Published: Wednesday, 3rd February, 2010 11:00am

YM sweep Wood off the top

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Reading YMCA 2 Woodcote Stoke Row 0

THE game of the day in the Reading Football League saw leaders Woodcote/Stoke Row travel to third-placed Reading YMCA.

But by the end of the afternoon the positions were reversed as YM swept to the top of the Senior Division table after a hard-fought 2-0 win over their visitors.

It always promised to be a tough test for Woodcote, who have never beaten their hosts, but they went the closest to opening the scoring when a header flew wide.

Both sides created half chances, but defences were generally on top with the home side's full backs Rob Lee and James Atkinson dealing well with Woodcote's top scorer Toby Nowell and YM old boy Andy Bullett.

The best chance of the first period came on the half hour when a neat YM move saw Drew Tipper expertly scoop a pass over the Woodcote defence into the path of Martin Abery who took the ball superbly on his chest only to blaze the ball over the bar with the goal at his mercy.

It was deadlocked at the break, but Woodcote had their best spell of the game at the start of the second half and went close when a James Worsfold header from a free-kick drifted agonisingly over the bar.

That prompted the hosts to rouse themselves again and they finally made the breakthrough on 65 minutes in sensational style.

Sam Jennings' flick-on was met by Abery who steered a left foot volley into the top corner from a difficult angle.

The goal seemed to knock the stuffing out of the battling villagers and it was all YM for the remainder of the game.

And the win was secured 10 minutes from time when Abery beat the Woodcote defence for pace to bear in on goal. Although keeper Daniel Ball saved well, sub Stuart White was on hand to slot home a cool finish into the bottom corner.

Steve Daly and Atkinson both wasted opportunities to make it three, but that would have been harsh on the visitors.

A contented YM boss Mark Lemm said: "I rate Woodcote highly and think Pete McAllister has done a great job there but we seem to have the Indian Sign over them in the last few years.

"There wasn't much between the sides but we just seemed to have the edge in most areas and, apart from a spell at the start of the second half, looked in control. But when it's 0-0 anything can happen so you could see the relief when we got the first goal and we were excellent from there on in.

"Special mention goes to James Atkinson too who came in at the last moment and produced a man of the match performance."

For the rest of the Reading League news, including all the tables and weekend fixtures, see this week's Reading Chronicle.

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