Reading were in imperious form as they hit seven past Old Cranleighans without reply to keep their first clean sheet of the season.
Despite their eventual convincing victory, Reading dominated possession without incisive penetration in the first quarter which therefore ended goalless.
But that soon changed as Old Cranleighans succumbed to the relentless pressure on their defence and the Reading attackers seemed to be straining for “goal of the season” status with every move.
Will Holderness opened the scoring with a smashed volley in the 21st minute, and Connor Beauchamp added to his tally with a high and accurate penalty corner strike on the verge of half time.
With the visitors visibly tiring and unable to cope with the fast-moving Reading players, the floodgates opened in the third quarter, three goals coming in quick succession from Tom Minall, Ryan Crowe, and the superb Matt Richards.
Further goals came in the fourth quarter from defender Adam Pescod, who found himself unusually high up the pitch when the ball broke to him in acres of space, and finally from Tom Minall, his second game in a row with two goals to his name.
Maintaining their 100% record and top spot in the league, Reading are in confident mood as they prepare to host their closest rivals Sevenoaks at Sonning Lane next Saturday evening, with a start time of 6.30 p.m.
The club welcomes spectators to attend as their team strive for promotion to England’s highest division.
