goals, taking the score to 6-1.  Reading’s consolation goal came after their best passing move of the game, that ended with Millie squaring across the face of the goal,. and OLIVIA Gardiner forcing the ball home from close range for a debut goal.  Beaulieu scored the final goal just before the end for a 7-2 scoreline.

Bouncebackability is required from the team next week!

Our best wishes go to our new signing Mel Saunders who was unfortunate to receive a bad injury in our friendly last Tuesday.  We are also hoping for good news on Kathyn’s shoulder injury.

LC