Pinewoods U14 Pythons made the 30 minute trip over to Caversham for a match which , miraculously, had survived the recent downpours and offered a boggy but playable surface. In typical fashion, despite having a full squad available for the previous weeks postponed games, now that we had a match on a number of critical faces were absent this week - with defensive stalwart Fabio Farella, Lightning winger Daniel Parikos and Tricky wide-man Nevaan Patil all unfortunately missing the game. But these absences brought opportunities for the wider team to get valuable game time in after the weather-enforced break and Pinewood were in good spirits, with coach Keith offering some sage words before kick off. Pinewood lined up with Finley in goal, Benn Staines, Josh Hawkes, Leo Fournier Des Corats and and captain Oli Thompson across the back. Sam Clark and Zach Whiting joined the returning Will Taylor in the centre of midfield with Teddy Green and Zabi Parker-Silito offering width in support of top-scorer Jackson Williams up front.

Pinewood knew that a win today would likely help them close the gap at the top of the table and they started well. Caversham offered an imposing physical presence on the pitch, using their strength to good effect in shielding the ball and bringing their willing runners into play, but Pinewood stood firm with Josh making some fine tackles, and Oli breaking down Caversham moves and feeding the ball into the Pinewood midfield. Jackson had an early sighter, firing wide after a lovely through ball from Zach saw him sprint clear, but the game largely became a midfield battle with neither side really establishing dominance in a competitive battle. Caversham threatened on the break, trying to get in behind Pinewoods back 4, but only found the impressive Finley in goal sweeping up everything that came his way. Tegwyn was introduced for Benn in a straight swap on 17 minutes and it was down that channel that the Pinewood opener was scored, Will providing a lovely cross which was brought down by Zabi on the 6 yard line and, after a short scramble with the Caversham defender and keeper, Zabi poked it over the line. 1-0 to Pinewood. Pinewood had their tails up and it was a matter of minutes later that Teddy burst past the Caversham full back and fired a fabulous cross across the goalmouth that a lunging Zabi could only nick wide of the far post - so close to a second.

Half-time came and the coaches discussed the performance with the players, some good interplay and commitment on a challenging surface, but also some areas to improve upon. Benn was re-introduced for Leo and the teams went back for the second half. Pinewood again looked the more technical of the teams, with some lovely passing moves and Zabi and Teddy looking to get in behind the Caversham defence. Zach was starting to dictate play, picking the ball up in the pocket and spraying some wonderful passes, and Jackson dropping deep and looking to switch play effectively. Leo re-entered the fray with Will dropping into the defensive unit and Leo policing the space in front of them well. Caversham offered a threat on the break with pace and power, but Pinewood broke down the attacks, with Finley in goal offering both positive support and instructions to his defensive partners. The game became more frantic as time went on, Caversham pushing forward but unable to break the solid defensive resistant and midfield grit offered by the boys in Yellow, Sam made way for Oli - moving into his preferred midfield role for the final 10 minutes. As the game came to a close, Pinewood camped out in the Caversham half but no more goals came, despite a goalmouth scramble that oh-so nearly saw Jackson add to his seasons tally, and Pinewoods no.9 weaving his way through Caversham defenders but firing wide from a narrow angle.

The final whistle came, and ultimately saw a deserved win for the Pythons. A strong team effort on a very tough and energy sapping pitch, but some key performances deserve a special mention. Zach put in a real shift for the full 70 minutes in the no.10 role, causing Caversham no end of problems. Will Taylor and Oli Thompson both deserve credit for stepping into the back line and doing wonderfully to keep the physical and pacy opposition at bay. Zabi put in a lung-busting effort out wide in a change from his usual role through the middle, and Jackson who oh-so-nearly added to his tally on a number of occasions. But Player-of-the-Match went to our Goalkeeper Finley, who organised his back line with clear, loud instruction throughout, offered praise and encouragement when it was needed, and was faultless with his handling and positioning, rushing out to clear on the occasions Caversham breached out back line and claiming the ball on a wet, slippery surface with confidence every time, even when under-pressure or barged by the opposition forwards. Well done Fin!

An unknown quantity next week, as we face division newcomers Eversley & California - weather permitting! Well done Pythons!