This Sunday, Saints are heading away to the Select Car Leasing Stadium for their match against Reading. The match will kick off at an earlier time 12pm! We hope to see as many of you supporters there as possible, to cheer on the girls on their second away match of the season, we need to bring that noise! Tickets can be purchased online via the Reading website. If you cannot make the match, don’t you worry, it will be streamed live on the FA Player!
Last time out
The last time we played Reading, was actually the first time, it was back in November in the Continental Cup! I remember it well because it was my birthday, and I was hoping for a birthday win! Unfortunately, it didn’t end the way we all hoped it would have ended, Reading walked home with a 3-0 win and bagged the points in the group. This match took us a while to really settle into, and even then, I don’t think we really got into it, it was our very first time up against Super League opposition, and I have to say it, it truly was a real hard test!
The Royals went 2-0 within the first 38 minutes of the match though goals from Troelsgaard, in 5 minutes and also Wade in the 38th minute. Reading was really showing their experience in this match, and we didn’t see much of the ball, although in the second half we did try attacking a little more. The Royals put it properly to bed in the 60th minute when Vanhaevermaet took the scoreline to 3-0.
One of the best things that happened from this match was the fact that we were able to see Sophia Pharoah back on the pitch after a long sideline stint due to an injury.
Looking ahead
We head into the match on Sunday with Saints sitting in 3rd place in the table with 6 points, Reading 8th in the table and only 3 points behind us. We come off the back off a very frustrating loss to Sunderland, after they scored the only goal of the game. Hopefully, the loss that happened last Sunday is what pushes us, spurs us on and ignites that fire in our bellies to go for it on Sunday, get a good few goals, collect the 3 points and remain in the top 3, if odds go in our favour, maybe top.
Following relegation and the clubs struggles and contracts expiring, Reading said goodbye to 13 senior players. Although, Reading have made 11 signings in this transfer window consisting of, 2 defenders, 1 winger, 6 midfielder and 2 goalkeepers. So, Reading have had a massive shake up with their players, I wonder how signing those 11 players will impact their play. I expect it’s going to be a competitive match showing a lot of experience and skill.
Reading have drawn all 3 of the matches that they have played thus far, meaning they are going to be gunning to get that first win of the season, hopefully our strong Saints squad will not allow that to happen, and we get the goals in and bag those all important 3 points.
Looking back at last season, Reading were in the Super League, unfortunately they got relegated to the championship, they scored a total of 23 goals and conceded a massive 57.
One thing I can say for sure is that I am looking forward to the match Sunday, not only will we be visiting a new stadium but hopefully we will get to see some beautiful football and come home with those 3 points!
Match officials
Referee – Adewunmi Soneye
Assistant referee – David Middelton
Assistant referee – Matt Joyce
Fourth Official – Richard Fullicks
Observer – David Phillips
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