Drax upbeat despite Reading defeat

Maidenhead United FC turned in a useful display against a full-time Reading Reserves XI at York Road on Tuesday night in front of a crowd of 332.

The Royals ran out 4-1 winners but the home side acquitted themselves well, especially in the second half, against a team who had beaten Maidenhead’s Blue Square South rivals Basingstoke Town 5-0 on Saturday.

The Magpies had a couple of good scoring opportunities in the first half but goals from Simon Church, after 22 minutes, and Daniel Joyce, in the 36th minute, gave Reading a 2-0 half-time advantage.

Nicholas Bignall extended Reading’s lead within a minute of the restart, but the best goal of the night was scored by Magpies striker Richard Pacquette, with a spectacular overhead kick in the 67th minute.

Gylfi Sigurdsson added a fourth goal for Reading in the 81st minute, but there were encouraging signs from the Magpies.

Magpies boss Johnson Hippolyte was delighted with his team’s performance on Tuesday and thought the result was not a fair reflection of the match.

He said: “It was a really good game, with both teams playing good football.

“But I have to say that I thought that we were the better team. The difference on the day was the finishing.

“We had several chances but couldn’t take them. Ricky White had a great chance to put us 1-0 up but blasted it over the bar. But overall I was pleased with the way we played, as I was against Woking on Saturday.

“We were stuffed by Aldershot last week, so it was good to come back and compete.”

As to whether the much-talked about new striker will be joining the Magpies, Hippolyte was still keeping his options open. He said: “I am really pleased with the five players I have brought in and the squad is pretty settled now.

“Everyone knows we are seeking a striker, and I spoke to one last night (Tuesday) and this morning (Wednesday), but it all comes down to money.

“I won’t rush a decision and I am certainly not panicking. If I don’t get anyone before the start of the season then Lee Newman, Gavin James and Richard Pacquette will be given chances to show what they can do.”

The Magpies continue their pre-season against Holyport tonight (Thursday) at Summerleaze Park, kick-off 7.30pm.

They then travel to Stag Meadow to face Windsor & Eton on Saturday, kick-off 3pm, before playing at Bracknell Town on Tuesday.