A Learning Experience

After an encouraging start last week at Witney it was a disappointing first home game of the season for Fareham on Saturday. There is a lot to learn about playing at this level and whilst there were some encouraging periods of play from the hosts, Reading showed the benefit of an extra season under their belts in this division as they looked a little more savvy and made the most of their opportunities.

Fareham’s squad of fifteen players included three players who had missed the opener at Witney. Izzy Austin, making her debut, Sian Edwards and Sarah Brimyard (after missing last season when she had a baby) all strengthened the squad but Alicia Caillard’s absence through work was a blow after her standout performance the previous week.

The home side looked a little nervous in the opening quarter. An early penalty corner resulted in Sophia Barclay saving well from Lizzie Gittens as the pattern of play was set with Reading enjoying the majority of possession and most of the play taking place inside the Fareham half.

The visitors took the lead in the 12th minute when they intercepted a pass just outside the Fareham ‘D’. They immediately fed the ball to ALYS RICHARDS who shot into the far corner to give Sophia little chance.

Seconds before the end of the opening quarter Reading doubled their lead. They built the play well down the right and Jazzy Finney played the ball into the ‘D’ where GEORGIA HOPKINS proved stronger in a fifty-fifty challenge with a defender to win the ball and tucked her subsequent shot just inside the post from five yards.

Two goals behind at the first break, Fareham faced a real test of character and they responded well in what was a much better 2nd quarter. Winning more possession and playing more positively they made a few forays into the Reading half and they were rewarded with a wonderful goal after 23 minutes.

GRACIE COLEMAN picked up the ball just outside her own ‘23’ and headed upfield on a quick break. A nice exchange of passes with Izzy Austin left the defence chasing shadows and created the chance for Gracie as she raced into the area and finished with a perfectly placed shot into the far corner past the advancing Ruby Butterfield in the Reading goal. It was another high quality goal and similar to the one she scored last week.

Although no more chances fell their way in the remainder of the first half Fareham were right back in the game as they trailed 2-1 at half-time. They held Reading in check at the start of the third quarter but the visitors had chances to add to their tally during a five minute spell of heavy pressure.

Sophia saved well from a Reading PC and made an even better save, stretching out her right leg, to deny Jazzy Finney after a dangerous run and shot in the 42nd minute. One minute later they almost extended their lead when a shot into the ‘D’ just needed a decisive touch from Alys Richards in front of goal but her deflection was just wide of the far post. Further pressure from the visitors late in the quarter forced another save and clearance from Sophia.

Despite being under pressure, Fareham remained in contention all the while they only trailed by a single goal. Unfortunately they were punished for another momentary lapse in the final minute of the 3rd quarter. It was similar to the opening goal as possession was lost in their own half and before they could respond a quick pass found ALYS RICHARDS who took advantage to score her second goal and Reading’s third.

Although Reading had dominated the scoring chances, the home side had done well through the middle two quarters to give themselves a chance to get something from the game and the late goal was a setback as they moved into the final period. They finally won a penalty corner after an obstruction near the touchline with eight minutes remaining but they were unable to convert the opportunity into a goal.

With two minutes remaining Reading sealed the victory when OLIVIA SALIGOI was on hand at the far post to score from a rebound to make the final score 4-1.

Over the course of this season we will learn a huge amount and will be a better team by the time we finish. We know we have to adjust to playing, and thinking, at a faster pace and this match was also a reminder that we need to be stronger in our tackling, not only to give us a chance in 50-50 situations but also to ensure we win the ball when the odds are more in our favour. Probably the biggest lesson we learned from this game is that, even if you are playing well, any small error is much more likely to be punished than has happened in the past.

Next Saturday the league campaign continues as we pay our first visit to Bristol Firebrands (14.30) looking for a positive result to move us up the table.