A tough game was always going to be on the cards today. The weather looked like it was going to be miserable but thankfully stooped just before kick-off.

Pinewood started off the stronger team, and for the first 15 minutes, managed to keep the majority of the play in Readings half. Reading then started to settle into the game, and managed to produce a few fantastic saves from Penny in goal, up until a third of the way into the match, when a fumble of the ball managed to get the score line moving. After this, Pinewood had several chances to pull level but just couldn’t seem to get the ball out from under their feet and into the back of the net. Halfway through the first half, Pinewood made their first substitutions to allow all the girls to get match time. Then at about 25 minutes into the game, there was a goal mouth scramble where the ball landed at about 3 different Pinewood players, and still somehow managed to stay out. I've said in the past that “luck doesn't exist, you make your own luck”, but at the end of that first half, it seemed like that saying was not true!

The second half came, and more substitutions were made. The game continued to be very even and fast passed with the ball switching from end to end. Then came a goal! Pinewood managed to get one in bringing them even at 1-1 with Sienna scoring. At this point it felt like the game might end with a draw, only to be quickly changed, with Reading scoring again putting them 2-1 ahead. Then a coupe of minutes later, they managed to get on the break and scored again putting them 3-1 ahead. Pinewood made some more substitutions, expecting the game to finish without any more changes to the scoreline, however that was proved wrong when debutant Kiana scored for Pinewood. At 3-2, Pinewood then went on the push and believed in themselves to be able to get something out of the game, and they were right. 3-3!!! An equaliser from Abbie brought Pinewood back into the game with 3 minutes to spare, and then it even seemed as though they would get another to win the game, however their hopes where dashed when a break from Reading meant that they managed to get a goal within the last minute of the game, with the finishing score being 4-3 to Reading Olympia Belles.
After the game finishing, the rain started again, and both teams picked their players of the match, with Reading number 9 getting picked, and Amelie getting picked for Pinewood.
There was a good display of not giving up today from Pinewood, managing to bring themselves back into the game, so they should be proud of trying until the end, and it shows that the game isn’t over until the final whistle. Again another standout performance from Floss covering defence, and Penny in goal for saving numerous shots in the first half, as well as Sienna going on some great runs, and Tatum getting the ball back up the pitch with some strong tackling.

Pinewood Football Club

The Holt School

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