United don’t have the best of records in the Thames Valley League Cup and Sunday extended their poor run in the competition with the Reserves losing to a lively Wargrave team in difficult conditions
The side started brightly enough with Kayleigh Johnston having a strong run early on but the Ducks were forced to reshuffle when influential centre back Elise Devanney was forced off with breathing problems after just five minutes
The visitors went ahead shortly afterwards when keeper Kerry Naisbitt did well to save a rasping drive but could do nothing as the ball fell kindly to a Wargrave striker who gratefully accepted the opportunity from close range
Charlotte Knight shot over before the Berkshire side doubled their lead with a break away goal on 24 minutes
A minute later it was game over as Naisbitt again saved well but the resultant follow up was slotted home
Shannon MacLeod forged a good chance before the interval, beating two defenders but her effort was well saved
United played better in the second half with MacLeod again coming closest but two late Wargrave goals gave the score line a slightly undeserved look
There were some good performances, particularly from Player of the Match Harriet Long at right back but the result wasn’t what United had been looking for and their quest for League Cup glory has to wait for another season