Reading Town leave it late to sink Ascot
Sportsdesk • Published 15 Dec 2011 09:30
0 Comments
Share this
click to enlarge
Michael Bartley, left, was on target for Reading Town against Ascot.
See also:
READING Town climbed to eighth in the Hellenic Premier Division after a 2-1 victory at local rivals Ascot United on Tuesday evening.
The match was one of two games to survive the heavy rain - the other being Kidlington against Bracknell - and Reading were glad it did as they recorded yet another away win.
Mark Bartley's men have won six of their games on the road this season and lost just twice, while at Scours Lane they have won only three of their eight league matches.
The visiting side didn't get off to the best of starts at the Racecourse Ground as Lee Boon cut in from the byline and played in a perfect low cross for former Reading player Ian Brooks to convert in the 10th minute.
Ascot held on to their advantage until half-time but the introduction of debutant Tom Williams swung the game in Reading's favour as he was involved in Jamie Piercy's equaliser.
The game looked set to be heading for a draw until Alex Rolland crossed for Michael Bartley to score six minutes from time.
Town will be hoping they can continue their fantastic away form this Saturday when they travel to third-placed Flackwell Heath (3pm ko).
The Heathens are 12 points behind leaders Ardley United but will go level at the summit if they win their four matches in hand.
*** Woodley Town ***
WOODLEY Town were unable to make it three wins in a row as they were beaten 1-0 at home by Finchampstead in Hellenic Division One East.
Following back-to-back wins over Penn & Tylers Green, Finch were keen to keep their momentum going and they started on a positive note as Graham Pickersgill threatened the Woodley goal.
Former Finch forward Danny Isaiew came close at the other end with a neat lob and Richard Thomas twice headed over the crossbar.
The only goal of the game arrived on the hour mark when Sam Dunn was tripped in the area by Victor Sesay and Matt Wright made no mistake from the penalty spot.
Woodley almost responded immediately when Sesay's shot was parried out and Karl Sims' follow-up effort was cleared off the line.
Woodley substitute Dan Donnaghan hit an effort over the bar in the second half and captain Nick Edwards headed wide from a corner kick.
Woodley piled on the pressure in the dying stages and believed they should have had a penalty when Matt Godwin went down in the box.
Nevertheless, Finch held on for victory and Woodley will be looking to bounce back when they travel to Abingdon United Reserves on Saturday (3pm ko).
*** Highmoor Ibis ***
HIGHMOOR Ibis returned to winning ways and extended their unbeaten league run to 10 games with a fine 4-2 win over Abingdon United Res, writes Chris Gallimore.
Highmoor got off to a flying start and following his first-minute goal last week, captain Ian Griffin scored within two minutes as he fired home from 12 yards.
The lead was doubled on eight minutes through Aaron Baker who powered home a header from a pinpoint Shane Small-King free kick.
Highmoor controlled the rest of the half and should have extended their lead but for some good goalkeeping and poor finishing.
It was Abingdon who started the second half brightly and were rewarded for their pressure when they were awarded a penalty on 48 minutes after the referee spotted a push at a corner and the resulting spot-kick was scored by Andrew Fowler.
The game changed on 59 minutes when Abingdon's Chris Baker was sent off for handballing Anthony Alleyne's shot on the line and Ian Griffiths converted the penalty.
Abingdon pulled a goal back on 85 minutes through an unstoppable 25-yard shot from Joe Parker.
Highmoor still pushed forward and were rewarded on 90 minutes as Devonn Read volleyed home a Jordan Brown cross to complete the scoring.
Highmoor entertain Hungerford Town Reserves on Saturday (3pm ko) at Palmer Park and there should be plenty of goals as Highmoor are the division's top scorers and the corresponding fixture earlier in the season ended 6-6.
This article appeared in Reading Chronicle 15 Dec 11
Return to the main index, get more from this section or browse our Sport archives.
