Reading Women claimed a commanding 7-2 victory over Fleet Town at the Select Car Leasing Stadium on Sunday, delivering an emphatic performance in their inaugural match at the new venue. The hosts recovered from going behind early in the contest, with Nat Cowell equalizing before the interval to set the stage for a dominant second-half display.
Fleet Town stunned the crowd by taking the lead through Lily Martin’s long-range strike in the 36th minute. However, Cowell’s leveling goal just before half-time shifted the momentum decisively in Reading’s favor. Following the restart, Poppy Whitburn restored the hosts’ advantage, and the visitors’ defensive resolve crumbled as an own goal and strikes from Sophie Bishop and Alice Curr secured a comprehensive victory.
Manager Ed Jackson-Norris made tactical adjustments throughout the encounter, introducing fresh attacking options that proved instrumental in Reading’s second-half onslaught. Under-16s graduate Lara Moore earned her full league debut for the Royals, while multiple players found the back of the net in what proved to be an entertaining and one-sided affair.
The result underscores Reading’s ambitions in the Southern Region League, which has expanded to 12 clubs this season—the healthiest size since 2008/09. With the campaign still in its infancy, the Royals demonstrated their quality against inaugural tier-five opposition, though they will look to maintain consistency in upcoming fixtures.
Originally reported by Sports.yahoo →
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