South Reading Vixens

The home side could have been made to pay yet again for their inability to focus their efforts in the opening period if not for some strong goalkeeping by newcomer Olivia. Three excellent chances in the first five minutes would last season have signalled the start of a goalfest but it just isn’t happening when it really matters for the girls so far in this campaign.

More squandered chances in front of goal coupled with a workmanlike defensive ethic demonstrated by the visitors meant more frustration for the beleaguered hosts as they fought-out a disappointing goalless first half.

Despite some good individual performances from the Vixens, the team still looked disjointed in the main and the usual free-flowing football was in little evidence on this cold afternoon. But they did manage to rally a little after the break with a well-taken brace either side of a speculative ‘cross-come-shot’ which found the back of the net for the Alresford battlers.

Star and Siobhan shared the goals, ably assisted in the midfield by Jade, Alice, Amber and Alana who all enjoyed good possession at times with glimpses of better things to come. Stacey and Femi both coped well at the back in the latter stages and are fast developing into useful defenders alongside Deanna, Charlotte and Tanya.

Hardly a classic Vixen performance but another three points in the bag which keeps the momentum going for what promises to be a good season finale.

Vixen-of-the-match went to both Tanya and Charlotte who stood out in a once impenetrable defence which has been called upon this season to work harder than ever. A special mention too should go to debutant Olivia who volunteered her services in goal and performed exceptionally well in difficult circumstances.