South Reading Vixens

The Vixens won the toss and decided to kick uphill into the freezing wind, aiming to contain the visitors in the first period and then press forward in the second. As expected, most of the football was played in the Vixens half, with the Emeralds showing some nice touches. But defenders Zoe and Stacey and keeper Dom looked comfortable, until a lapse in concentration allowed the Westwood striker to escape her marker in front of goal and take full advantage to open the scoring. The Vixens battled back, and Deanna made a great run only to see her shot well taken by the alert Emeralds keeper. But with half time approaching, the visitors doubled their lead with an almost identical copy of their first goal. They then went is search of a third, and Dom had to dive at full stretch to ensure there was no further score before the break.

The Vixens were confident that they could turn things around in the second half, but the Emeralds had adapted well to the conditions. Disciplined defending restricted striker Perri’s opportunities, and when she did manage to break free she found the visitors keeper in fine form. Nicole, Deanna, Azara and captain Shannon S all worked hard in midfield, but the determined Westwood girls were able to contain them and the second half remained goalless.

Squad: Dom, Stacey, Zoe, Nicole, Shannon S, Deanna, Azara, Perri

The Vixens player of the match was Zoe, who was everywhere in defence.