Bermuda Hogges 0

Reading United 0

On this evidence Bermuda Hogges might just be a force to be reckoned with this season.

The Premier Development League (PDL) new-boys delivered an impressive opening night's display to earn a well-deserved draw against table-topping Reading United yesterday.

It was the visitors who impressed in the early stages, however, forcing the Hogges to absorb an abundance of early pressure with defender Matthew Hedges twice heading over the crossbar from dangerous set-pieces.

United's early dominance was probably to be expected considering this was their fifth game of the season with their previous outings all yielding convincing wins.

Even so, Hogges were still showing glimpses of attacking invention themselves with Troy Tucker firing Hogges' first meaningful chance over the bar, while Angelo Simmons saw his powerful drive cleared off the line by Eric Schoenle.

Scott Morton's men would have been a little relieved to have gone into the interval on level terms but having weathered the first half storm, and with the wind now in their favour, Hogges began to impose themselves on the visitors.

First, Damon Ming forced a flying save from United's goalkeeper Joseph Goodwin with a crisp strike from the edge of the box, while winger Simmons was proving a constant menace with his searing pace and mischievous trickery.

On more than one occasion the Boulevard wideman bamboozled a batch of defenders but just couldn't supply the final ball his fine wing play warranted.

Not that the Hogges were having it all their own way, though.

United were still enjoying plenty of possession and ensured it was a nervous finale with Hogges having to resort to some desperate defending at times.

But with a decent sized BAA crowd cheering them on – including Plymouth manager Paul Mariner and Bermuda cricket captain David Hemp – the Hogges held firm to set up another intriguing battle in tomorrow's second installment of their double-header against the defending Mid Atlantic Division champions.

Hogges' coach Scott Morton said he was delighted with his team's second half performance and believed they might just have snatched a victory.

"I'm delighted with the way we played and I think we could have won," said Morton.

"I thought the second half was full of intensity, we fought hard and the players took on every instruction we gave them. I couldn't have asked for anything more from the players and the coaching staff are extremely proud of them.

"This was Reading's fifth game this season so their wheels have been turned whereas this was our first game.

"Once our players got adjusted to the pace of the game our natural abilities took over."

Hogges face United tomorrow at BAA Field at 6 p.m.

Bermuda Hogges: F.Hall, G.Dyer, J.Bather, M.Waldron (Capt) A.Gibbons (D.Tankard, 90), S.Darrell, T.Tucker (N.Wells, 84), D.Ming, A.Simmons, K.Bean (S.Hollis, 76), T. Burgess,

Substitites not used: T.Bell, R.DeShields, Q.Maynard, J.Peniston

Yellow cards: Waldron

Reading United: J.Goodwin, M.VillaBoa, R.Gaddis, J.Wenger, M.Hedges, E.Schoenle, N.Bibbs, C.Sapong, L.Mullholland, T.Witmar, E.Detzel (E.Frimpay, 75)

Substitites not used: M.Murphy, J.Reid

Yellow cards: E.Schoenle

Referee: C.Edwards

Man of the match: Gibbons (Hogges)