Tilehurst Panthers Colts 1 - 2 Caversham AFC

Caversham earned a hard fought 3 points against Tilehurst Panthers Colts at Victoria Road Recreation Ground. This was a game of fine margins that had two well balanced teams fully committed right from the start. Tilehurst put Caversham under some early pressure, but their defensive line of Olivia and Niamh, led by Martha meant that although Serena was busy in goal there were very few serious chances created by Tilehurst. With a new 3-1-3-1 formation, Grace had a superb game in the hole allowing Tia, Daisy and player of the match Izzy to cause problems and get Evie released to put pressure on the Tilehurst goal. Caversham didn't have to wait long to make the break through as Evie sprung the off-side trap, in what is fast becoming a trademark counter attack, to slot the ball past the Tilehurst keeper for her 4th goal of the season after just 5 minutes. One goal was never going to be enough against Tilehurst, but Leah came into the game and put in an excellent display to snuff out any real threat and with Anna bringing pace and strength to the midfield it meant Caversham were reasonably comfortable to get to half time still 1-0 up. The second half started well for Caversham, but a lapse in concentration put a goal kick straight down the throat of Tilehurst's striker and for the only time in the game the Caversham midfield stood and watched as the shot was pinged straight back past Serena to make it 1-1. This put Tilehurst back in the driving seat, but Caversham's discipline held and they went close when Tia swung in a cross from the byline toward Daisy, who was unmarked in front of an open goal, but just unable to make the vital connection. Shortly afterwards Daisy looked to make amends by unleashing a shot after beating a couple of Tilehurst defenders, but the Tilehurst keeper pulled off an excellent save to deny her. With time running out and the game heading towards a draw, it was Tia who found herself clear and she released a shot that the keeper looked to have tipped over the bar, but instead it looped agonisingly for her just under the bar. It sparked a huge celebration from the Tia and Caversham team, such was the tense nature of the game. It was then left for Caversham to defend a frantic final 10 minutes and when the referee blew for full time there was huge relief to have got the 3 points.