South Reading Vixens

The Vixens were disappointed to learn that their scheduled match with Wey Valley was cancelled due to lack of players but happy that Winnersh were able to step into the breach. The visitors were hungry for football as they had only played twice previously this season and their healthy appetite was there for all to see. They defended very well throughout the first half with a number of Vixen attacks being broken up with strong tackles and well-timed blocks.

Winnersh are physically a very big side who use their strength to their advantage and play the game the way it should be played in good spirit. But the smaller Vixens were not to be denied as they battled away like terriers to force the opener late into the first half after an earlier strike had been ruled offside. It came from a great goalbound shot by Alice Martineau which took a cruel deflection off a Winnersh defender. Despite several more attempts to increase the lead, the score remained at 1-0 going into the break - time for a Vixen reshuffle.

The change of personnel for the start of the second period provided instant reward as Alice proceeded to curl in her second goal direct from a corner-kick won in the first minute, before going on to score her hat-trick. With the cushion they needed, the Vixens pushed on and controlled the remainder of the tie with some neat passing moves creating numerous openings in the visitors defence. Further goals from Alana McGill, Georgia McGill, Siobhan Hayes and Chloe Lyons sealed the win and consolidated the Vixens position at the top of the table.

A special mention should also go to Sophie Harvey who performed well on her debut for the club both in attack and on the wing.

Player of the match went to Alice who dominated the left wing with some awesome dribbling skills and good support work.