TOM CARSON scored with the very last touch of the match to earn Reading HC a 1-0 win over Hampstead & Westminster in their opening Premier Division match on Sunday, writes Dave Wright.

The Blues, with a much-changed side from last season and relying heavily on youngsters, deserved their victory.

Player-coach Andy Watts said: "Everyone stepped up and did really well."

Reading created the better chances and defended well with a back four that included winger Jonty Clarke.

With several having left Sonning Lane for various reasons, Watts has had to make numerous changes and still has more players to come into his squad.

He said: "We knew our first game wasn't going to be perfect and there are certain bits we will need to work on, but I was very pleased with the effort put in and by the way our defence stayed focussed throughout the game."

Watts, who plans to play more himself this season, must have been delighted with the performances of his youngsters.

"They were worked hard during pre-season and we have seen the rewards," he added.

One of them, Jack Whelan, threaded some excellent balls into the Hampstead circle, while Jack Smart set up a chance for Ben Boon, whose reversed-stick shot flew high over bar.

The visitors occasionally threatened, with Stuart Loughrey forcing a good save from keeper Tommy Alexander and Alex Simpson squandering a good opportunity.

Alexander looked solid throughout the game, with another save denying Jon Codling, who was making his debut following his switch from Reading.

At the other end, Boon fired wide from a chance set up by skipper Chris Newman before John Jackson got even closer, hitting the right-hand post with a reversed stick effort.

The game looked to be heading for a goalless draw until Boon forced a penalty corner just as the final whistle sounded. Clarke's injection was stopped by Newman for Carson to fire high into the net.

"Tom's delivery was fantastic," said Watts. "It was a pleasing win but we certainly left it late."

Blues are away to Canterbury this Sunday. Rick Mantell will return, having missed the Hampstead game as he was attending brother Simon's wedding in Exeter.

Simon, who has been sidelined for nearly a year due to conciousness, could be back playing next month.

"When everyone is available, there will be plenty of competition in the squad for places, so that will be great," added Watts.

The latest recruit to the Reading ranks is 27-year-old Mike Cullimore, who was previously with Conference West side Cheltenham.

Maz Downer scored the goal that saw Reading Ladies open their Investec League campaign with a 1-1 draw at Buckingham.

Blues fielded a new-look side, as they were missing all of their GB internationals as well as three players from New Zealand and Australia who have yet to arrive in England.

They did, however, give debuts to several new players, including England under-21 international Rebecca van Berkel, Hannah Leigh, Orla Cooke and Rose Winter.

There was also a welcome return for Fen Holland, who was out injured for much of last season.The teenager performed well in an unaccustomed back-four role.

It was Downer, who at 36 is the oldest player in the squad, who showed the way to goal. It came from a penalty corner, which she injected herself. The ball bobbed about in the area before Downer pushed it over the line from close range just before half-time.

Reading deserved to be in the lead at half-time, but five minutes into the second half the scores were level with Phoebe Richards marking her debut with a goal.

Boosted by their equaliser, Buckingham came more into the game, but without being able to breach the Blues' defence.

A draw was the fairest result to the game.

Reading's first home fixture is against University of Birmingham this Saturday (1.30pm).