READING Men suffered their first Premier Division defeat of the season on Sunday, losing 3-1 at Beeston with international Mark Gleghorne netting a hat-trick, writes Dave Wright.

The Blues, who had won their opening two games, surprisingly struggled to get into their stride with their Nottingham hosts settling the quicker.

They also made errors in defence and, having conceded a penalty corner, they fell behind as early as the sixth minute.

England and Great Britain star Gleghorne made no mistake with his flick and when Blues conceded a penalty stroke, he doubled his side’s lead in the 19th minute.

Reading later gave away another stroke, but this time goalkeeper Tommy Alexander made a fine save.

Gleghorne, however, wasn’t to be denied his hat-trick, converting another penalty corner just after the hour mark.

The second half saw an improvement in Reading’s performance with a few chances coming their way, but they managed to take only one of them, and that came from Ben Francis with the final play of the game.

Team manager Tim Hamilton said it was a deserved consolation goal, but admitted the coaching staff was “very disappointed” with their side’s performance and they will be looking for a big improvement when they face Holcombe at Sonning Lane on Saturday (6pm push-back).

Reading Women also lost their 100 per cent record when they drew 1-1 at Swansea City in the Investec League Conference West on Saturday.

Due to the 12 noon push-back, the team had to leave Sonning Lane shortly after 7am, but they still made a bright start to the game and their first penalty corner saw captain Emma Thomas hit a straight drag flick past the keeper to give her side an eighth-minute lead.

The Blues, with Esme Swindells playing well in midfield, largely dominated possession, but were unable to create too many clear-cut opportunities to increase their lead, while their penalty corners were competently dealt with by the home side.

Goalkeeper Aurora Mears had little to do between the Reading posts, but was eventually beaten with five minutes of the game remaining.

A penalty corner was firmly struck from the top of the circle with Amy Burton finding the top left-hand side of the net.

Reading face another trip down the M4 this Saturday, but with a shorter trip to face Team Bath Buccaneers (push back 12.30pm).

Reading Ladies 2nds secured their first win of the season by defeating Staines 5-0 in the South Clubs’ Women’s League Division One with Rachel Muncey netting a hat-trick. This Saturday (1pm) they host Tulse Hill and Dulwich.