AFC Newbury Ladies Football
Match Report -- Season 2003-4
Berks and Bucks County Women's FA Cup 16th November 2003
Heelands Rangers 4 AFC Newbury 0
Following their narrow loss against Heelands in the league 2 weeks ago Newbury travelled to Milton Keynes with some optimisum for this second round Berks and Bucks cup match. They were however unable to cope with this team who employ simple route one tactics and a very strong defence. Much of the game was played between the half way line and the Heelands 18 yard line and Heelands often had as many as 7 players betwen Newbury's attack and the goal. Their defence was strong and well organised and Newbury were unable to break it down. In midfield Newbury were often able to pass the ball around but managed few shots on goal. Those they did manage were dealt with by the Heelands keeper.

Heelands opened the scoring early in the game from a cross from the left which was not cleared by the defence and was hit first time on the volley giving Sarah no chance to save it. Newbury then put put pressure on the opposition and created chances that were hit wide of the goal. Heelands then scored a very lucky goal when the ball was struck from about 25 yards and went almost as high just squeezing under the bar. Sarah was just not tall enough to reach the ball as it crossed the line.

The second half was more of the same. A third goal from the right was again volleyed by the attacker and was mishit looping over the keeper who was left stranded. With minutes to go Heelands scored a fourth from a kick and chase where the linesman was overuled by the referee.

The result was a disappointment but it was probably a useful learning exercise for this first season as a ladies team.

Players: Sarah Jones, Kerriann Benson, Gemma Povey (capt), Hannah Burgess, Emma Theochari, Kelly Doe, Leanne Creese, Caz Harkness, Chelsea Starbuck, Kendall Gilmour, Chloe Hunt.
Goalscorers:
Player of the match:
Referee: