South Reading Vixens

The Vixens made a flying start, with Kelsey clipping the post in the first minute of the match. Felisha quickly grew in confidence in the central midfield position, making a number of tackles to win control of the ball. The girls then went on to have most of the possession during the opening period of the game, although Ellie was called on to make one good stop from a fast Haslemere counter attack. But it wasn’t long before the Vixens opened the scoring, with Jaye making a fine solo run and finishing confidently. There were more chances at both ends before Jaye again went close with a crashing header from Chloe’s cross, only to see the ball rebound off the post. This seemed to bring Haslemere to life, as they started making more quick breaks. With the Vixens midfield reluctant to retreat, Ashleigh and Jade had to work hard in defence to keep the hosts at bay. Kelsey then forced a good save before the Vixens survived an almighty scramble in front of goal, with Ellie blocking and then Kelsey clearing off the line. But Haslemere levelled the game shortly before half time as the Vixens only half cleared a corner, and allowed the hosts time and space to fire a good low shot into the net. There was still time for Ashleigh and Jaye to combine well, setting up Kelsey who brought yet another excellent save out of the Town keeper.

Haslemere pressed forward from the restart, and it wasn’t long before they took the lead after turning the Vixens defence. Ellie then took an accidental kick to the ribs, and had to leave the field for treatment. Kelsey took over in goal, and in between several enquiries as to when Ellie would be returning, made a good diving save to deny the Haslemere attack. Despite still feeling sore Ellie did return, but there was nothing she could do as the hosts waltzed down the left wing and extended their lead with a good low shot. It looked as though it was not to be the Vixens day, but the girls kept their heads up with Charmaine particularly putting in a lot of work in midfield. They were rewarded five minutes from time when Jaye latched on to a long clearance from Ellie, turned her marker and notched up her second goal of the morning. This was the cue for a final onslaught from the Vixens, and three minutes later Chloe made a great pass up the wing, Jaye squared it across goal, and Kelsey finished in style to claim a share of the points.

Squad: Ellie, Ashleigh, Jade, Charmaine, Chloe, Felisha, Kelsey, Jaye

The Vixens player of the match was Jaye, for a tireless performance up front.