It was a grey but calm Saturday morning, as the team from north of the river travelled to Great Hollands for this highly anticipated top four clash.

Just before kick off, there was a record crowd in attendance, as all of the Park Run runners assembled pitch side for the start of their race, some of them wanting to stay and watch rather than face the sweaty chaffing ahead of them!!

Pinewood’s starting eleven of Hazza, Louie, Rory, Ollie Brooks, Ollie Barke, Cash, Ollie P, Finn, Blake, Ollie H, and Harrison assembled for fist pumps and words of encouragement, as subs Theo and Toby looked on from the sidelines raring to go.

From the opening whistle Pinewood were pressing on the front foot, giving Caversham little time on the ball. Strong challenges and brave headers from Rory and Ollie Brooks in defence, let Caversham know the task ahead wouldn’t be easy.

Pinewood continued to assert their dominance early with Cash’s tenacity and Ollie P vision winning the midfield battle, as chances fell to Harrison and then Blake with a rasping volley. As Caversham struggled to get a foothold in the game, the infamous cries of ‘no bounce’ and ‘superb’ could be heard from Rob C as Pinewoods defence remained on top.

Then 10 minutes into the match, the deadlock was broken by what can only be described as a goal of the season contender - an audacious looping effort by Finn from around 30 yards out flew high over he back-pedalling goalie and into the roof on the net. 1-0 Pinewood, what a goal!

The goal only provided Pinewood with more confidence and momentum, which led to a string of corners. From which dangerous deliveries from the set piece maestro Blake led to continued carnage in the Caversham box and Ollie P smashing the crossbar!

There was the odd brief counterattack from Caversham, during which their number 19 danger-man showed pace, but for the most part he was handled admirably by a combination of Ollie Barke and Hazza rushing off his line.

Midway through the first half, the ball went out for a throw in near the halfway line, and Steve from Finch Coasters whilst in the middle of his Park Run race shows a great touch to stop the loose ball! This respite provided Rob with the opportunity to bring on fresh legs in shape of Toby and Theo, who replaced Ollie Barke and Ollie Hands.

As the end of the first half drew closer, Pinewood continued to press forward with mazy runs from both Louie and then Harrison which resulted in yet another corner. Blake whipped in another curling delivery which led to chances for Finn and Rory, but both were denied by a fantastic double save from the Caversham goalie, who by now was already a contender for their man of the match.

Then in first half injury time, Caversham’s number 19 danger-man broke through the defence with Theo in hot pursuit. As Theo battled to catch up with him, the referee blew for what can only be described as a soft penalty for shirt pulling.

Caversham converted the penalty with a low central shot, 1-1 and it was their first shot on target of the match. Almost immediately afterwards, the referee blew for half time. Pinewood would have felt hard done by, with Xg stats weighing heavily in their favour!

Further strategic substitutions for the start of the second half, with Blake and Louie replaced by Ollie Barke and Ollie Hands. It was a scrappy and physical start, with both teams at times struggling with the bobbly pitch.

5 minutes into the second half and good defensive work from Rory and Cash, led to a great through ball from Finn to Harrison, who was clean through but again thwarted by the Caversham goalie. The crowd were then spoilt by further tactical wizardry by Rob, as Blake and Ollie H switched wings to continue Pinewood’s dominance.

10 minutes into the second half and a long ball over the top from Caversham carved open the Pinewood defence. The out-rushing Harry couldn’t quite make it and Caversham slot the ball into an empty net. 1-2 Caversham completely against the run of play.

Pinewood however refused to let their heads drop. Within 2 minutes they were back level after another goal of the season contender, this time by Toby. A mere 25 yards out, he unleashed a curling powerful strike with the outside of his boot high into the net, 2-2.

With Pinewood now fully on top, Ollie H continued to grow into the game on the left wing. His pace and pressure continued to be a thorn in Caversham’s side. Eventually he forced an error from the Caversham defence, which gave him the chance to cooly slot a low shot under the goalie and into the side netting. 3-2 Pinewood, a stirring fightback and fully deserved!

As Caversham toiled to find a way back into the game, the crowd were treated to the traditional sliding tackle by Theo and a ‘Maradona’ turn from Louie in midfield which took out two opposition players.

As we entered the final minutes with a slender 1 goal lead, the crowd anticipated ‘squeaky bum time’. However, it wasn’t the case, as Pinewood showed experience beyond their years with good game management. Then in the dying embers, Ollie H broke free again and slotted a pass through to Harrison, who used his predatory instincts to cooly finish with almost the last kick of the game. 4-2 Pinewood.

As the referee blew the final whistle and the players shook hands, the crowd could be heard chanting ‘we are top of the league, say we are top of the league’!

Report by Tom Brooks (Parent)

Pinewood Football Club

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