Reading Match Report 20/10/2019

Reading Match Report (20/10/19)

After a long battled start to the half. Reading burst into our D, with a glaringly obvious dive from the Reading forward, the umpire calls a short corner against Jacob Dutt for a “push” in the back to send the forward to the ground. However, with a well-executed short corner, with Reading slipping the ball to the left and slapped across goal with a sharp tap in to put Reading 1-0 up.

Shortly after the reset of play, with some sharp passing in the midfield the ball finds its way to Jamie Gibson who goes to take a reverse shot towards goal but is pushed with 2 hands in the back by the Reading defender before the shot could be taken. After some deliberation between the 2 umpires a green card (the only card of the game despite some nasty stick tackles and deliberate feet throughout the game) and a p-flick is awarded to Warwick. Alison Isherwood boldly steps up to take on the responsibility; despite a questionable p-flick (with the umpires exchanging looks) the ball finds its way into the back of the net. At least that’s one Charlie Weston couldn’t steal. 1-1

With Warwick taking quick advantage of the extra player advantage, a short corner is won. After 4/5 consecutive shorts, Jamie injects to Ella Ralli at the top of the D who slips the ball to the left for Katarina Hutchin who slaps it from 10 yards out. Charlie goes for a deflection which is stopped on the line but rebounded straight back onto his stick and eventually into the goal (not one of his best goals, but they all count).2-1 Warwick

Half time

After a lack of a team talk from Matt Pledge who thought chirpsing with some girls watching on the side-line was more worth his time than captaining us (no wonder he wasn’t chosen for Varsity). The game continues with Reading back to full strength. Warwick find themselves on the attack with some good possession in midfield. Jamie finds himself in the corner and drives into the D, managing to find some space for a rocket of a reverse forcing the keeper to make a world class save in the top right corner, leaving both teams in shock.

Just after half-time Oli Bradbury decides to pick a fight with a Reading player. Obviously still thinking he’s a big man despite not having Raihan Papilaya to back him up. With another burst of play Jamie finds himself in a similar situation and finds another shot once again forcing the keeper to make a quality save with an outstretched leg to the bottom left. Late on into the game Reading have a side-line ball inside our 23 yard line. Where Rai decides it was a good idea to call Dan Skells off from midfield despite needing to defend. Rai realising his mistake sprints on to the pitch to defend. But too little too late as Reading manage to force the ball into the back of the net from 5 yards out. 2-2

The game was coming to a close but in the dying embers of the game. Warwick find themselves with possession in the midfield. With 2 minutes left on the clock Jamie comes back on to the pitch (after some hassle with exchanging bibs), with a simple pass down the line from Charlie. Jamie drives to the bass line and into the D drawing several fouls. Short corner awarded, with 1 minute left on the clock Warwick push players forward looking for a last minute goal. Jamie injects the short to the top of the D which is once again slipped to Kat on the left. Kat takes a shot which is rebounded off a defenders stick and trickles into the goal. Once again, despite Charlie’s best efforts he couldn’t manage to keep up his goal-thieving ways, no matter how hard he tried. With one of the last hits of the game Warwick win 3-2.

A big win for Warwick, giving Oli a reason to claim he’s the better Bradbury. And Rhiannon showing her old club what winning looks like.

DOTD: Matt Pledge for multiple reasons but predominantly thinking he was actually good at flirting.

Honourable mentions: Charlie – Getting a talking to from the umpire after trying to claim a p-flick saying “it was defo a p-flick”

Oli – Thinking he could win in a fight

POTM: Alison – solid general performance in midfield controlling the game.

Honourable Mention: Eve Clarke for some quality defensive tackles all game.

​ COTD: Holly Bradbury