Tilehurst YM surged to the top of the Reading Sunday League Premier Division with a well earned win against Tyre Bay at Victoria Rec. In foggy, yet enjoyable conditions, it was a lively first half for the league's new front runners, as they created several chances, onl;y to be largely thwarted by an inspired performance from the Tyre Bay keeper, who had a personal dual with YM left winger Ryan O'Brien. Michael Buck was exploiting the freedom of the right channel and his direct runs created 2 clear cut chances for O'Brien only for his efforts to be spectaularly saved at the far post. YM took the lead in the tenth minute, and the goal was controversial. A YM set piece was partially cleared and when a lofted ball was played in to the Tyre Bay area, the keeper was sandwiched between two YM forwards, and, after he was seemingly bundled off the ball, YM stalwart Matt Gill nodded home the loose ball for one nil.
It was YM's turn to suffer from a seemingly poor refereeing decision next when Ryan O'Brien was adjudged to have fouled in the penalty area as YM attempted to clear their lines. The ref pointed to the spot, but the Tyre Bay forward failed to convert and his shot whistled wide of the left hand upright.
YM doubled their lead in the 15th minute, and it was also from the Penalty spot. David Gill raced through on goal, but was clipped by a high boot from a Tyre Bay defender and the referee gave the right decision. Mark Harding stepped up and made no mistake for 2-0.
The game erupted into a frnzy of dissent and yellow cards in the 27th minute. Michael Buck's free kick from 30 yards was spilled by Tyre Bay's keeper, and as Ryan O'Brien challenged for the loose ball, the Tyre Bay defence screamed for a free kick. This never materialised and Joe Edwards slotted home the loose ball for 3-0. At least 3 Tyre Bay players were booked as they surrounded the ref, and credit to them, they raised their game and started to claw their way back. Many teams would have lost their heads but they kept on playing, choosing to take issue with the refereeing performance rather than flying in with nasty tackles, as many teams might have.
They got their rewards for this in the 40th minute. The Tyre Bay forward seemed to have the ball in the YM area for an eternity before laying the ball off for an easy finish and 3-1.
The next goal was always going to be massive and it seemed like YM were determined to be profligate in their quest for that goal. YM were attacking well down the right and several cut backs were sent flying over the Tyre Bay goal. The lead was extended in the 65th minute. Great work from Matt Gill resulted in a free kick to the left hand side of the area. Mark Harding's pin point delivery was met at the far post with a crashing header from the in-form Michael Buck to apparently wrap up the points.
Tyre Bay weren't done though and in the 85th minute Tyre Bay notched a consolation. Again, YM failed to clear decisively and after good work by a Tyre Bay forward, they pulled the score back to 4-2.
The scoring wasn't over there however and the points were eventually wrapped up by Michael Buck, who tucked away his second for his mandatory brace, and a comfortable 5-2 win for TYM.
