Tilehurst YM produced a blistering first half display to overcome an ill-disciplined Whitley Wood side. Dominating from the outset, YM set the tone as Dave Gill broke away from his marker down the right hand side and squared for the returning Michael Buck to slot home into an unguarded net.
For long spells, YM dominated proceedings but were profligate in front of goal, with Gill, Eason and Edwards spurning good chances to double the lead. They were almost made to pay when Benham was forced into a good save low to his left hand side as Whitley found a rare opening.
YM finally converted one of their many opportunities as a flick header from Dan Offley found the onrushing Matthew Eason down the left hand side. He dribbled into the box before producing a delightful chip over the keeper. The ball had already crossed the line as Dave Gill arrived to make sure at the back post.
Whitley's play became infinitely more ragged as YM threatened to run riot. The game was punctuated by a truly outstanding goal from Buck, who controlled a loose ball in the inside right position before arrowing a shin-high 30 yard volley across the keeper into the side of the net. A quite superb goal that would have graced any game of football.
YM rounded off the half as the industrious Offley burst clear after a Michael Croker clearance. Offley took no chances with the finish, drawing the keeper before lashing it into the back of the net from just inside the area.
Tilehurst remained in the ascendancy but were guilty of wasting chances aplenty after the break. Full back Matt Gill burst into the box on two occasions after breaks down the right hand side, only to finish wastefully. As Whitley grew increasingly frustrated, they opted to recklessly lunge at YM players who were left unprotected by the referee. Predictably, after another foul on Mark Bolton, Whitley players converged to begin a fracas as YM's focus turned to self preservation.
Whitley reduced arrears by half after the scuffle with goals in quick time against a clearly unsettled YM backline. Young Men did however recover their composure to see the game out comfortably and claim their 4th win of the season.
(Match Report and Ratings from Matt Gill)
