BEN Francis and Owain Dolan-Gray both marked their Reading debuts with a goal in the 4-1 win at Sevenoaks on the opening day of the England Hockey Premier Division season last Saturday, writes Dave Wright.

The much-changed Blues always looked too good for their hosts, who were playing their first ever Premier Division game in the club’s 105-year history.

However, they had to work hard to overcome last season’s Conference East champions.

Despite having their chances Reading were unable to find the net for the first time until 11 minutes into the second half when Welsh midfielder Francis, signed from Exeter University, finally broke the deadlock with a neat reverse-stick shot that flew into the net.

The goal spurred them on and young Kiran Patel doubled his side’s lead on 56 minutes following good work by Ed Carson, The Oaks were still recovering from that set-back when the visitors struck again, this time through Wales international Dolan-Gray, signed from Cardiff & Met.

Ben Boon (pictured) made it 4-0 in the 70th minute when he showed great skill down the right flank before cutting inside and hammering the ball into the net.

But Reading’s hopes of keeping a clean sheet on the opening day of the league season were dashed in the last minute when Andrew Ross netted a consolation for Sevenoaks from a penalty corner.

Blues are home to Canterbury – hammered 6-2 by visitors Surbiton last weekend – this Sunday (2.30pm), one of only two league fixtures they have arranged for this day of the week. They are switching to Saturday evenings as from October 14 in a bid to attract more spectators.

Reading Women also got their league season off to a winning start, beating Olton & West Warwicks away in Conference West.

Like the men, they, too, did not find it easy breaking down their hosts’ defence.

Their opening goal came from Keelie Perham eight minutes into the second half with Sophie Shakespeare, who has rejoined the club from Oxford Hawks, making the points safe with a penalty corner goal on 57 minutes.

Blues’ first home fixture is this Saturday (1.30pm) when Cannock are the visitors to Sonning Lane.