READING secured a 3-0 victory over the University of Birmingham on Saturday evening to go top of the Investec Women’s Premier Division as the only team on maximum points.
Their third win in three games so far leaves them two points clear of rivals Olton and West Warwickshire, who had led the table briefly before Reading’s win.
Goals from Alex Danson, Chantal de Bruijn and Juanita Mcdonald gave Reading the win. But they suffered a set-back late in the game when Sam Quek was taken to hospital with a split head.
Olton temporarily led the table after beating hosts Cannock 5-1 earlier in the day.
Two goals from Holly Chipman in the second half helped Olton to victory, while their other goals came from Emma Rochlin, Emma McCabe and Denise Marston-Smith.
They might’ve won by a greater margin, but Rachel Clift had her 63rd minute penalty stroke saved by Cannock goalkeeper Gemma Brookes. Jessica Wood scored the home side’s consolation.
Olton are top of the table on goal difference only, while Clifton are also on seven points following their 2-2 draw with Bowdon Hightown.
The visitors led early on after Els Mansell and Zoe Leach scored on 4 and 12 minutes, both from penalty corners.
Bowdon hit back with goals from Tina Cullen on 28 minutes and Fay Nash on 58 minutes to salvage a point.
Elsewhere, Leicester won 3-0 at Sutton Coldfield, with Hannah Macleod scoring on 14 and 56 minutes. Jess Hickman also netted on 45 minutes, while they could’ve had a fourth goal, but Anne Panter fired wide left with her 18th minute penalty stroke.
Canterbury ran out 2-0 winners against Slough, with Eliza Brett and Susannah Townsend scoring their second half goals.
* Reading play University of Birmingham at 1630, and a victory would see them go above both Olton and Clifton.
