Town squander lead against derby rivals (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Town squander lead against derby rivals

WOMEN'S FOOTBALL: SWINDON Town Ladies squandered a first-half lead as they went down 3-1 against derby rivals Reading in the South West Combination League

Town took the lead on 15 minutes, Kim Reeves flicking on Jodie Steenaart's goal kick to send Laura Morgan clear to score.

Royals' keeper Anna Crane did well to keep Michelle Brown out soon after.

Town escaped a dangerous Royals' attack when Carla Rose shot over the bar when she should have done better.

However, Town should have extended their lead when Crane went clear on goal only to fire wide.

Steenaart saved Town again when she stopped Deborah Scotcher's fierce shot but 10 minutes into the second half Reading equalised.

Rose set up Cheryl Williams to score and then matters got worse when Town were reduced to 10 players.

Sam Quinn received her marching orders after clashing with Deborah Scotcher, who was shown a yellow card.

On 53 minutes, Reading took the lead, Rose finding the net.

After that Steenaart was the busier of the two keepers and she did well to keep out Scotcher's low drive after she had been put clear by Shelly Strudley.

In 77th minute, Reading killed off the game, Rose scoring again from close range.

n Town Reserves visited Devizes Town in the Wiltshire County League and won 15-0.

Louise Corcoran scored four, Carly Smith and Sarah-Jane Thompson both scored hat-tricks, Cara Costello scored twice and Julie Burson, Freya Keene and Pam Ashman all got one goal apiece.