A cold morning at Great Hollands saw the return fixture against Caversham AFC U14 Mambas in what promised to be a close game. The previous meeting on a rather damp Caversham pitch had yielded a 1-0 win for the Pythons that, whilst deserved on the day, was tighter than we would have liked!

The game started slowly with each team exchanging attacks with no end product, the Caversham forwards showing pace but no cutthroat passing and Pinewood getting into their stride. It was entertaining but frustrating, that was until the 10th min when Sam Clark hit a shot from the edge of the box, the keeper parried and Zach Whiting was there following up to score the opening goal - 1:0 to Pinewood! Pinewood threatened to add to their advantage, with Whiting hitting a fine shot across the keeper which struck the upright and just eluded Jackson Williams who was looking more like his old self; selfless running and shutting down opposition attacks. The half continued with Pinewood looking the likelier to score - with Caversham reduced to trying to play long balls behind which Finley Perryman in the Pinewood goal collected with ease. The half dwindled to a close and Pinewood went in 1 goal up.

In the second half the boys started quickly and after only 5 minutes of play Jackson received the ball out wide from Tegwyn and hit super strike from the edge of the box which dipped wickedly over the flailing keeper to make it 2:0. This ignited the team, and only 3 mins later the boys scored a goal straight off the training ground, Sam into Zach then through the lines to Daniel who used his strength to hold off the defense and score a great goal, slamming the ball home from the edge of the box. After another 10 minutes of dominant play, the Pinewood boys were at it again, a Caversham player thinking the ball had gone out, picked it up to cries of “Hand Ball” - up stepped Zabi who whipped in a fabulous free kick, straight onto Zach’s head and he made no mistake, 4:0 Pythons. Caversham heads dropped and the Pythons capitalized - the 65th min saw Daniel bursting into the box again, turning their defender to pull the ball back for Jackson to get his second of the morning 5:0. The game was finished off with another training ground move, Will passing through the lines to Jackson bursting free. Bearing down on goal, hattrick on offer, he showed Pinewoods true spirit - instead of shooting to get his hat trick, Jackson squared for pass for Zabi to step inside his defender and slam the ball home at the near post - 6:0 final score and another great win for the boys!

Lots of great football on display and a team full of fine performances. A clean sheet for super stopper Fin. Leo was solid again, really maturing into a fine, composed player. Fabio and Josh were calm and collected at the back, with Oliver Thompson causing mayhem in the Caversham midfield, ably supported by Will and Sam. Tegwyn looked as solid as ever in full back, pushing forward on the flanks whenever he could, and stepping back when needed. Teddy Green put in another gutbusting display, again reveling in a CAM role when given the opportunity, and the pace, effort and guile of Daniel and Zabi kept the Caversham defenders on their toes. Zach was unplayable at times - having a wonderful season, and Jackson is back- scoring twice, assisting, and taking his seasons tally to 20 already. But Player of the match had to go to Benn Staines - up against Caversham's best player he kept him in check with pacy, solid defending and, when he had the chance, Benn supporting the attacks with roving runs that caused chaos in the oppositions back line. Well Done Benn!