In the third instalment of my matchday experience series. I headed to Reading Women against Manchester United Women. For a Women’s Super League fixture, being played out of the Royal’s main home ground. The Madejski. Now more commonly known as the Select Car Leasing Stadium. Today’s guest going into the fixture second, three points behind league leaders Chelsea. Who faced off against Liverpool Women earlier this Sunday. On the other hand, Reading was currently tenth in the table before kick-off. Having only acquired seven points all season. Losing eight out of the eleven fixtures they have had. Tickets priced as follows. Adults for twelve pounds, young adults or elderly for eight pounds and cheaper for younger people.
To reach the Madejski supporters have a handful of options. The easiest being by Car, due to its location on junction eleven of the M4 motorway. Where match attending fans should follow signs towards Reading. Until they reach the ground. Which is on the left-hand side, half a mile down, after getting on the junction. If coming by car is not possible. Another good option is by rail. As expected, reading station being the nearest. Where 50A park and ride bus will take fans to the arena. An average journey time of less than ten minutes. Alternatively, a taxi from station to stadium is a choice. Costing around ten pounds.
Before entering the arena. Those in close proximity to the reading fan store were able to take a photo with the women’s super league trophy. Completely free of charge, all you had to do was queue. Which was minimal at the time of my arrival. An hour before kick-off. Photo taken by a helpful member of staff. Arriving at the turnstiles. Fans attention averted to the poor planning of the gates. Unorganised queues, unavailable staff to check bags and unresponsive ticket scanners to name a few problems. Supporters then shuffling and squeezing through the narrow gap. Inside the ground, there was a noticeable lack of things to do. Leaving those in the concourse waiting for the pre match ceremony. Celebrating the royals’ managers one hundred and fifth game in charge. Somewhat tarnishing the experience. A handful of chants from the Manchester United women supporters club seemed embarrassing. With lengthy spells of the match ruined, by songs regarding the living and eating circumstances of the Merseyside and Leeds areas. During a period of recession and economic crisis across the country. Met with an announcement in the stadium. Warning them or ejection should they continue. Additionally. Readings refusals to remove ice from the stands lead to slippery surroundings for those situated in the Sir John Madejski stand. Total attendance of 5108 today.
On the pitch. The guest got the opening opportunity. Sending through Alessia Russo, whose run was unable to connect with the ball. Shortly followed by a second chance. Curling around the post. Before a shot from inside the box was saved. Having their first go at goal. Reading had a shot just past half way. Attempting to lob the keeper, but going over the bar. Not long later. The host had put their chance into the side netting. A mistake made by the home sides back line allowed the ball to bobble to Nikita Paris. Who had a shot, intercepted by a teammate, taking it off target. Coming close to breaking the deadlock. Manchester United had a shot go across goal, from close range, ending up at a player’s feet. Which sent it back into the box. Being blocked. Within a minute. The visitors managed to breakaway once more, having an effort straight at the keeper. Awarding a penalty. The referee pointed to the spot on 38 minutes. Katie zelam stepping up, saved by Burns. Unable to make a decision, Parris scuffed a shot from six yards. Followed up by a United attempt clanging the crossbar.
Getting the second half underway. Reading came out at incredible speeds. Having change after chance, in the opening exchanges. Controlling the first fifteen minutes following the break. The guest getting nearer out of the two teams though. When they slipped a powerful effort across the box. Beating the player and going out, to their disappointment. Holding out against their host. United were under intense pressure. Slapping a powerful shot low into the corner, the visitors should be ahead. If not for Burns brilliant performance between the sticks. this afternoon. Making a strong save up the other end. Mary Earps palmed away a Reading free kick. Taking the lead on eighty-seven minutes. Manchester United managed to launch a counter attack, from a home side throw, taken by Lilly Woodham. Advancing into the area. Letting one fly into the top corner. Rachel Williams the scorer
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