A Share of the Spoils after the best game of the season so far

Caversham Swans arrived at a soggy Clayfield knowing that the last game against Winnersh had been a tight affair with Caversham just emerging on top (2 – 1) and the Rangers coming on very strong towards the end of the match. Serena “the cat’s” penalty save will live long in all of our memories to win the game that day.

The early exchanges were tight with Caversham starting really well and getting to the ball first across the park and some great balls through saw a couple of early chances. Winnersh were really struggling to handle Lucy and Lally’s pace up front and the chances kept coming ….. but we were struggling to keep our composure and put them away. Ruby was very effective on the right wing and Grace and Maud really were dominating the centre of the midfield and so the balls kept coming through to the forwards. At the back Olivia, Anna and Niamh replaced by Izzy and Abby were doing a fantastic job and the few occasions that Winnersh did break the line, Lianna had a superb game anticipating and clearing the ball decisively. As Caversham tired, Winnersh pushed harder and started to get to the ball first and a little against the run of play, the ball broke down the left with Lally and Leonie doing a sharp one two and Leonie keeping her composure and “slotting” home a fantastic goal in a calm and controlled way – she reminded me of Messi !!!! In the second half Winnersh came into the game more and started to get some more chances with one of their corners missing everyone and just eluding their right winger at the far post. We had a couple more chances with Grace firing in a free kick which the goalie just got a toe to and Lucy again beating them for pace. With 5 minutes left Caversham could almost see the finish line …… but a scramble in the centre following a Winnersh corner saw the ball “pop out” and a firm shot from one of their midfielders deflected, hit the post and went in. Serena had no chance as she was unsighted and the deflection was very unlucky. Both teams had chances in the last few minutes and on balance even though Caversham had many, many more clear cut chances I think that 1 – 1 was a fair result on the day as Winnersh never gave up. Mick, John, Duncan and I were delighted with the effort and the application throughout the game – great start, creating chances and defending very strongly. Our one improvement to work on would be composure in front of goal and taking more of our chances. Can’t wait for next weeks game !!!!