PNE produced an encoraging performance as they made the long trip south to Didcot Town FC to face Reading, but ultimately luck wasn't on their side as the hosts snatched victory in North End's first league outing of 2009.
With the Royals having been moved into the Northern Division by the FA at the start of the 2008/9 campaign, this was to be the first league encounter between the two teams. An even encounter was anticipated since prior to kick off the sides occupied seventh and ninth positions in the table with North End able to exceed Reading's tally should they win their games in hand.
A close encounter was exactly what turned out, though Preston unfortunately returned north defeated despite having the majority of possession and opportunities, even seeing a penalty saved by a side reduced to a compliment of ten shortly before the interval.
The first such opportunity fell to Gemma Watson in the first five minutes when she saw her shot go over from an Anisha Bateman free kick. An Alison Taberner free kicked was then cleared with Watson on 15 minutes again unfortunately shooting over. Five minutes later the post prevented Preston from taking the lead when Laura Walker's cross was met by Watson.
Reading then had a spell of possession with Danielle Gibbons in the Preston goal doing well to push Emma Pearmine's free kick wide. On 27 minutes the deadlock was broken with Reading taking the lead. Jennifer Osmond - who initially appeared to be offside - finding the onrushing Tasha Caswell who saw her shot first hit the post and then the back of the net.
On 35 minutes goal scorer Caswell was ordered to leave the field of play, a straight red card offence with Vikki Eastwood for Preston receiving a yellow for her suggested involvement in the incident.
Less than five minutes later, referee Medlock halted play to award a penalty to North End. Watson had picked up the ball in her own half running towards the goal she was then brought down in the box by Josie Chubb. Watson stepped up to take the spot kick but her effort towards the bottom right hand corner was saved by Michelle Beazley. The official made further bookings prior to half time Reading's Julia Osmond for a tackle from behind on Watson and Preston's Bateman.
After the interval PNE looked to take full advantage of their additional player and had a long spell of dominance.
Louise Cafferkey was the first to put Beazley further to the test with her free kick being pushed onto the bar then over. A succession of corners followed with Reading managing to somehow clear.
Ten minutes into the half Watson's drive went wide with the same player then producing a neat turn and save from Beazley.
Preston continued to pressure with Sam Cadwallader playing a good ball through for Bateman but with just too much pace for the midfielder to capitalise.
On the hour mark Bateman's free kick was tipped over the bar with the resultant corner being well defended by the home side.
On 73 minutes the Royals extended their lead Josette Pearmine on the break finding Osmond who beat the advancing Gibbons.
Preston manager Chris Stammers then made a triple substitution in an attempt to get back into the game with Cadwallader, Cafferkey and Taberner being replaced by Hannah Bailey, Linny Craig and Mel Martin. Reading then replaced Katie Allen with Melissa Fletcher.
Martin, with five minutes left on the clock, saw her free kick go wide with Bateman then shooting over. With Preston unable to find the back of the net the ten players of Reading held onto their 2-0 advantage to take all three points.
Chris Stammers commented: "The result is not a true reflection of the game. We deserved something - at least a share of the points."
Reading: Michelle Beazley, Stacy Wiggins, Emma Pearmine, Katie Allen, Julia Osmond, Kelly Chambers, Josie Chubb, Josette Pearmine, Jennifer Osmond, Tasha Caswell, Danielle Puddefoot. Subs: Rachel Parting, Melissa Fletcher, Katie Quinlan.
PNE: Danielle Gibbons, Alison Taberner, Sarah Jones, Louise Belcher, Vikki Eastwood, Laura Walker, Anisha Bateman, Sarah Berry (captain), Louise Cafferkey, Sam Cadwallader, Gemma Watson. Subs: Hannah Bailey, Linny Craig, Mel Martin.
