Reading FC's women's team have been crowned Southern Region Champions after defeating Aldershot 4-1 last night.
The team was only formed last summer, and it has been a superb achievement by this talented group of ladies.
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Aldershot actually took a surprise lead, but two goals from Lucy Thomson, another from Laura Woodley and a cracker from Emma-Jayne Pearmine sealed the title with three games to spare.
The team can also complete a double when they play their League Cup final on 20th May.
Lee Herron, Director Of Women's Football told readingfc.co.uk, "All credit to the girls. They've been absolutely sensational this season.
"Last night's performance epitomised what they're about. Going 1-0 down and coming back in style is such an example of what this group has done.
"The hard work starts now and we're putting plans in place to continue in the same vein next season."
Match report by Mark Allen
Reading were playing their third game in a week, after tough games against Slough and away to Shanklin Ladies (Isle of Wight), knowing that they needed one victory from their last four games to be confirmed as Champions.
They started brightly with Philippa Allen shooting over in the first minute and Kayleigh Mitchell forcing an excellent save from the keeper.
However Aldershot were keen to spoil the occasion and came more into the game, taking the lead in the 14th minute after indecision in the Reading defence.
This spurred this spirited Reading side into action and they were level within two minutes when Lucy Thomson's long range free-kick slipped through the Aldershot keeper's hands to level the score.
They took the lead when good work by Mitchell found Emma-Jayne Pearmine, who cut inside and crashed a 20-yard shot into the top corner of the net. This was the left back's third goal in two games.
Reading were now beginning to take control with the defence of Lian Ryan, Becky Todd, Becky Sargent and Emma-Jayne Pearmine in front of keeper Charlotte Poole restricting Aldershot to few clear-cut chances.
The midfield of Stacey Wiggins, Thomson, Mitchell and Allen were working tremendously hard to feed goal-a-game strikers Tracey Beales and Laura Woodley, who were again outstanding.
They added a third after 36 minutes when Thomson found Beales, whose flick allowed Woodley to finish into the corner.
Reading nearly added a fourth right on half time with their best move of the half, but Woodley headed over from Wiggins cross.
The second half began with Woodley playing in Beales, whose shot hit the post and an Aldershot defender cleared off the line.
Victory was sealed in the 68th minute when Wiggins and Pearmine combined to release Thomson and her 30-yard shot crept into the bottom corner.
Reading introduced substitutes Emily Smith, Sarah Brown and Kayleigh Hines for the last fifteen minutes, all of whom have played a major part in the side's success this season.
Special mention to Emma Wilcox and the injured Josette Pearmine, as well as Laura Derlacki and Polly New for their part in the team's success. Without doubt everyone in the squad has played a major part in the success of the team over the season.
The match ended 4-1 to Reading, which confirmed them as league champions with three games to play and a league cup final to look forward to as well. This is an outstanding achievement in the teams first season with such a young squad.
More success for the Royals. Along with last season, this season and the reserves winning the league, (good luck against Bolton BTW), this club is moving forward like a steam strain!
