After all the recent rains, the sun was out in force but the temperature has decided to stay in bed for the away game of Binfield versus Pinewood Jaguars. The matched kicked off with a slight frost on the ground and temperatures not too far from freezing.
The first 15 minutes of the game saw Pinewood (in yellow) taking control and keeping the ball in Binfield’s (in blue), half with them taking the lead through a clinical goal by Sienna. After that goal, Binfield, who at the time of writing are 2nd in the league, then decided to start trying to level the game out. They then proceeded to have a couple of breaks on goal, with Pinewoods defence of Chloe, Tatum and Floss keeping them at bay. With about 7 minutes left of the half, Binfield were then able to get a shot in passed Penny to draw level. Binfield kept applying pressure, but were unable to make anymore chances. With that, the first of a couple injuries to Pinewood occurred, with Floss damaging her ankle and unable to continue in the outfield.

Halftime came with the score staying 1-1, and changes made, with Penny coming out on pitch and Floss showing grit wanting to continue, but playing in goal.

The second half continued to be close with most of the game being played in the centre of the pitch, with the occasional breakthrough coming from both teams, only to be broken down by the defenders. At about the 7 minute mark, Binfield were able to break down the defence and slot on a goal to take them into the lead. Not long after came another attack by Binfield, which was stopped by the Pinewood defence, though giving away a freekick. At about 25 yards out, the Binfield kicker looped the ball over the wall and into the top corner of the goal taking them to 3-1 up. In the words of Andy Grey, “you don’t save those!”. With the last quarter of the game left, Binfield kept the pressure up by trying to work the ball forward, for Pinewood to break them down and go on the counter. At the 50 minute mark of the game, Pinewood then suffered their second injury with Poppy having to be substituted. With 7 minutes left of the game, the Pinewood counter was then countered by Binfield, and they were able to make their fourth goal of the game, resulting in a final score of 4-1 to Binfield, which some would argue slightly flattered the home team.

Once again, the opposition team was given the choice of picking the Pinewood player of the match, of which they selected Holly.

Going into the Christmas break sees Pinewood sitting in 7th with a game in hand on the teams around them, meaning its all to play for in the second half of the season.

Have Happy Christmas and a great New Years, and see you for the second half.