Caversham AFC x - x Shinfield Rangers

Caversham lost to Shinfield Rangers at a boggy Clayfield Copse after a late flurry of goals by Shinfield. Caversham could have gone ahead through an early penalty, but the spot kick was saved. Despite a suggestion the ball had crossed the line, the referee could not be certain and waved play on. In a very competitive and close first half, Shinfield took the lead from a speculative long shot that skidded past Issy Tyack who had an excellent first half performance in goal. Caversham started the second half strongly and looked to have equalised through Issy Tyack who swapped the striker position with Ciara Ridge at half-time. However, for a second time in the game the referee could not certain the ball had crossed the line and the benefit of the doubt favoured the visiting team. It proved to be a significant turning point as Shinfield's experience and skill began to dominate the game. Some excellent goal keeping from Ciara Ridge kept Caversham in it with Issy Tyack and Ruby Lethbridge always looking dangerous on the break, but towards the end Shinfield were simply much better than Caversham. Three goals in close succession with around 10 minutes to go won the game for Shinfield and there was a danger that Caversham would yield completely to a much bigger defeat. However Caversham continued to work hard and settled the game down again so when Shinfield did hit a fifth right on the referee's final whistle it made for a harsher score line on Caversham than the game warranted.