Sidney scores a screamer & Bulleen start to build – NPLW Victoria Wrap Round 7

By Kieran Yap (3/5/23)

Above: Bulleen Lions Goalkeeper Gaby Garton stretches to save for Bulleen Lions. Photo: Passion Creation. Instagram @joatam

One of the league’s best modern rivalries resumed in round seven. Elsewhere Boroondara-Carey Eagles showed that they can score goals without their star striker, and Sidney Allen scored a screamer.

Calder United 4-2 Heidelberg United

Heidelberg United and Calder United have played out some classic matches in recent times, and round seven was another to add to the growling catalogue.

Calder United came into this game struggling for results if not exactly form. They have a significantly different squad from last season. Importantly, and unlike 2022, this team is still learning to play together. When they click, they can be a very exciting team.

Heidelberg have adjusted well to the departure of the 2022 Golden Boot winner Danielle Wise. Captain Stephanie Galea been their most in-form player, but the ‘Bergers’ strength is that they are a side in sync. Johnno Clemente’s team is capable of some patient but incisive end-to-end football at their best.

Neither of these two proud clubs are exactly where they want to be just yet, but it is a competitive league, and as FV Emerging’s late run last year showed, nothing is impossible.

It was new signing Katrina Nikpour who opened the scoring. The Heidelberg striker met a corner kick at close range and knocked it over the line to give the visitors a 10th-minute lead, but Calder United hit back very quickly through Larissa Walsh.

Some swift ball movement in the final third found the overlapping winger who kept her cool to finish beyond Natasha Stathopoulos and level the scores.

The in-form Fiorina Iaraia added another to her rapidly growing catalogue of goals with an injury-time strike that send Calder United into the break with a 2-1 lead. It was her third goal of the season so far. The winger has a delicate first touch and a deadly finish.

Heidelberg came out of the break full of determination and levelled the scores through Reona Omiya. Her strike from the edge of the box was viciously struck. The Calder United goalkeeper had little chance of stopping it through a crowded penalty area.

In an end-to-end game, Calder scored the final two goals in an important and impressive win. Montana Mathews’ corner was turned in by Walsh for her second, and Alexis Mitchell added a fourth with an absolute missile from long range. The quick, attacking passing put the striker into space, the finish was solo magic to cap off Calder United’s second win of the campaign.

Southern United 0-3 Boroondara Carey Eagles

The Boroondara-Carey Eagles climbed to top spot on the table with a convincing win over Southern United. Kurea Okino has been the attacking star of the team so far, but the prolific striker was kept in reserve on this occasion as the Eagles flexed their attacking depth.

Emily Heijden got the visitors off to a strong start with a seventh-minute goal. The midfielder stayed patient and crafted some space at the edge of the box before sweeping her shot into the net.

Marguerite Eudes added another before halftime. Southern were building through a well-worked passing move that was cut off by a rudimentary but effective high clearance. Eudes’s goal was positionally like Boroondara’s first. Her chip evaded the keeper to make it 2-0 and give Southern United a mountain to climb.

The third came in slightly harsh circumstances. A slick attack resulted in a close-range handball, and the penalty kick was duly dispatched by Rebecca Lim.

The win means that The Eagles sit in first place after seven games, ahead of Alamein, and clear of South Melbourne and Preston even though they both have a game in hand.

Box Hill United 0-1 Bulleen Lions

Caitlin Friend’s Bulleen Lions got a much-needed win over the determined Box Hill United on the Friday night game. Defender Alex Natoli turned the first-half corner kick in for the only goal of the game and help Bulleen climb the table to sixth.

Box Hill were without their young attacker Sienna Techera but remained creative in attack. It was an even contest that Bulleen never really looked like losing, despite the home side having nine shots on target. Melbourne Victory champion Gaby Garton was back to her best between the sticks.

Bulleen have yet to find their stylish attacking groove of last season. Rosie Rodger remains an exciting creative outlet, but although the goals are not yet flowing, they are a tough team to play against. They have only lost the one game so far and are continuing to build.

Box Hill are a mystery for now. They matched Bulleen in all the major stats, but could not find a way to goal. There is nothing obviously wrong with the way that they are playing and they boast a truly dangerous attacker in Anais Josefski. A goal-mouth poacher is all that is missing from this team, and if they can unearth one from their own ranks or from the A-League Women players, they will start troubling teams on the score sheet as much as they can on the balance of play.

Preston Lions 1-1 FV Emerging

The high-flying Preston Lions faced off against the unpredictable but talented FV Emerging. The game itself was a tight contest and neither team could find a winning goal, but there was still some terrific skill on display.

Miri Nishimura’s perfectly placed corner kick delivered the opening goal of the game for Preston. The ball in landed right at the edge of the six-yard box and Georgia Henderson met it at full pace. The header was textbook and almost impossible to defend.

The equaliser arrived before half-time. Alana Cortellino has been one of the league’s most exciting young prospects and her wing play has troubled every opponent she has faced. On this occasion, she received the ball wide, sized up her opponent then cut out to deliver a cross that could only be deflected away. Clancy Westaway reacted quickest and with the best technique. Her first-time strike clattered off the far post to level the scores.

South Melbourne 0-1 Alamein FC

Sidney Allen’s 70th-minute strike was all that separated Alamein FC and the hosts South Melbourne at Lakeside. It was a worthy winner and one of the best goals of the round.

Rebecca Saber’s game-breaking run down the left forged the opening. Her cutback to Allen in the middle was excellent but still left the winger with plenty to do. Allen’s first touch took her clear of the defenders but wide of the goal, then from the edge of the box she unleashed a strike off her right foot that Zara Board in goal had little chance of getting a hand to.

The win keeps Alamein in second place, It was a crucial victory over the fourth-placed South Melbourne who have a game in hand. They can still be leapfrogged by a Preston win, but that is not something they will be concerned about after this important result.

Table from: NPLW Victoria.

Norfolk Weekly Wrap

Darrell Allen provides his weekly round-up of all the women’s football action in Norfolk, including the county’s seven-a-side action (25/4/23).

Above: AFC Wimbledon goalkeeper Faye Baker claims the ball at Plough Lane on Sunday against Norwich City as the Dons keeper sealed another clean sheet. Photo: Richard Brown.

FA Women’s National League Division One South East

Norwich City’s final game of the season ended in defeat as they went down 1-0 to AFC Wimbledon, who extended their eight-month unbeaten run in the league. The Dons had Emma Plewa to thank for their winning goal. For George Jones’ full report and photos from Richard Brown and Emily Topping, click on this link: https://impetusfootball.org/2023/05/02/canaries-wings-clipped-as-plewa-strikes-winner-for-dons/

Eastern Region Premier Division

Wroxham were beaten 2-1 at home by Stevenage. Holly Walker had given the Norfolk side a lead on 84 minutes but goals late on from Jodie Bellinger and Mathilda Filder saw Stevenage claim a dramatic comeback win.

King’s Lynn Town also lost 2-1, going down by that score to Bedford. The visitors scored through Lauren Coppin and Aliya Bhatti with Tilly Sands scoring for the West Norfolk side.

Eastern Region Division One North

A fantastic day for Fakenham Town saw them defeat Newmarket Town 6-2 at Clipbush Park. Sophie Lubbock scored a hat-trick, Shelley Woods a brace with Chloe Gravett adding one of her own. Abbie Corbyn and Katie Hayes were the scorers for Newmarket Town.

Above: Long Stratton celebrate their fantastic 5-0 win at the University of East Anglia with a team photo in the dressing room after the game. Photo: Long Stratton Women FC.

Norfolk Women and Girls’ League Division One

Mulbarton Belles won the big top-of-the-table clash as they defeated Dussindale and Hellesdon 3-1 at Mulberry Park with goals coming from Sophie Jermy, Rebekah Lake, and Molly Ryan. Chelsea Brister scored for the visitors.

Long Stratton recorded an impressive 5-0 win at the University of East Anglia. Captain Samantha Walker led the way with two and Luci Middleton, Mary-Anne Hoy, and Mia Wilkinson also were on target.

Two goals from Lauren Goulder and one from Selina Rowland saw Bungay Town win 3-1 at home to Beccles Town. Mia Rose scored for Beccles.

Sprowston beat Caister 4-1 in their final game of the season thanks to two goals each from Nyah White and Kelsi Adams. Rebecca Waters scored for Caister.

Above: Aylsham Captain Jordan Arnoup scored five in their 7-0 victory over Shrublands which saw them clinch promotion. Photo: Ben Cunningham.

Norfolk Women and Girls’ League Division Two

Aylsham were 7-0 winners over Shrublands thanks to five goals from their captain Jordan Arnoup, one from Chelsea Crowey, and an own goal. With the win, Steve Kenny’s team clinched promotion to Division One.

North Walsham Town continued their fine season with a 3-1 win at Blofield United with Kiera Brown bagging a hat-trick. Darcy Peters scored for Blofield.

Horsford picked up an impressive 2-1 away win at Freethorpe. Maisie Nichols and Evie Tolson scored for Horsford with Lily-Ann Marples scoring for Freethorpe.

King’s Lynn Soccer Club were 2-0 winners at home to Mulbarton Belles Development with goals from Taeya Mayes and Jordan Turner.

Thorpe St. Andrew were 6-1 winners at home to FC Viking Valkyries thanks to a brace from Abi Simmons and further goals from Poppy Le-Beau, Natasha Frankland, Rebecca Sutton, and Chloe Musson-Pipe. Cerys Nicholas scored for the visitors.

Norfolk Women and Girls’ League Sevens Division One

Left Field FC were 4-0 winners at home to Kirkley and Pakefield. A hat-trick from Brogan O’Grady and one from Tamsin Leah seeing them claim a big win.

Mulbarton Belles won 2-1 at the University of East Anglia thanks to goals from Alice Ladbrooke and Lisa Webster with Holly Buck scoring the UEA goal.

Pure drama as Loddon United secured promotion with the last kick of the game. They won 2-1 at Great Yarmouth with Toni Noble and Leanne Smith hitting the back of the net for the visitors and Mollie Rimmell scoring for Great Yarmouth.

Above: Loddon United celebrate their promotion to Sevens Division One after a 2-1 win at Great Yarmouth Town. Photo: Loddon United FC.

Grainger: “We are hard for anyone”

Martin Townley reports from Cymru head coach Gemma Grainger‘s media conference after their UEFA Women’s Nations League draw (3/5/23).

Above: Cymru boss Gemma Grainger. Photo: FAW.

Cymru head coach Gemma Grainger told the media after the UEFA Nations League draw that her side will be hard for any opponent to face. 

Grainger believes strongly that this also includes her side’s upcoming friendly against the USA in July. 

“I think that we’re a hard team for anyone to play because we are resilient from a defensive perspective, we pride ourselves on that. But now we’re really starting to implement more consistently our in possession style of play. So, we’re a great test. And I hope that’s what we can be for them.”

Cymru will face Denmark, Germany, and Iceland in the inaugural UEFA Women’s Nations League.  Grainger’s team last faced Iceland back in February, a match that ended in a goalless draw.  Their last meeting with Denmark came in April 2021, in what was Grainger’s second game.  Jess Fishlock scored in a 1-1 friendly draw.  Germany will provide the toughest test for Cymru, with the sides not meeting since 2008. 

With the Nations League being played before the Euro 2025 qualifiers, the Cymru boss outlined what she wants from this challenging series of matches.

“We want to learn what we need to learn. And we want to make sure that we keep progressing as a team, and that’s what the Nations League has got to do for us, we’ve got to go into those games with the mentality that we’ve had, since the Switzerland game.

“Since last October, that mentality, that shift, keep building on our style of play, and make sure that when playing these games, that we represent everything that we’ve been building, because that’s how we will qualify for the European Championships.”

The Nations League will be a welcome return to competitive matches after Cymru missed out on World Cup qualification. The side have played six friendlies since then without defeat, but Grainger will welcome the return of competitive matches.   

“I think after the Switzerland game and the intensity that we worked at throughout the World Cup campaign. You can’t put a foot wrong during those campaigns, we knew what we had to do in every game, and the intensity, and the mentality is high.

“I think it’s been a nice opportunity to lower that a little bit. Not in terms of our performances, but in terms of our approach and the review after the World Cup campaign.

“So, we’ve certainly utilised our time well. I’m happy with the friendly fixtures that we’ve played during that time, and the challenges that they’ve given us, and I know that US will be hopefully the next step towards that.

“I think it’s been a real balance; it can be very intense in competition. But I think we know we’ve had that break, and we’re hungry to make sure that we step into September and be ready to compete.

With Euro 2022 finalist Germany being paired with Cymru, Grainger is hopeful of more record-breaking nights in Cardiff with the nation’s last two games at Cardiff City Stadium seeing a record attendance and a record attendance for a friendly. 

“I know that they’re (Germany) the highest-ranked team in the group. So naturally, they will hopefully bring in the crowds. I think that really will support us because we play at our best when we are in Cardiff when we do have the crowd there.

“It’s exciting to think what we could do in that space; we keep breaking those records in terms of attendance. I’m excited to see when Germany do come to play, and hopefully, we can make sure we break that (attendance) record again.”

The UEFA Nations League will begin in September. 

Canaries’ wings clipped as Plewa strikes winner for Dons

AFC Wimbledon 1-0 Norwich City

by George Jones – AFC Wimbledon (2/5/23)

Above: Norwich City head clear under pressure in the first half on Sunday. Photo: Richard Brown.

Emma Plewa’s first-half goal was enough for AFC Wimbledon to end an impressive season with victory at the Cherry Red Records Stadium.

A crowd of 1,138 watched Kevin Foster’s side defeat Norwich City – which meant the Dons extended an unbeaten league run that stretched back to August.

Above: AFC Wimbledon look to break away in front of a packed Ry Stand at Plough Lane on Sunday. Photo: Emily Topping.

Following the narrow Capital Cup Final defeat at the hands of an Arsenal Academy side that fielded some players with WSL experience in midweek, the Dons started on the front foot but were unable to capitalise on earning a succession of corners.

Norwich grew into the game and started to frustate Wimbledon. Several dangerous balls were played across the box, but no-one in a yellow and green shirt was able to connect.

Above: A midfield tussle for possession at Plough Lane. Photo: Richard Brown.

However, the Dons were always the more composed in their play, and the breakthrough came 10 minutes before the break. A clinical finish by Emma Plewa put the Dons 1-0 up after Chloe Sampson’s relentless pressing had created the opening.

The Dons continued to have the lion’s share of possession after half-time but struggled to create any clear-cut opportunities. There was an emotional moment 20 minutes from time as Emily Oliver came on for her final appearance in a Dons shirt before heading to America to pursue scholarship opportunities.

Above: Safe hands Faye Baker claims the ball for AFC Wimbledon. Photo: Richard Brown.

Further pressure from AFC Wimbledon failed to yield the cushion of a second goal, but the final whistle signalled yet another victory for the Dons. who finished as runners-up in the league after another excellent campaign. 

After the game, Ashlee Hincks was confirmed as winning the Golden Boot for the second successive season despite missing eight weeks of the season through injury. The end-of-season awards held later in the day saw Rosie Russell rewarded for her consistently sensational performances by being named Young Player of the Year, and captain Hannah Billingham as player of the year.

Above: AFC Wimbledon captain Hannah Billingham with her Player of the Year Trophy.
Below: Rosie Russell with the AFC Wimbledon Young Player of the Year Award. Both photos: AFC Wimbledon.

Elsewhere, Faye Baker almost won the FAWNL Division One SE Golden Glove once again. There is plenty of talent in the Wimbledon ranks, and hopes will be high that they go one better next time around.

Teams: AFC WIMBLEDON: Baker, Russell (Oliver), Brooks, Highman, Billingham, Ali (Heria), Donovan, Dorey (Taylor), Plewa, Hincks, Sampson (Chitole-Porter).

Scorer: Plewa 35′.

NORWICH CITY: Williams, Parker, Larkins, Todd, Daviss, Snelling, Russell, Stanley, Flye, Croft, Morran. Substitutes: Ward, George, Symonds, Gambell, Cook.

Attendance: 1,138.

Cwmbran Celtic seal Cup Final win over higher level Cascade YC

Cascade YC 2-3 Cwmbran Celtic

Report and photography by Perry Dobbins (2/5/23)

Above: Cwmbran Celtic celebrate after their South Wales FA Women’s Cup Final win against higher level opponents Cascade YC. Photo: Perry Dobbins.

If the Welsh women’s football pyramid needed an advert, this was it! 

Perhaps Cascade were favourites to win this South Wales FA Women’s Cup Final at the SDM Glass Stadium in Bridgend, because they currently reside in tier two of Welsh football with Cwmbran Celtic in tier three, although Cwmbran had other thoughts. 

In an exciting match, Cwmbran took the lead through Kim Harrison after 10 minutes, Cascade then equalised on the half-hour mark through Anny Lewis. This is how it stayed until half-time.

Following the break Cwmbran restored their lead thanks to Jodie Challenger’s goal with 61 played. This was the start of a dramatic spell of three goals in six minutes as Molly Chapman levelled just two minutes later, only for Sian Anthony to score the winner for Cwmbran with 67 on the clock.

Perry Dobbins’ photo gallery from the South Wales FA Women’s Cup Final:

Teams: CASCADE YC: Lewis, Hamer, Carroll, Thomas, Evans, Watkins, Davies, Chapman, Lloyd, A. Lewis (Kemp 64′), Pascoe (Whittle 68′), Moreton. Unused subs: R. Lewis, Moger, James.

Scorers: A. Lewis 30′, Chapman 63′.

CWMBRAN CELTIC: Davies, Anthony, Challenger, Perkins, Meaney, F. Anthony, Breakwell-Bounds, N. Shwartz, Harrison (Shipley 46′), G. Shwartz, G. Cridland (A. Cridland 82′). Unused subs: H. Anthony, Roderick, Stokes.

Scorers: Harrison 10′, Challenger 61′, Anthony 67′.

Scottish Weekend Review

from Tom Freeman (1/5/23)

Above: Gleniffer celebrate their vital win over Dundee West in SWF League One. Photo: Ger Harley / Sportpix

SWF Championship

Inverness Caledonian Thistle secured fifth position with a 2-1 home victory over Greenock Morton, with Dryburgh Athletic falling to a 3-2 defeat at Ayr United. The third tier now splits for three final games with Livingston needing only a point from their home tie with second-placed Renfrew next week to win the title and secure promotion to the SWPL2.

Just three points separate Renfrew Ladies and third-placed Rossvale in the race for a playoff spot with the side who finish seventh in SWPL2. With the Championship expanding to ten teams next season, there will be no relegation to League One.

Above: The Greenock Morton team who took on Inverness Caledonian Thistle at the weekend. Photo: Greenock Morton FC.

SWF League One

The Fourth tier of women’s football in Scotland is set for a nail-biting finish after Gleniffer Thistle leapfrogged Dundee West at the foot of the table by beating them 3-2 in the rain in Paisley.

The win is only Gleniffer’s second win of the season but puts a point between the two teams heading into the final league matches next Sunday. Gleniffer will travel to Airdrie Ladies, while Dundee West host BSC Glasgow hoping their Paisley rivals drop points.

In the promotion race, second-placed Falkirk needed to defeat unbeaten league champions FC Edinburgh at home to secure second but lost 2-0 with a goal by in-form Edinburgh forward Nic Rutherford and another from winger Jayden Simmons in injury time.

Above: Tough tackling action as St. Mirren (stripes) host Stenhousemuir. Photo: Allan Picken.

Meanwhile, third-placed Westdyke ran amok in the North East, beating Edinburgh Caledonia 6-1 with four goals from the league’s top scorer Kayleigh Traynor and strikes by Chloe Ferries and Bethany Cochrane.

With one remaining promotion slot in play, the results set up a mouth-watering final-day decider at the Falkirk Stadium with a point separating the home side and visitors Westdyke.

Elsewhere, around 300 fans watched an entertaining 1-1 draw between St. Mirren and Stenhousemuir at the club’s main SMiSA Stadium, Stenny ruing a missed second-half penalty to settle for a point.

Biffa SWFL

Queen of the South became the first side to win a Biffa SWFL regional league as part of the women’s football pyramid, running out 10-0 winners at Nithsdale Wanderers. Holly Ovens scored five as the Dumfries side became SWFL South champions and secured at least a play-off spot for promotion to the national League One next season.

Dunfermline Athletic moved back into the top half of Biffa SWFL East after beating Central Girls 6-2 in Grangemouth. The Pars play Falkirk Development on Wednesday night at East End Park, the first time the women’s team has used the main club stadium.

Above: Dunfermline Athletic celebrate during their 6-2 win over Central Girls. Photo: Thomas Sands Media.

Southampton v Sheffield United Photo Gallery

Andy Wicks was at St. Mary’s for Impetus yesterday to capture all the action in this Championship encounter (1/5/23).

Above: Southampton goalkeeper Kayla Rendell makes a spectacular save yesterday. Photo: Andy Wicks for Impetus.

Southampton 0-1 Sheffield United

A full match report from Impetus‘ Johnathan Stack who was in the St. Mary’s pressbox for us will follow later.

Teams: SOUTHAMPTON: Rendell, Morris, Mott, Kendall, Parnell, Pusey, Pharoah, Griffiths, Wilkinson, Collett, Peake. Substitutes: Rafferty, Freeland, Williams, Lumsden, Wynne, Ward, Peplow, Lloyd-Smith, Howard.

SHEFFIELD UNITED: Stenson, Newsham, Barker, Sweetman-Kirk, Cusack, Rayner, Paul, Enderby, Haywood, Brown, Graham. Substitutes: Davies, Riglar, Lord-Mears, Wilcock, Muir, Docherty, Francis-Jones, Clarke.

Scorer: Sweetman-Kirk 59′.

Birmingham City v Bristol City Photo Gallery

Suvadeep Biswas was at St. Andrews for Impetus to capture all the action as the top two sides in this season’s Championship faced off in the final game of the season (1/5/23).

Above: Shania Hayles fires in a shot for Bristol City yesterday. Photo: Suvadeep Biswas for Impetus.

Birmingham City 2-0 Bristol City

Birmingham City ended the Championship season by recording their seventh successive win, defeating already promoted Bristol City 2-0 at St. Andrews.

Whilst the Westcountry side’s win over Charlton Athletic last week robbed this clash of the Championship promotion decider, the Midlands side were thrilled to gain the three points to ensure that their positive end to this season will roll into a bid to ensure a WSL return next year.

Lucy Quinn put the Blues ahead with 15 minutes played, dispatching a pass from Charlie Devlin into the bottom corner. Right on half time, Devlin saw her header saved by visiting keeper Fran Bentley but was on hand to direct the rebound home.

Whilst Bristol City’s season ended in defeat, it doesn’t cloud what has been a superb campaign for them, crowning their return to the WSL after two years away. They are certainly not going back up to make up the numbers.

Suvadeep Biswas’ photo gallery from St. Andrews:

BIRMINGHAM CITY: Thomas, Scott, Louise Quinn, Lawley, Finn, McLoughlin, Murray, Lucy Quinn, Devlin, Pennock, Walker. Substitutes: Jones, Simkin, Bourne, Jenner, Cowie, Estcourt, Hodson, Smith.

Scorers: Lucy Quinn 15′, Devlin 45′.

BRISTOL CITY: Bentley, Layzell, Aspin, Bruce, J. Bull, Syme, Furness, Mustaki, Harnson, Clinton, Hayles. Substitutes: Clark, Cataldo, C. Bull, Wilde, Morgan, Pearse, Woolley, Teisar, Ward.

Attendance: 1,633

Manchester City v Reading Photo Gallery

Matthew Appleby was at the Academy Stadium yesterday to capture all the action for Impetus from the WSL match (1/5/23).

Above: Khadija Shaw jumps for joy after putting Manchester City ahead with her 18th goal of the season yesterday. Photo: Matthew Appleby for Impetus.

Manchester City 4-1 Reading

Manchester City closed the gap on WSL leaders and cross-city rivals Manchester United to two points after coming from behind to seal a comprehensive win over a Reading side who are two points adrift at the bottom of the table.

The Berkshire visitors hit the front in the opening minute thanks to Sanne Troelsgaard’s curling effort. The lead lasted fifteen minutes before Chloe Kelly levelled. Khadija Shaw put the hosts ahead with 24 minutes on the clock as her bullet header from Alex Greenwood’s corner sealed her 18th goal WSL goal of the season.

Lauren Hemp made it 3-0 within two minutes of the second-half opening before Steph Houghton sealed the win with 20 minutes remaining.

Gareth Taylor’s team’s forthcoming clash with Manchester United now takes on added significance in the WSL title race, and with Chelsea in third with three games in hand, we’re set for a thrilling end to the season both at the top and bottom.

Matthew Appleby’s photo gallery from the Academy Stadium:

Teams: MANCHESTER CITY (4-2-3-1): Roebuck, Casparij, Houghton, Greenwood, Morgan, Hasegawa, Angeldahl, Kelly, Coombs, Hemp, Shaw. Substitutes used: Raso (for Hemp 66′), Castellanos (for Coombs 75′), Ouahabi (for Greenwood 76′), Fowler (for Hasegawa 76′).

Scorers: Kelly 15′, Shaw 24′, Hemp 47′, Houghton 70′.

READING (4-4-2): Moloney, Eikeland, Mayi Kith, Caldwell, Mukandi, Harries, Vanhaevermaet, Rowe, Wellings, Troelsgaard, Primmer. Substitutes used: Moore (for Primmer 55′), Wade (for Harries 73′), Perry (for Vanhaevermaet 87′), Hendrix (for Troelsgaard 87′).

Scorer: Troelsgaard 1′.

Referee: Amy Fearns.

Attendance: 3,102.