Reading YMCA bounced back from their hammering at Woodcote with an hard fought win over surprise early season strugglers Sandhurst Devels.

YM were missing over 10 players through injury and absence but did welcome Mark McCombie and Chris Farrelly for their debuts whilst Tristam Dennis returned to the club after a brief spell in the club's title winning season.

YM started brightly but on a tight Cantley Park pitch against a strong Sandhurst side it was always going to be a war of attrition. YM took an early lead when Johnny Adey made it 3 goals in 3 games by nipping in to poke the ball past the Sandhurst keeper.  Sandhurst responded quickly when their big centre back headed home a corner before Scott Allen restored YM's lead by heading in another excellent delivery from Jamie Froude.

YM looked relatively comfortable for the remainder of the half and Adey missed a great chance to extend the lead but just before half time YM conceeded a penalty which was duly converted.

Sandhurst improved after the break but it was a scrappy half which was suddenly illuminated by Drew Tipper who lashed home a first time shot from 25 yards.  The goal YM a huge boost and they made the game safe when Dennis headed a corner back across goal allowing Jon Finnieston to head into the net.

Sandhurst kept going and had a couple of chances in the final minutes but YM held on to a deserved win against a side who are sure to be there or thereabouts come the end of the season.


LEMMY'S MOM - JAMIE FROUDE

YM's second string opened up their first ever season in the Premier divison, just one league behind the first team, with a comprehensive thrashing of Westwood Utd Res.

New managers Steve Woodrow and Mark Ilsley welcomed back most of last years squad with the addition of Adam Cassidy to shore up the back 4.

YM started brightly with the game played at a frenetic pace, as all opening games are, and made the breakthrough on the half hour mark when Tim Sidwell ghosted in to the box to tuck away a low drive and open his account for the season. Mike Holloway was enjoying a fine battling game in midfield breaking up play whilst the back 4 were moving the ball around well as YM went in 1 to the good.

The second period began with a bang as Dave Simmonds and Steve Daly grabbed hold of the game by the scruff and ran riot against the Westwood back 4. Daly's tricks and Simmonds pace were no match for the grren men as YM raced in to a 3 goal lead within 10 minutes of the restart. Daly cutting in from the right and firing in a low shot, with Simmonds grabbing a smart finish from close range. The introduction Mandeep Nangla casued further problems with his pace as Mike Holoway got on the end of some excellent forward play and tucked home his first goal for the club.

YM were rampant and could have had a few more, but chances went begging from Daly Simmonds and Nangla. It was left to YM stalwart Dave Rolfe to grab an unlikely 5th as he side footed home after Sidwell had headed Woodrow's corner back across the area. Westwood grabbed a late, and stunning, consolation as a forward lashed home a volly from 20 yards after YM failed to clear, but the opening day points were firmly YM's.

STEVE/MARK'S MOM: MIKE HOLLOWAY