A handful of supporters made what was meant to be a therapeutic trip to the Hanwell Town ground this afternoon after the traumas of Crewe to see Barnet FC Ladies make their debut in the FA Tesco Women's Premier League National Division.
They saw Stacey Sowden increase her truly magnificent goals tally to 185 in 147 appearances ... but waste a host of chances in a 2-1 defeat by Reading, who finished eight points behind the Southern Division champions Bees last season to win promotion.
Reading's Natasha Caswell, their free kick specialist, curled in an eighth minute opener and then score from a penalty three minutes from half time.
By the time Sowden reduced the arrears after 50 minutes she had wasted a one-on-one chance and been denied by the Reading goalkeeper.
The Bees missed summer signing from Watford Sally Wade, who is away playing for Wales in World Cup qualifying games against Azerbaijan and Sweden. Two other newcomers played, Abbi Prosser (from Arsenal) and Jess Trimnell, as a substitute (Fulham). Prosser, sister of Southend United central defender Luke, who trialled with Barnet pre-season, sprayed the ball around like a female Paul Scholes and looks a good acquisition.
A disappointing afternoon for those seeking therapy. But at least we saw a Barnet goal!
Dennis Signy
