Caversham AFC 1 - 1 Laurel Park

Caversham ended the season on a high with a brilliant performance against league champions Laurel Park. Caversham could be forgiven for being concerned before the game kicked off at Clayfield Copse given the season that unbeaten Laurel Pak have had. However with Olivia, Niamh, Grace and Martha playing as a back four for the first time to give Serena greater protection, it was obvious from the start that Caversham would not be easily rolled over. Having comfortably weathered the early pressure Caversham reverted to 3-4-1 and as a result they started to control much of the midfield through Ruby, Tia and Daisy who had a particularly good first half with some excellent turns and passing. Evie looked dangerous on the counter attack all game and a move for her into midfield along with Issy and Saffron started to open the game up. Anna had a spell up front in what was just her second league game and she is already showing some great promise as her game awareness rapidly improves. With score 0-0 at half-time and little to chose between the teams, Caversham went into the second half full of confidence and believing that this was now a game they could win. They didn't have to wait long for the first real chance of the game which fell to Evie as she broke the defence and ran clean through. However one touch too many and a good stop by the Laurel Park keeper kept the scores level. There then followed another three excellent chances for Evie, Tia and Ruby, but the Laurel Park keeper couldn't be beaten. Laurel Park are an excellent team though as their results have shown and as the game entered the last quarter they found the back of net when the excellent Caversham defence was finally breached. Caversham bounced back quickly with Evie using her speed to break clear and ending her recent goal drought with a good finish. It was nothing short of what Caversham deserved. With the game now much more open as players tired chances fell at both ends, the best of which fell to Tia in the very last minute. A powerful run with ball at feet opened up the chance, but she couldn't quite find the finish that would have certainly won the game. Overall an excellent defensive performance led by player of the match Martha and some excellent handling and kicking by Serena secured the point, but there were certainly a lot of chances created to take all three.