MKHC Mens 1s had their fist away trip of the season in the glorious Reading sunshine, with all drivers taking differing routes through the Berkshire countryside and arriving at the same time, except for captain Mac who got waylaid trying to find the furthest Greggs possible from Reading to ensure Webble could get is pre-match steak bake. With the match being played on the water-based MK made full use of the pre-match showers seeming to decide to warm-up in all the spots the pitch sprinklers were trying to water.

The match started in an even fashion with neither team able to carve out any clear cut chances. This changed when Conor weaved his way passed the Reading midfield to top D where we played the goal towards the goal with Dec on hand to deftly touch the ball passed the keeper to give MK the lead. Reading kept the pressure on with tireless midfield work from Nick, Danny and Conor trying to keep them at bay. Eventually Reading worked the ball down the sideline with Weedle inadvertently stopping the ball for the centre forward to tap in at the back post.

Soon after the moment of the match restored the lead for MK. After good defensive work the ball was work out to Mitch on the half way line who with a pin point pass picked out Dec in space at top D. He proceeded to chip the ball up with his first touch before dispatching past the onrushing keeping with his second. Goal of the season contender in week 2 of the season.

MK kept up the work rate for the rest of the half with Pilau and Ethan continuing to pressurise the Reading backline. This resulted in them stealing the ball high up and finding Mac in the D who saw his shot saved by the keeper with the rebound sitting up invitingly for Luis at the back post. Unfortunately with his first league goal for the 1s in sights, Luis' baseball skills let him down as his swing top-edged the ball wide of the goal.

In the second half Reading came out strongly but the defensive line of Max, Jevans, Cal and Webble stayed resolute and calm to keep the scoreline at 2-1. Reading though were able to equalised halfway through the second half after some mis-communication in the MK side. After Max had had his 10-second to let off steam and cool down,  MK were then indebted to Lemon in goal who pulled off a great diving save to keep the scores level.

With the heat rising both sides were briefly reduced to 10 men with Ethan deciding he needed a 2 min rest on the sideline and went for the green card option rather than using the subs bench.

MK weren't done there though and increased the effort levels in the final 10 minutes as the game became more open. Great work by Danny and Pilau upfront earned MK the first short corner of the game which Mitch duly converted to give MK the lead again. The Hornshaw brother's then combined to great effect down the left hand side and with the ball played into the D Luis turned sharply and placed the ball bottom corner to give MK a two goal cushion.

With coach Aleck sensing his first win of the season MK decided to make it interesting giving away several short corners in the final couple of minutes, with Reading converting the last one of the game to reduce the arrears as the full time whistle sounded.

Overall a great team performance filled with plenty of heart and effort from every player to earn the 1s their first win of the season in the afternoon sunshine. There was still time for Pilau to make a late run for dick of the day as he took it upon himself to play with all the shower levers, only managing to turn off the water and then make it scolding hot.

Man of the Match: Jevans - Solid defensive work from the veteran (in Reading's words)
Dick of the day: Webble - Pre-match steak bake diversion and assisting Reading's first goal

Photo courtesy of Curticus Photography