Reading Ladies storm back to stay at summit
Sportsdesk • Published 1 Dec 2011 09:30
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Emily Maguire scored for Reading against Birmingham. Pic: Ady Kerry/EHB.
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READING Ladies came from behind to win 3-1 at University of Birmingham and maintain their spot at the top of the Investec Premier League.
In a fixture that has proven to be tricky for Reading in recent years, the visitors started brightly and settled into the match quickly.
It was against the run of play that Birmingham took the lead from a controversial penalty corner decision as Kate Walsh charged the initial shot down and the follow-up was slotted past Sarah Ellis.
Both teams looked to exploit the space in the midfield areas and it was Reading who got the next goal through Emily Maguire.
The Scot cut in from the flank and turned a defender before smashing a shot into the bottom corner of the goal.
Reading took the lead early in the second half after a swift and well-worked counter-attack that resulted in Liana Smith's shot been saved by the goalkeeper and Jess Brooker dispatching the rebound.
Four minutes later, Reading made sure of the win when Laura Bartlett picked out Meredith Bone to score.
Reading's final match before the winter break sees them host Clifton this Saturday (1.30pm).
Meanwhile, Reading Men gained revenge for their defeat to University of Exeter on the opening day of the season with a 4-2 victory at Sonning Lane.
A short corner deflection by Andy Watts gave Reading a 1-0 half-time lead, which should have been greater given the territorial advantage enjoyed by the hosts.
A defensive lapse straight after the break allowed the visitors back into the game but three goals in five minutes from Reading sealed the victory - Andy Watts adding two more to complete his hat-trick and Chris Cargo providing the finish for the fourth goal.
Exeter managed to grab a consolation from a short corner but the result was never beyond doubt.
The result sees Reading stay fifth in the Premier Division but they are now just two points behind second-placed Cannock and six behind leaders East Grinstead.
Reading travel for a vital match against third-placed Beeston this Saturday (2pm).
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