Swans earn hard fought win

Caversham arrived at Berks County needing a win to solidify their position in second spot and to confirm them as the only remaining challengers to AFT Crystals for the League title. A lovely day to play football and a nice big pitch, which would play to our strengths of accurate passing, speed and fitness. The game kicked off in strong sunshine and Caversham were soon on the attack with Abby terrorising them down the left wing and Ruby doing the same on the right. We had some early chances, but a bobble of the ball or rushing it a little bit seemed to be our undoing. Grace and Maud were dominating the centre against their best player (in the headband) and Maud stuck to her like glue and didn’t give her a centimetre of space, which had a big influence on the game. Similarly, their centre forward was not allowed any time to relax as Niamh, Martha and then Anna all put in a shift to unsettle her – great play and often a big part of what beating better teams relies on. Their goalkeeper saved shots from Lucy and Lally and it was beginning to look like “one of those days” when they had a throw near our box and headband girl just got to the ball first and swung her foot at it and it looped over Serena’s head and into the top corner. Against the run of play and a bit lucky ………… but if she meant it, it was a great goal !! Caversham’s attitude to going behind was first class, they all strode back to the centre and Grace told them to “step it up and get a goal back” ……. which they did shortly after with a fantastic through ball setting Lucy free and a clear trip setting up a penalty. Grace took the responsibility and fired the ball hard past their keeper – no chance of stopping it. The goal gave Caversham a boost. They pushed on again and shortly after the ball broke for Grace just on the edge of the box and she rifled a bullet shot into the to corner ……… fantastic goal and Caversham deservedly in the lead. To their credit, Berks County came back strong and had a period of sustained pressure with Izzy and Lianna both standing strong down the wings and Martha doing an excellent job at sweeper to keep them at bay as the centre forward was quick. Anna was excellent at the back first to every ball, so they couldn’t get a foothold. A bit of confusion at the back and a single seconds hesitation saw their centre forward just get her toe to the ball first and poke it past Serena for a “soft” goal, which we really should not have given them – so 2 – 2 at the break and all to play for. The second half started with Berks on the attack and from the first corner of the half they had a chance from right in front of the goal and I still don’t know how Serena “the cat” not only saved it …. but also held onto the ball in a crowded penalty area – fantastic !!! Caversham upped their game after this scare and Ruby, Abby, Lally and Lucy all had pretty good chances, but our finishing let us down. Leah also came on down the left and had a couple of good runs and battled really well. Heading into the last 15 minutes a stalemate looked likely, but some excellent quick thinking from Lucy saw her throw the ball over the heads of the defence as she had done all match, Lally beat them for pace, composed herself and slotted the ball home. A nervy end, but Swans always looked comfortable from that point and another deserved win. Coming from a goal down away from home and driving on to win the game is another landmark for the squad and they continue to progress.