A division may separate the two sides but Caversham United Women and Reading FC Women served up an engaging Berks & Bucks County FA Women’s Cup encounter at Mapledurham on Sunday afternoon in front of around 350 people.
Which side was in the higher division could have been up for debate from the off as Freya Jenkins launched an absolute rocket past Cherry Preisner in the Reading goal in the opening moments.
The Goats couldn’t capitalise on that fast start however despite Jenkins hitting the bar and further chances presenting themselves. Caversham’s fast start surprised Reading that is for sure but the shock lasted moments and perhaps belied this new Reading sides position at the bottom of the Southern Region Women’s League Premier Division.
The Royals quickly settled into a rhythm and while they were unable to find a regular supply line to dangerous former Goat Sumayah Zayadi, they did pick up an equaliser as Zuzanna Gajzler cut in from the left on her preferred right foot and her strike somehow eluded everyone including Zayadi to roll into the back of the net.
The second half was certainly attritional with both sides waiting for a moment. There was a superior fitness about Reading who saw, one-by-one, their opponents forced into injury replacements and while you felt sure the Royals would eventually find a way through, it was Caversham who had the last ditch efforts before the final whistle and a penalty shootout.
Reading won the shoot-out 5-3 with Megan Giles hitting the winning spot-kick after Preisner saved Caversham’s third effort.
The levels may have changed for Reading, but a decent turnout of supporters in Royals shirts allied to Caversham’s ability to pull in a crowd and put on a decent spread made it a positive experience for the women’s game at this level – one we hope will be repeated, and both sides can use their efforts as a springboard for the rest of the season.
