Bracknell Ladies 1 v Reading Ladies 2's Score 2 - 0

A home fixture to top of the league Reading, was a must win game for 2nd place Bracknell. With a frozen Bracknell pitch, it wasnt certain the fixture was going ahead, but a last minute change of venue meant Bracknell could go joint top before the christmas period.

Bracknell were determined to take all 3 points and started the game with enthusiasm and desire. From the whistle, Bracknell pressed Reading and exerted great pressure forcing them back in their own half. Reading were unable to settle and were taken by suprise by Bracknells grit and determination. A couple of first half chances fell to both sides, but Bracknell held the ball well and maintained possession throughout. Good interlinking play between Yellie Powley and Kath Coveney installed confidence to push forwards. Switching play round the back and with great movement from Dash Heaver and Kelly Lockyer up front made Reading work hard.

Bracknell passed the ball well and continued to seek the goal they very much deserved. Bracknell broke the deadlock with a great move out of defence and up the line to Gemma Mclean who found Becky Peatfield at the top of the D. With an impressive first time strike, the advancing Reading Keeper stood no chance. A little later in the half Bracknell had the ball in the net again but the goal did not stand as it glanced of the shin pads of Katie Oliver who once again threatened to get on the score sheet from central defence.

In the second half, Reading progressed forwards and earned a couple of shortcorners. Bracknell's Katie Oliver and Marcia Clapson stood firm and cleared the danger. Reading attacked , desperate to even the score and preserve their top slot in the league. Following a melee in the D - a Reading attacker picked up the ball off her own leg and pushed towards the goal. The Bracknell defence all stopped as if in suspended animation and watched the ball roll into the goal in disbelief - wating for the whistle. The referees conferred and the goal disallowed. Realising they needed a second goal Bracknell went on the attack again. They were duly rewarded for their solid strong team performance when Yellie Powley skilfully drove down the left, cutting through Readings defence like a knife through butter. Her strike into the D was coolly diverted into the top corner passed the helpless Reading keeper by the ever impressive Gemma Mclean.

An businesslike performance by Bracknell means they are now deservedly joint top of the league going into the christmas break and realistically pressing for promotion back to the South League.