Maidenhead U16 V Reading U16

All Maidenhead’s players and coaches were convinced the ball had not come out of the D before the shot was taken and converted by Reading’s Ines Braithwaite early in the second half.
It was a harsh decision by the visitor’s Umpire, but on the balance of play the draw was a fair result in a game that both teams probably think they should have won.
Maidenhead were by far the stronger team in the first half. We set the tempo with some dynamic runs from midfield by both Amelia and Jess, which put the Reading defence on the back-foot.
Down the right flank, Tori and Emily repeatedly linked-up well to free Frankie whose pace and determination to beat her marker, plus her ability to whip in some lethal crosses, produced several chances which were not converted.
Maidenhead’s goal came in the 10th minute from a short corner. Tori injected to Emily who returned the ball back to her and Tori, now in space, confidently scored by the left-hand post.
More short corners came Maidenhead’s way as the home team kept the pressure on. First Emily had her shot blocked and then later Frankie fizzed the ball just wide across the goal.
We could have done with a second goal while we were on top to give us some breathing space, because - as the half wore on - Reading slowly started to win the battles in midfield.
Most of the time Hattie and Katie were strong in defence but on the occasions the Reading runners broke through, Alexis made two-or-three good saves and clearances.
After the break, a more determined Reading launched a series of attacks. One shot flashed right across the goalmouth and moments later Katie was brave in a block and clearance.
However, two minutes later, Katie was involved in another tussle and lost her stick in the D and was penalised with a penalty corner.
To most observers the ball from the short corner injection was controlled with a flat stick still inside the D and the resultant shot and goal should not have stood.
But, to be fair, Reading by now were in the ascendency and a further flurry of short corners which were either saved by Alexis, stopped by Lizzie or charged down by some heroic defenders.
Reading defence had also re-organised at half-time and our attacks down the right were greatly reduced. Nevertheless, despite tiring, we still counter-attacked and both Amy and Nuala had good opportunities in front of goal – thanks to more right wing crosses – but they couldn’t trouble the keeper.
In the closing minutes, Alexis made two more good stops to preserve our hard-fought for draw in terrible conditions and to maintain the A’s unbeaten start to the season.