Opening game of the 2009/10 season is always a day to look forward to, its nearly always sunny and everybody is expecting great things to happen and this season was no different. Reading were going into the season with a brand new team a mix of existing U18’s that were young enough to play again and the U16’s from last season. Although an extremely talented group of players it will take time for them to gel and learn each others game.

With 2 teams pulling out in the build up to start of the season Fleet and Reading were thrown together right at  the start. Fleet Town won the League and Cup double last year and these 2 teams are many peoples choice for success this year so a great game was anticipated by all.

Team News:  4-2-3-1 (Gk) Sophie G, (DR) Nicole R, (LB) Georgia C, (CB) Harriett R, (CB) Bobby L, (DM) Bianca R, (DM) Becky K, (AMR) Chloe M, (AML) Georgia G, (AMC) Katie W, (CF) Nicole S.  SUBS: Lisa S, Louise C, Charlie B.

Players missing from today’s Line up were Katy M, Rachel K, Gurneet C, Charlotte R & Sophie L.

First Half

Reading had been working hard in training on possession football and straight away it was clear which team was in control, Reading controlled the flow of the game and were trying to find away through the Fleet backline. Reading were asking all the questions but Fleets always looked dangerous on the counter attack and this proved the case. Around 10 mins into the game Fleet broke down the left and the resulting crossed caused confusion in the Reading Penalty area and the Fleet forward scored.
Not to be deterred Reading carried on there great passing game and were soon pressing for the equalising goal, they didn’t have to wait long, Chloe broke down the left beating the fullback and crossing into the box causing the Fleet defenders to put the ball out for a corner. Georgia C, floated in a superb corner and Katie W attacked the ball at the back post heading home a well deserved goal 1-1. Reading spurred on by the goal started edging closer and closer to taking the lead Chloe M, Georgia G and Nicole S all going close before Fleet countered attacked again 5 mins before Half-time they scored with a cross shot from the edge of the area 2-1 Fleet. With Reading  in shock Fleet quickly gained possession and scored a another goal right on half-time, 3-1. A half totally dominated by Reading but won by Fleet.

Second Half

Reading started the 2nd half on fire and the comeback looked on the cards, Georgia G went close after a fine run down the left wing she cut in a shot wide, again Reading were dominating the game but were struggling to create any clear cut chances against a resolute Fleet back four. Then the move of the match involving 7 Reading players and a lot first touch football, the ball finally fell to Chloe M who was 20 yards from goal, without breaking stride she struck the ball first time into the top left hand corner giving Reading hope that the fight back was on. 3-2.
Reading piled on the pressure forcing 4 to 5 corners in a row with Georgia C whipping the ball across the goal area causing all sorts of confusion for the keeper.
Reading were in control and Fleet looked nervous they couldn’t keep the ball and were panicking in possession, Readings were pushing for the 3rd goal but just couldn’t break Fleets resistance.
In the last few moments Reading went extremely close to the equaliser Georgia C floated in a freekick and with Chloe M stretched she got a foot on it and watched agonised as the ball crept passed the post. The game finished 3-2 to Fleet Town reds.

Summary

This was an amazing display from the girls, there passing and movement off the ball truly had to be seen to be believed. On any other day we would have won by 3 or 4 goals, the better team definitely lost buts that football.
When you consider this is a brand new team that hasn’t played together before and they were playing a team that had dominated the season previous, I was impressed. The supporters of both teams were impressed, if they continue performing like this, the season will one to remember.

CG