Wow what a rollercoaster of a game! This game was non-stop action with neither team really able to take control and chances coming at both ends throughout. Caversham started strongly while we were half asleep, they were first to every ball and seemed determined to get the win. They scored after two minutes which seemed to wake us up. We responded straight from the kick-off with some great passing and a good finish from Dolcie, scoring her first goal for the Wolves! We scored again 2 minutes later with a well taken shot from Maddie, from a corner, and were now in the lead!
This seemed to fire Caversham up who put us under some sustained pressure before getting the equaliser on 17 minutes. Unfortunately Izzy had to come off as her existing knee injury was causing her problems so we were down to zero subs. We hung on a bit for the remainder of the first half, the scores level but Caversham having the better chances.
We looked better in the second half with Sophia, Abigail and Neve doing well at the back holding off several attacks, while Maddie, Amalia, Sienna and Dolcie were creating chances for us up front. Six minutes into the second half Maddie got her second and we stayed in the lead for nearly ten minutes before they got the equaliser. Maddie completed her hattrick 4 minutes later and it looked like we might come away with all 3 points. We probably looked the most dangerous at this point, but there were still chances at either end. With 8 minutes to go Caversham equalised and to be honest I think this would have been a fair result. Dolcie was unlucky hitting the crossbar and then with a couple of minutes to go Caversham were awarded a penalty after the ball hit Millie's hand in our area.
The penalty was well taken into the corner giving Rose no chance and the win went to Caversham.

To be honest not sure what to make of this game, it was probably the most open game we have ever played in, with both teams looking dangerous and almost taking it in turns to counter attack.

Sophia, Neve and Abigail were great at the back. Abigail winning the POM for showing real composure under pressure, often winning the ball back and then taking her time to pick out a pass forward. Rose had a great game between the sticks making some strong saves, being quick off her line and setting up some attacks with some fine kicking.

Dolcie who won MIM for her goal was brilliant in the first half on the right wing and also did a great job in the unfamiliar position in the centre of the park, working tirelessly going forward and in defence. Shout out too to Amalia and Sienna who gave it everything in midfield and of course Maddie for her 2nd hattrick in a row!

I think we were unlucky not to come away with a draw and definitely suffered by not having any subs, it was a heavy pitch and the end-to-end nature of the game made it a tiring encounter! I was impressed by how we played the game though, we were physical but fair, so thank you for taking onboard our comments at training. The girls shouldn't be too disheartened, Caversham are a decent side and on another day we could have come away with all three points. We go again next week!