Reading YMCA slumped to their third defeat of the season in what proved to be difficult afternoon for the Young Men.

YM were missing Chris Lemm from the team that drew with Woodcote/Stoke Row the previous week whilst Danny Fitzpatrick and Adam Cayzer were confined to the bench due to injury.  South Reading were hit badly with absentees with Ben Lyden, Broadley and Kyle Roberts all unavailable.

YM started the game well and were on top in the opening stages but the strong wind and poor pitch made it difficult for either side to look particularly fluid.  South Reading looked inventive in attack with Anton Small, Alex Allen and Ryan Adams all threatening with their running off the ball.  But YM had a great chance to take the lead when a deep cross from Mark Stargatt found Johnny Adey unmarked in front of goal but the normally prolific striker could not guide his header into the net.

YM suffered a blow on 20 minutes when midfielder Nader Edmunds was withdrawn due to injury to be replaced by Martin Abery but the midfield duo of Jason Wagner and Drew Tipper battled well in his absence.

After enjoying a decent 1st half YM were playing against the wind in the 2nd half and South Reading took the initiative but YM's defence was looking in good form with full backs Rob Lee and James Atkinson in inspiring form.

With 30 minutes still to go Stargatt and Adey both picked up injuries and with only injured Adam Cayzer on the bench South Reading began to take control of the game.  A spell of pressure then saw South Reading take the lead when a long ball was knocked down for Allen who finished well past keeper Chris Rackley.

With Adey forced off to be replaced by Cayzer, YM were effectively down to 9 men for the final 20 minutes but still managed to create 2 gilt edged chances when first Abery and then Stargatt headed over from Mark Lemm crosses.  At the other end Rackley had to make a superb double save to keep YM in the game.

But with both sides battling well it always looked as though 1 goal would win it and so it proved leaving YM to reflect on a missed opportunity and a growing injury list.

LEMMY'S MOM: ROB LEE