BROOKLANDS MU suffered a second successive defeat, going down 3-2 at home against Reading in the Men's Hockey League Premier Division.

The game started on a positive note for the hosts, dictating play and dominating possession, but they were unable to create any meaningful chances and Reading took an early lead through a well-executed short-corner routine.

At half time, coach Mark Bateman reiterated the need for high intensity to help build the pressure in the second half. Brooklands took this on board and had the better of the early exchanges in the second half, with Peter Flanagan equalising with his trademark low short-corner drag flick.

Brooklands then dominated with Ollie Clarke showing his fast dribbling skills to create a chance for David Flanagan to flick powerfully home into the roof of the net.

A physical altercation between Richard Slater and Reading's GB international, Liam Sanford, left the former on his knees at the top of the D and the scuffle resulted in both players receiving five-minute yellow cards.

Reading then managed to score a goal against the run of play, with the umpires believing the ball had crossed the line after a scramble in the Brooklands D.

Post-match analysis of the video confirmed the ball had not crossed the line, but the umpires' decision was final and it was back all square at 2-2

Both teams pushed for all three points bit it was Reading who managed to grab the winner through a rebound after a good save by Chris Scott from an initial short corner.

Brooklands had some late short corners, but the precision was not there to force a deserved equaliser.

Brooklands host Wimbledon this Sunday at 2pm.