Both teams will feel disappointed by the outcome of their first ever meeting in the top flight of English Hockey, but the draw was probably the fairest result in what had been billed as a ‘must win’ or at least a ‘must not lose’ contest.
Reading had suffered narrow back-to-back defeats against top class opponents in the last few weeks, but their strong performance levels had increased rather than decreased their confidence in surviving if not thriving in their first season back at the highest level, and they started brightly here against their fellow mid-table sitters, dominating the play to such an extent that, despite failing to score, a two goal lead after the first quarter would not have flattered their superiority.
They carried this momentum into the second quarter but continued to see good approach play end with the final touch being tantalisingly out of reach of every dangerous cross that they played into the circle, which they did time after time. Throughout the first half, Oxted were limited to an occasional unthreatening foray up the pitch, and were easily repelled by Reading’s defence, superbly marshalled by Adam Pescod.
As the second quarter wore on however, Reading subconsciously but noticeably allowed their performance level to drop to that of their inferior opponents, giving the latter some encouragement that they might survive the encounter with a rather drab and uninspiring stalemate.
At half time, the heavy rain abruptly stopped and bright sunshine graced the entire second half, which somehow upended the complexion of the game. Reading started the half almost asleep and found themselves a goal behind within the first minute following Oxted’s first attacking move of quality, Chris Wyver having no chance to save a fierce shot high into the net.
Oxted’s story since promotion to the top flight a couple of years ago has been one of dogged survival and, immediately after taking the lead, they retreated into game management mode to protect the valuable points , a bold strategy with nearly half the game still to play.
Nonetheless, they did it very well, playing the game in areas of the pitch from which it was difficult for Reading to launch attacks. With no great ambition to add to their goal tally, they could afford to take their time over restarts, and play long balls rather aimlessly into space down the pitch.
Reading became frustrated and resorted to long aerial balls out of defence to break out of their opponents’ press, but this tactic served only to allow the umpires to penalise Reading for playing the ball dangerously into congested areas, frustrating them even more.
It would not be a stretch to say that Reading did not really look like scoring at this point as good chances were no longer being created.
With the clock fast ticking down, and an Oxted player receiving treatment for a hamstring injury, Reading threw caution to the wind and replaced their goalkeeper with an outfield player for the final three minutes.
This did not initially generate any improvement, but Reading embarked on one final desperate push up the pitch, this time with speed and precision, much lacking in their play earlier in the game.
There was one final circle penetration and, at last, an unwise attempt by an Oxted defender to snatch the ball away from Reading’s Monty Neave from an impossible position, leading to a penalty corner just before the final whistle blew. Step up Wales’ Fred Newbold, who dispatched Matt Richards’ injection flat, true, and hard past the Oxted goalkeeper to level the scores with the last strike of the match.
Reading’s next ‘must win’ game, against struggling East Grinstead is at home on Sunday, November 13, starting at 2.30 pm
By Ronan Daffey
