South Reading Vixens

Despite only having the minimum seven players, the Jets were clearly a good, well organised team. The opening exchanges were fairly even, with neither team going close. Then Ropley won a corner on the left, and a perfect kick found its way straight between the defence and the post to put the visitors in front. The Vixens were looking lacklustre, and it was no surprise when the Jets doubled their lead after breaking through from the left. Jessica went close as the Vixens mounted their first serious attack of the game but then Ellie was called into action, making some great saves to deny the impressive Ropley attack. There was nothing she could do on the stroke of half time though, when with the ball in front of goal the Vixens failed to clear, allowing the Jets an easy chance from close range to make the score 3-0 at the break.

Heads were down at half time as the team tried to put things right for the second period. The girls started brightly, with Jaye, Chloe and Felisha linking up well to force a save from the Ropley keeper. But it was the Jets who scored again to give themselves a comfortable lead. As the game moved into the final quarter, at last the Vixens started to show signs of life. Charmaine made a great run on the right, and calmly slotted the ball past the advancing keeper to pull one back for the Vixens. Ropley weren’t done though, and with the South Reading defence out of position, took advantage to hit their fifth goal of the game. The Vixens fought back immediately, and from the restart played the ball forward to Kelsey who notched her first league goal of the season.

There were no more goals, and it was a comfortable victory for the visitors. With the return fixture taking place next week, the Vixens will be looking for an improved performance and hopefully a better result.

Squad: Ellie, Ashleigh, Jade, Karis, Malicia, Chloe, Jessica, Felisha, Charmaine, Kelsey, Jaye

The Vixens player of the match was Jessica, for her determined performance in midfield.