Ali Parkes scored twice but it was certainly no stroll in the park for Reading HC as they defeated Brooklands Manchester University 3-1, writes Dave Wright.

Blues had to work hard to grind out a result against a side that compensates for their lack of finesse with sheer endeavour and non-stop running.

They took six points off Reading last season, even coming from four goals down to win the home game.

So player-coach Andy Watts was more than pleased to win Saturday's Premier Division encounter at Sonning Lane which extended his side's 100-per-cent record to three games.

"It is always hard work against Brooklands," said Watts.

"But we defended well and took our three goals really well, especially Ali's two."

Blues keeper Tommy Alexander pulled off a superb save and Brooklands fired two efforts just wide of the post as they made a bright start before Parkes, who has been elevated from the club's 2nd XI, opened the scoring after 16 minutes.

Seven minutes later Reading doubled the lead through a Jonty Clarke penalty stroke after skipper Chris Newman had been fouled.

Utility player Clarke and Newman worked particularly hard in both defence and attack as Brooklands battled to get back in the game.

But Reading again showed them the way to goal on 43 minutes. Parkes, gaining possession in midfield, raced down the left, holding off two challenges and rounding keeper Chris Scott before hitting a diving reversed-stick shot into the net.

Brooklands, who were accompanied by a good sized following from Manchester, still didn't give up and a spell of pressure was rewarded with a consolation goal from John Crossley in the 57th minute following one of the six penalty corners they earned during the game.

Alexander made an excellent save, while another Brooklands effort struck the foot of their post.

Watts said: "I was quite pleased how we played though we still do a bit more work in going forward. But we have only conceded three goals in our three league games and that is pretty good going."

Blues have managed only eight goals so far, half the total of the two sides above them, Holcombe and Surbiton.

Reading travel to winless East Grinstead on Sunday (2.30 push-back) and the game could see a welcome return to match action for Simon Mantell.

He has been sidelined since suffering concussion in the game against Southgate 12 months ago this weekend.

It appeared an innocuous challenge at the time and it wasn't until he was driving home after the game he started to feel unwell.

Symptoms prevented him playing, working and driving for a time and it has been a year of frustration for the 31-year-old England forward.

But he has felt a lot better in recent weeks and warmed-up with his team-mates on Saturday, having just returned from honeymoon following his marriage two weeks earlier.

"It's been a long time and I can't wait to get back playing," he said. "I am looking forward to getting back on the pitch and all being well that will be on Sunday."

England team-mate Dan Shingles is also set to return, having not been available last weekend.

With two-goal Parkes deserving to keep his places in the squad, Watts admitted: "I have some tough selection decisions to make."