Caversham desperately unlucky in first league loss

The Swans turned up for their top of the table clash against AFT Crystals and really gave it an amazing go ........ in reality, they were the better team and did just about everything ..... other than win (OK I admit to being a teeny bit biased :-)). The entire team were amazing all the players made a big contribution. First half the Swans were well on top and after a couple of close misses Lally beat them for pace again and after composing herself, calmly slotted it home. One nil, we were all lined up for the kick off and wait ......... their linesman doesn’t know how to line ...... and then suddenly she does and apparently it was offside - SERIOUSLY !!!!! The ref was very generous and disallowed the (perfectly good in my view) goal. Caversham brushed that off and pushed on and another great ball from Lucy saw Lally battered over in the penalty area and penalty to Caversham. Lianna did everything right .... low and hard, but it slid just wide - unlucky again !!! Crystals were shocked and now came out fighting with some good attacks but Maud, Anna, Martha, Niamh, Izzy and Olivia stood firm. Grace, Lianna and Lucy were terrorising them further up and Lally had them for pace every time. The only thing they really had was a long throw and brilliantly defended by all of the team including Maud using her face !!!! The thrower kept asking “who wants it ?” and Niamh was the first one to put her hand up - superb !!! Second half Anna dropped into centre back and Ruby continued to terrorise them down the right. They came into it more and Serena made 2 excellent saves ... normal for Serena !!!! Caversham went through again with a strong run from Grace and the ball broke to Maud who smashed it just over the bar - unlucky !!! Then Ruby was through and the ball bobbled just at the wrong time. Abby and Leonie both came on with fresh legs and made some excellent runs, demonstrating our strength in depth. With 15 minutes to go Crystals put together a good move and after a couple of shots were blocked the ball broke fortunately for them and a low hard shot crept past Serena ..... not something she is used to at all !!! Caversham continued to push forward, but Crystals killed the game well and unfortunately the final whistle came way too soon. A really tremendous performance from Caversham and every player should be very very proud indeed. It really is the performance that counts and Mick, John and Gary couldn’t ask for any more from the girls. Well done and thanks also to all of the parents for the excellent support we really appreciate it. Big game next week, so let's make sure we bounce back.