Cup silverware making its way back to Berkshire sadly wasn’t to be as Caversham United Women put up a valiant fight against Penn & Tylers Green Ladies in the Berks & Bucks Trophy Final.
Both teams with impressive sets of results heading into the final with the Goats having recorded the most goals scored, whilst Penn hadn’t conceded one.
The game got off to a somewhat scrappy start as each side figured out the pitch at Beaconsfield Town FC.
Caversham keeper Nina Merritt was tested early on with a shot from Penn forward Sasha Smith and a free kick but she showed her prowess in between the sticks.
Holly Swan looked to get in on the action herself with an attempt from distance but not enough pace meant it was easily collected by Rebecca Tobin.
Penn looked fo have settled quicker however when Ludgate-Williams beat a defensively strong Sophie Wicks after multiple attempts to do so and a powerful strike at goal smashed the crossbar leaving Merrit with no chance of saving.
Penn 1-0 Caversham
The first half hour proved to be a flurry of Penn runs forward, but some good last ditch defending from the Caversham centre backs coupled with a solid performance from Merritt kept Penn at bay.
Caitlin Levy with the first big chance for the Goats as she was able to spin the defender and strike from 30 yards but it dipped over the bar.
The introduction of Sumaya Zayadi and her quick feet began to produce problems for Penn as she was able to dance through the midfield numerous times but to no avail in front of goal.
HT Penn & Tylers Green Ladies 1-0 Caversham United Women
Caversham kicked things off after the break as Swan was able to thread a ball through to Molly McKeever, who was through on goal, but a little too much pass on it and she clattered into the keeper with her chance to score lost as the keeper went down.
Against the run of play Smith was able to make a run into the box and outplay Merritt to give Penn a second.
Penn 2-0 Caversham
Just moments later, Smith was there again with another strike Merritt could do nothing about and it looked like Penn had put this game to bed.
Penn 3-0 Caversham
Caversham certainly didn’t give up however with another chance for McKeever coming as she was able to poach the ball from a slow Penn pass but she was unable to capitalise on the run as the defense shut her out.
One final chance for a consolation goal for the Goat as Stacey Butler attempted a shot from distance but it straight to the hands of Tobin.
FT Penn & Tylers Green Ladies 3-0 Caversham United Women
A competitive, feisty and brilliant display by both sides on the day but the Penn forwards were the difference unfortunately and Caversham were unlucky not to grab a goal.
Our Caversham ‘Player of the Match’ was goalkeeper Nina Merritt. Oozing confidence for the full ninety, she was tested from start to finish but kept the Goats in it on multiple occasions. Honourable mentions to Sophie Wicks for her defensive display at centre back to cut out lots of chances from Penn and for Sumaya Zayadi for those magic feet!
Commiserations to the Goats, but a fantastic achievement to make it to a final in their maiden season at the club, they’ve had some phenomenal cup runs this season.
Congratulations to Penn & Tyler Greens Ladies for winning the 2021/22 Berks & Bucks Women’s Trophy.
The Goats will be back in league action for the remainder of the season with five games to go, they’ll be looking to push themselves up the table as they currently sit sixth and could be in with a chance of a third place finish. Caversham are due to host Penn & Tylers Green on Sunday 10th of April. If you haven’t already, give our podcast with the manager, captain and chairman a listen, plus you can keep up to date with all things Caversham here.
