Reading City and Ascot United played out a 1-1 draw at the Rivermoor on Tuesday night as the Combined Counties League Premier Division’s North top-two served up a defensive masterclass.
Ahead of the game, this reporter suggested ‘something had to give‘ between the division’s top two scorers and defences, but in truth nothing did and it’s certainly arguable which side will be happier with a point.
City had the best of the first half and had a penalty shout turned down as well as a couple of chances flash past Jamie Ashdown’s goal, but really it was slim pickings at both ends!
However, the introduction of Marcus Mealing and Keaton August for Ascot sparked a bit of life and with 20 minutes left, it was Yellamen who looked the most likely to get the winner, if one was to come, in front of a crowd of over 200.
In a classic football cliche, it was a former player who broke the deadlock when Ascot’s Alfie Grant fired a thumping strike into the City net to the joy of the visitor’s decent following.
That looked to be that, but City had one final chance and it was Dan Davies who levelled, heading home a late equaliser that ensured a share of the points and the home side’s unbeaten Combined Counties League record remained intact.
This certainly wasn’t a ‘feast of football’ served up, but you could certainly see why both teams are where they are at the top. Defensively sound, tough in the challenge and a will to fight to the end. Both will take some stopping this season.
Were you at the game? How did you see it? Let us know in the comments below.
