During the opening quarter of the game Sarah Jones, in goal, literally had nothing to do but in the 19th minute St. Edmunds attacked down the left and when the ball was crossed the defence failed to clear and in the subsequent scramble the ball arrived at the feet of a forward whose shot Sarah was unlucky not to save as she managed to get both hands to the ball. Newbury lost some momentum with this and the game became more even.

Hannah Burgess conceded a free kick on the edge of the box. The direct kick was well saved by Sarah. However Newbury were making progress down the right with Leanne and Lorna Parr making strong runs. One of these resulted in a shot that was just wide. Another good save by Sarah just before half time kept Newbury in the game The commitment of both teams was increasing and this resulted in a yellow card for Emma Theochari for a strong tackle on the edge of the box.

The second half started Kelly Mosher coming on for Kerriann Benson and Chloe dropping back into midfield and Caz Harkness dropping back into Kerriann's defensive midfield role with St Edmunds attacking and they were awarded a dubious free kick on the edge of the area when Hannah won the ball in what looked like a good tackle. This was followed by another decision against Newbury when St. Edmunds were awarded a penalty when Gemma brought down a player on the edge of the area. The penalty was well taken giving Sarah no chance to save it. Kendall was then brought down in a heavy challenge on the edge of the area and she took the freekick herself which was punched away for a corner by the goalkeeper. With minutes to go Caz and Chelsea Starbuck played a neat set of passes, both riding over strong tackles, which gave Caz a shooting opportunity which went through the keeper's legs and into the back of the goal to make the score 2-2 at full time.

Extra time was quite open with Newbury having the best chance when the keeper palmed away a shot by Kendall, so the match came down to penalties. Sarah's saving of 3 penalties put Newbury in a great position. Newbury made sure of qualifying for the final without having to take all 5 penalties by scoring 3 out of the first 4 kicks. Sarah became the well deserved player of the match.

This was a very entertaining game and could have been won by either team. Credit should be given to both teams. It was a great advert for women's football.

Newbury play Heelands Rangersin the League Plate Final on the 25th April which this season is being played at Newbury's home ground at Faraday Road

Next fixture Newbury play league leaders Reading Girls away at Theale on Sunday 14th February. Kickoff 2 p.m.