Bermuda Hogges 0

Reading United 1

Bermuda Hogges spurned two late goalscoring opportunities against Reading United who were made to hang on for victory at BAA Field yesterday.

Although they trailed for most of the match, Hogges finished on the front foot against United but were unable to deliver the decisive blow to draw level.

Both substitute Nahki Wells and Keishen Bean fired over the crossbar from enticing positions in the final few minutes to ensure the Hogges ended the match empty-handed.

In fairness, though, a draw would have probably flattered the hosts who fell behind after 13 minutes to a goal from United's William Schuler.

A lapse in concentration from Seion Darrell afforded United's colossal midfielder Charles Sapong far too much time and space to thread a through ball into Schuler's path who made no mistake with a smart finish.

United, the defending Mid Atlantic Division champions, dominated the remainder of the first period but showed little killer instinct in attack and were unable to force a meaningful save from the Hogges' goalkeeeper Freddy Hall.

But for all United's superiority, Hogges still could have entered the interval on level terms had Troy Tucker's attempted diving header connected with Angelo Simmons' inviting cross, while Damon Ming saw his curling free-kick superbly tipped onto the bar by United 'keeper Jeremy Vuolo.

Tempers simmered just before the break when United's coaching staff protested vehemently against referee Clive Edward's decision not to penalise Hogges' defender Jaylon Bather for a robust challenge, with fourth official Anthony Francis having to step in to restore calm.

The game then descended into a more sedate affair with both teams struggling to find their rhythm early on in the second half.

Hogges, in particular, were looking slightly off the pace until coach Scott Morton shuffled his pack, sending on Wells, Tyrell Burgess and Jared Peniston.

All three players added some much-needed spark with Wells injecting plenty of vim and vigour into the midfield, while the experienced Peniston defended superbly against United's chief tormentor Villa Boa.

Simmons, too, was causing United's defence a real headache and crafted himself a half chance when he cut inside his full back and let fly with a venomous strike which flew just over the bar.

At the other end, Hall produced a stunning reflex save to deny a stinging close range shot from Tyler Witmar.

Hogges almost found the equaliser they so craved late on when substitute Quadir Maynard found Wells free in the box but the Dandy Town man struck his half volley harmlessly over the bar.

And with just seconds left on the clock, lone front man Bean nearly came to the Hogges' rescue when he controlled a bouncing ball on his thigh to set up a scoring opportunity but he could not direct his shot on target.

Hogges' coach Scott Morton said he felt his team looked far too tense in front of goal.

"I felt we deserved more, especially with the opportunities we had late on," Morton said, "and if we had shown a little more decisiveness in front of goal, as well as being more relaxed, I think we could have got something out of the game."

"I think our players showed a lot of commitment but we just need to work on a few things in training such as keeping our shape, especially in the first half."

Bermuda Hogges: F.Hall, G.Dyer (J.Peniston, 75), D.Tankard, A.Gibbons (J.Bather, 13, Q.Maynard, 85), M.Waldron (Capt) , S.Darrell (N.Well, 72) T.Tucker, D.Ming, S.Hollis, (T.Burgess, 72), K.Bean, A.Simmons

Substitutes not used: T.Bell

Reading United: J.Vuolo, R.Geddis (J. Reid, 90), M. Villa Boa, A.Wenger, M.Hedges, E.Schoenle, N.Bibbs (E.Frimpong, 21), C.Sapong, L.Mullholland (T.Witmar, 75) E.Detzel, W.Schuler

Substitutes not used: J.Goodwin

Goals: Schuler, 13

Yellow cards: Frimpong

Referee: C.Edwards

Man of the match: M.Villa Boa (United)