Despite a frustrating and scrappy performance from Reading in front of their home crowd they did enough to take 3 points from bottom of the league Trojans, winning 2-1.

Whilst Reading can take some responsibility for a disappointing performance making mistakes across the pitch and forcing passes, they were denied the space to play in by an extremely defensive half court press and some cynical tackling from Trojans who rarely threatened a solid Reading back line.

After 24 minutes, a penalty corner struck sweetly from the top by Emma Lee-Smith finally provided a much needed breakthrough, but Reading were then reduced to 10 when Marianne Downer was given a yellow card, after she was judged to have shoved a player in the back. With a diminished team, they couldn’t hold on to the advantage for long as pressure from Trojans was rewarded with a penalty corner and a goal for Tacita Haines on the post, deflecting a strike from the top.

After the break, Reading came out stronger and more organized, and soon in to the half, man of the match Jo Ellis worked hard on the right wing to deliver a cross which found Alex Danson on the ‘p’-spot, who coolly slotted in a reverse stick shot from close range.

Reading’s back line enjoyed much of the ball for most of the second half (not a match for the neutral fan) as Trojans persisted in dropping their press to back beyond the half way line. But as the minutes of the half ticked down and Trojans were forced to come and chase the game, Reading finally found the space to play, looking threatening, with some skilful work from the forwards, and were unlucky not to extend the lead.

Reading will be satisfied with the result if not their performance as they continue to develop and will be looking to reaffirm their Premier League quality as they take on Canterbury next Saturday.