NOT AT THE RACES Combination League Final

A fresh faced Reading reserve line-up lost the Pontins Holiday Combination Final to Western Division champions Cheltenham Town at Whaddon Road last night. Team coach driver Ronnie of Horseman's Coaches has probably driven school field trips of a higher average age than the team taken to Gloucestershire last night and it showed with a 2-1 loss to a stronger and more determined home side. Goalscorer Simon Cox was the pick of the Reading side for whom James Henry also impressed with Pierre Josep-Dubois showing glimpses of real ability in the second half. Centre-half Alex Pearce is another good prospect and he won everything in the air although he let himself down with some sloppiness in possession - indicative of a Reading who tried to be too flash on several ocassions throughout the game - which gifted Cheltenham's first goal. Despite defeat, this was at times a promising display and the young guns should learn from their mistakes which cost them the game.