Reading struggled against Dinamo Electrostal in day two of the European Cup Winners Cup here in Reading. The Russian outsiders surprised the home side with some enterprising play, scoring in the eleventh minute by a goal in open play from Alexei Mamoshikov. Reading were not back on level terms until the late in the second half when the absence of Mikheev (yellow card) allowed Reading skipper, Robert Todd, to pull one back from a penalty corner. With five minutes showing on the clock a stunning goal by Andrew Watts appeared to put Reading back in the driving seat, but the celebrations were short lived. Azarov netted for the Russians and, despite some promising moves, Reading could not find the goal in the remaining few seconds. Final score: 2-2. Readings prospects in this tournament must now seem gravely in doubt. They meet the German side Club an der Alster tomorrow. Only a four goal clear win would guarantee them a place in the final. The worst case scenario could see Reading fighting to keep England’s place in the ‘A’ division of this competition. Their fortune lays in their hands and those of Scot’s rivals, Western Wildcats, who pay Elecrostal tomorrow.
In Edinburgh, Leicester had better luck against a Dinamo side in the women’s tournament. Playing Dinamo Sumchanka, they scored six, with goals from Crista Cullen (3), Helen Richardson, Vanessa Hawkins, and Rebecca Herbert.
