Abingdon United WFC 0-0 Reading Women (3-5 Pens): Match Report

Yesterday at 04:45 PM

The Royals emerged victorious on Sunday afternoon with a shootout win away to Abingdon in the Berks & Bucks Cup quarter-finals.

A Berks & Bucks Cup semi-final awaits the Royals after another penalty shoot-out victory, this time at the Northcourt Stadium against Abingdon United WFC. With both teams unable to find the elusive breakthrough, the match finished goalless at the final whistle, after which, once again, Reading executed a perfect penalty conversion display, together with the customary spot-kick save from 'keeper Cherry Preisner.

Although today's progression was almost a carbon copy of the last round (when Reading knocked out Caversham United, again on penalties, after a 1-1 draw in normal time), I'm sure the players, coaching team and fans will be even more delighted - not only with the result but also the performance, with this being their first victory against a team in a higher league (tier four). It's a result which can only give them more confidence to build upon - with a couple of rare league matches coming up.

Abingdon United had recently appointed Chris Smith as their head coach and, although he was in the dugout for the Yellows' 4-0 victory last weekend against Southampton Women, the Reading game was his first at the helm. I understand it's Smith's second spell at Abingdon and his second time meeting the Royals this season, the first coming as part of the coaching team for Oxford City Women.

The Yellows have had a slow start to their league campaign, currently positioned ninth of 12 teams in Division One South West, but they qualified for the quarter-finals after a 4-2 win against Woodley United.

Ahead of the match, it was another one of those games where the build-up included mentioning playing against 'the former WSL league outfit' and a lot of grand references to Reading as 'a big club, with a big name and a big following - and a club that are rebuilding.'

I get that Reading FC was (and obviously still is) an exciting name to see on the fixture list, but, if they'd given this any real thought, it is really nothing to celebrate (in contrast it's a living example of what can happen, and does far too often, in women's football). The only resemblance Reading have to the side that competed in the WSL - or even the Championship - is the badge and kit (although there's currently no sponsor). Even the name has changed, with Community Trust now added to the title.

There were only two changes from the starting line-up last week: Rachael Poole got her first start of the season and Assia Fatri was also introduced, in place of Megan Giles (named as a substitute) and Lily Simmons (missing from today's squad).

Team: Cherry Preisner (GK), Mia Bradley (Lauren Drewett, 70), Ellie Herbert, Rachael Poole, Lilly Brooke-Cousins, Lucy Bolitho, Jordanne Hoesli-Atkins - Captain (Gajzler, 84), Keira Morl, Zuzanna Gajzler (Santearna Spencer, 76), Assia Fatri, Sajunae Turner (Sumayah Zayadi, 62)

Unused substitutes: Tia Lee, Megan Giles

First half

Reading started the match where they left off after last weekend's second-half comeback (and win on penalties) away to Tilehurst Panthers, showing the same commitment, effort and energy, but they were also much more disciplined, working together as a team.

The hosts had an early scare when Assia Fatri cut in from the Reading right and saw her shot cleared off the line by United's captain Charlie Deeley. Fatri went close again after some strong build-up play from Sajunae Turner creating the opportunity, with her shot fired wide.

Although United got down the flanks a few times, with a few crosses into the Reading penalty area, they were unable to connect and create any real danger for the Royals' defence and goalkeeper.

Early in the first half it was clear (and pleasing) to see the team had not only been working hard in training but also listening to the technical and wider team instructions - with just reward - from the equally hard-working coaching team of Pedro Bruno and Shelley Strange.

Half-time: 0-0

It was another bright start for the Royals in the second half, with an early attempt from Zuzanna Gajzler flying wide of the post.

Although not troubled much, Reading goalkeeper Preisner had to remain alert and made a terrific block, intercepting a chance on the very edge of her penalty area after United striker Mimi Hodges was charging down on goal.

With the clock running down and the teams locked in a stalemate, both managers made changes in an attempt to grab the winning goal. However, Reading were forced into an additional substitution when captain Hoesli-Atkins left the field with an ankle injury.

With five minutes of time added on it was a nervous finish for both sets of fans - none more so than when, from an Abingdon corner, and with the last touch of the match, a United header smashed against the Reading crossbar - which was still rattling as the referee blew for full-time!

Full-time: 0-0

Back to penalties, for the fourth time this season to decide the result.

Keira Morl (Reading) - scored: 1-0

Abingdon United - scored: 1-1

Sumayah Zayadi (Reading) - scored: 2-1

Abingdon United - saved by Preisner: 2-1

Assia Fatri (Reading) - scored: 3-1

Abingdon United - scored: 3-2

Lauren Drewett (Reading) - scored: 4-2

Abingdon United - scored: 4-3

Zuzanna Gajzler (Reading) - scored: 5-3

Reading win 5-3 on penalties

Today's performance, together with the result and progression to the semi-finals, felt like another turning point in the development of this new, young and ever-learning Royals team. It was interesting to hear the instructions and energy from Bruno and Strange in the Reading dugout - and witness the players' positive response.

Subject to any further cup-fixture scheduling changes, Reading appear to now have three league matches (their first league match since playing Porchester Ladies at the beginning of October) - starting with an away match at Badshot Lea, next weekend, November 24 (2pm kick-off). See you there!