Maidenhead 4 - 1 Caversham

Caversham rounded off 2017 with a defeat at Maidenhead after succumbing to the strength of their stand out striker. In a year that saw Caversham finish their 2016/7 division 2 campaign strongly at 9 a-side following a slow start, they were rewarded with a cup final appearance that almost saw them take the trophy home. However, the step up to division 1 11 a-side football in September has been a tough test for the players and they should take great pride in remaining competitive in games and putting in some good performances with some much improved football on show.

Caversham travelled to Altwood School off the back of a really good performance against reigning league champions Wargrave. However, with some key players missing and Maidenhead having strengthened in recent weeks it was always going to be a tough test to close out the year. Caversham rode their luck after a slow start, but looked the stronger side in the opening quarter. They got their reward when a Daisy corner found Grace on the edge of the box and she fired home the shot for her first goal of the season.

Caversham held out well with player of the match Grace putting in her best performance to date in midfield. With Caversham reverting to 4-4-2 Grace was joined by Martha in central midfield for the first time. Anna, Maud, Lally, Niamh and Olivia rotated in the back four and looked solid for large parts of the game as Serena dealt well with half chances from the Maidenhead strikers. Maidenhead found an equaliser with a well worked goal just before half time and with Caversham rattled, they quickly conceded a second after a defensive mix up left a Maidenhead player unmarked for a tap in.

Caversham could feel justifiably unfortunate to be behind at the break, but as the second half started Leonie, Ruby, Daisy and Evie struggled to make an impact against a well organised Maidenhead defence. Maidenhead scored two more to secure the win early in the second half as Caversham failed to deal with their danger player. Daisy had a late chance for a consolation from a free kick that saw the Maidenhead keeper dismissed for handling outside the box, but she fired the dead ball just wide of the post.