The persistent drizzle did nothing to dampen the spirits of either team as Woodley Saints faced Hype Train in the Lens Digital sponsored Reading Sunday Social League final on Sunday 20th June.
After the curtailment of a number of local leagues, Caversham United and Hype Train FC joined forces to provide some regular Sunday competition for eight teams in the Reading area.
And as finals go, it didn’t disappoint! Woodley were quick out the blocks with a shot that hit the near post just three minutes in and it was just a matter of time before they were on top as Jordan Sawyer fired one into the bottom corner with the Hype keeper unable to react quick enough.
Saints certainly looked to have the upper hand for the first 25, but Hype switched gears as they looked to dominate much of the rest of the half. A soaring free-kick by player-manager Rob Austin connected with the head of Leon Mannion but swung wide of the post,
Hype had two further attempts but to no avail. Woodley had the final shot of the game, but the shot saw it strike the post and rebound was skied over the hedgerow. Woodley again with the first attempt on goal but it sailed over the bar. Hype Train were certainly superior at set-pieces as Austin and Rod Stevens shared the shift with corners and free-kicks but it seemed no-one could capitalise on the chances.
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Hype were forced to substitute keeper Jake Holloway through injury and centre back and captain Martin King stepped up between the sticks. Shouts for a penalty from Woodley with 15 minutes to go but a firm no from the ref saw them unable to make it two. Hype were forced to dig in deep and had the chance to take it to penalties when Callum Fox-Spence was taken down in the 6 yard box, however the opportunity was denied as Woodley’s keeper was there to prove his shot-stopping abilities and the penalty was saved.
Woodley did all they could to play out the injury time minutes and were victorious with a 1-0 win to crown them the inaugural winners of the Reading Sunday Social League.
Lets have another look at that impressive shield produced by Awards FC:
