Men's 2s: 2 - 1 Reading

London League Premier Division

After last week's disappointing result against Bromley the 2nd XI were again missing several players and an unfamiliar team lined up against a team they had yet to beat in 2 seasons. We welcomed Dom Male and Rob Woodley into the fold.

Rob’s afternoon ended prematurely after pulling up lame a few minutes into the game. With no substitutes EG hustled valiantly in a scrappy first half affair, which Reading dominated. A lapse in concentration at the back gifted Reading the opening goal. Things got worse when Duncan Howarth hobbled off and took no further part in the game. We were spared going two down with an outrageous bit of luck. Reading with a 3-on-1 on our keeper (Bullens) were denied a certain goal by the half-time whistle.

Many thanks must go to Josh and Mark who stepped in at half time to ensure we had a full side.

The EG team were now in their stride and the game opened up with both sides creating chances. Another bit of luck saw EG win a penalty stroke which Mikey Holland duly converted.

Reading came back and saw an effort cleared off the line by Akande. With 2 minutes to go EG scored the winner. A pinpoint pass from Holland was athletically deflected in the roof of the net by Dom Male to “Burgle” all 3 points in a game we didn’t really deserve to win. Playing badly and winning against the current champions is a sign of character and we will need this next week when we play Hampstead and Westminster which is essentially the Title Decider!

Team:Bullens, Gogsy, Akande, Budden, Woodley, Male, Holland, Howarth ©, Medcalfe, Fitzpatrick, Shelton, Cather, Walden.

Scorers: Holland (PS), Male (F)