South Reading Vixens

With the wind behind them, California took the game to the Vixens for much of the first half. The girls did go close after 11 minutes but Jaye’s free kick was well taken by the visitors keeper. But the Vixens were finding it hard to cope with California’s committed defending, and Charmaine had to come off for 15 minutes after taking a knock to the leg. The visitors continued to press forward and with their ever – dangerous strikers pouncing at every opportunity, scored two goals in as many minutes. The Vixens then managed to regain their composure, and with keeper Ellie and defenders Ashleigh, Karis and Malicia all working hard, there was no further score before half time.

The Vixens enjoyed their best spell of the game after the restart, with Charmaine having a couple of shots narrowly off target. Jaye won several more free kicks within striking distance, but the hosts were unable to capitalise on the opportunities. Midway through the half Jaye burst through the middle, but a California defender appeared from nowhere and a great last-ditch tackle saw the ball played out for a corner. A couple of minutes later Jaye almost turned provider as she played the ball across goal to Chloe, whose good shot from an acute angle was well saved by the keeper. But with the Vixens tiring it was California who had the last word, firing in their third goal of the game with a powerful shot from the right.

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

The Vixens player of the match was Ashleigh, who kept the dangerous California attackers at bay for much of the game.