Todays game was a tough test ahead of the cup semi final, playing Wargrave who are currently competing in the division above.

Berks took the lead against the run of play when some great defensive work from Paige saw her play a pass forward into Ava who found Annabel on the left hand side, Ava got a shot away that the keeper spilled and Anfield challenged for the rebound and it was turned into Wargrave's net by one of their defenders. Wargrave equalised with a well worked goal after Berks didn't recover fast enough to defend a kick on that was played across field and slammed into the bottom corner of the net by Wargrave. Wargrave continued to attack our goal throughout the first half but Lily pulled off some excellent saves to keep us in the game. The second half saw Wargrave score 2 scrappy goals, but Berks County kept creating chances and could have got themselves back in the game had it not been for some last ditch defending by Wargrave. A really good performance from the girls today, they raised their game and played some lovely football.

Coaches player was yet another tough call, there were so many stand out performances and 5 players were on the shortlist! Annabel and Georgie could not be separated so they shared the player of the match. Annabel played most of her time in midfield today, she looked hungry for goals, wanting to move forward and attack. Annabel linked up really well with Anfield looking for return passes and played some very smart passes forward, Well done, Annabel! Georgie's passing was also fantastic today, she picked out players when attacking and was calm and collected on the ball using her skills to beat players and find space. She also held her position well on the right hand side when defending in the latter stages of the game - great work, Georgie!!

Parents player went to Zara, she did not lose a dual on the right hand side all game long, she put herself in the correct place consistently, marked players, put in some crucial last ditch tackles and really kept Wargrave's winger quiet, this was definitely Zara's best performance this season and in a really tough game - well done, Zara!

Lily was yet again superb in goal, keeping us in the game with some really impressive saves and working hard on the pitch in the second half. Adelaide was a strong contender for player of the match, she was putting strong tackles in, attacking and running back to defend when the ball broke lose to Wargrave and making really good decisions on the ball. Penelope was also on the shortlist, she put in a massive effort today, defended corners that were blasted into the box, smashed herself into tackles and did not stop running, great energy from Penelope! Anfield had another exceptional game, causing mayhem in her opponents box and showcasing just how good all elements of her game are. Amelia E kept on pushing to force her way in on goal and got great shot off late in the second half, she was double marked but still managed to brush players off and create good opportunities for the team. Ava put in a big shift in defence and used her strength to win the ball back in the middle, she also put herself in front of some powerfully struck balls into the box. Paige picked up exactly where she left off last weekend, her defending in the first half gave us the freedom to move up the pitch and she was very alert to deal with any through balls and divert players away from goal - her passing out from the back is also becoming a real attacking threat.

So many positives ahead of next week's semi final despite the result. Well done team!