Reading - Away

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Reading 3 - 2 Beeston

Beeston assisted Reading towards the League title with an inept performance at Sonning Lane. Both teams were missing their England World Cup players but Beeston turned the ball over too frequently to seriously challenge for the points.

Reading took the lead through a penalty corner that seemed to mesmerize the Beeston defence. Felix Froeschie, spinning and twisting before dumping George Pinner on the deck and flicking home over him. Jon Codling finished off a good right wing move to put Reading into a comfortable half-time lead.

Beeston came out after half time in a more positive mood. Andrew Monte pulled one back from Beeston's 5th penalty corner, three minutes after the break and a minute later the Bees were level as Stephen Wood finished off a good attacking move.

Reading again took the lead in the 43rd minute as the Beeston defence again parted. The Bees conceded three soft goals, created some chances, but never looked in the mood to finish them off. Reading fed off the Beeston errors and took all the points from a game of poor basic skills. Reading look to have a comfortable end of season run in and should be expected to take the title, as well as the automatic Euro Hockey League slot.

Beeston face second placed, Surbiton, at Highfields (1.30pm) on Sunday. The Bees will need to take maximum points from this encounter if they are to challenge for a top three finish.