What a great day for Caversham AFC. A great game of football, played with the right spirit and neither team deserved to lose. Both teams and the crowd were a real credit to Caversham AFC and it was an extremely proud day for the club

- Richard Spruyt, Caversham AFC

For the first time in the history of this competition, 2 teams from the same Club, Caversham AFC met in the Final. Having played each other twice in the league this season the scorelines of 1-0 and 2-2 emphasised that this was going to be a close match.

The two teams took to the immaculate Reading FC pitch in glorious sunshine in front of a large crowd of 350 or so supporters most of whom had travelled the short distance from Caversham.

Despite United starting well and controlling possession in the first 5 minutes, it was the Kites who had the first opportunity bringing out an excellent save from the United ‘keeper, Harry Taylor. This brought the Kites to life and the game flowed end to end with both defences working hard to keep the others attack at bay.

The deadlock was finally broken when the United Captain, Jamie Bunting’s swerving free kick from the right could only be parried by the Kites ‘keeper, Rory Wytchard, into the path of the advancing Niles Joyce to nod the ball home. After more end to end action United almost made it 2-0 but the ball was pulled back just behind the 2 advancing forwards letting the defence bring the ball out and away from danger. From the ensuing attack the ball came to Kites midfielder, Charlie Cooper just outside the box who rifled an unstoppable shot into the top left corner of the United goal to level the match. With no further opportunities in the first half the teams went in level.

The second half started with both teams eager to get ahead but it was the Kites who were controlling the midfield and producing the opportunities. A strong run and shot from Cooper went only inches wide of the United goal and just minutes later only the unbelievable speed of United right back Nathan Blissett enabled him to clear the ball on the line after a shot by Luke Thurlow had eluded the advancing Taylor. The Kites pressure continued and only a diving block tackle from left back Gregor Miller stopped Cooper adding to his tally from 10 yards out.

After this United pulled themselves back into the game and started producing some chances for themselves and a magnificent strike by Joe Harvey from outside the box was only denied by a world class diving stop by Wytchard. United continued to press forward but the determined Kites defence were resisting with everything they had and as the minutes ebbed away it looked likely that this game would need to be settled by the dreaded penalty shootout. However, after a challenge by Cooper on the advancing Archie Denton on the left wing, United had a chance to get men forward for the free kick. The ball was whipped in by Captain Bunting right into the danger area and in the melee of players the ball scrambled into the back of the net. While it was uncertain who had got the final touch the United players didn’t let that stop them celebrating en masse. With just added time to play United held on for the win in what was their last ever match together.

While the winning goal was a bit scrappy it was a fantastic game and a real pity that one of these wonderful teams had to lose. On the positive side for the Kites, being a year younger, they have the chance to go one better next season.

A selection of photos have been posted HERE