AFC Newbury Ladies Football
Match Report -- Season 2004-5
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Berks and Bucks Women's Cup Round 2 21st November 2004
Thatcham Town Ladies 6 AFC Newbury Ladies 1
Newbury made the worst possible start to this local derby against Thatcham. On a heavy pitch the Newbury defence made 2 costly errors in the first 5 minutes to give Thatcham an early 2 goal lead. However Newbury overcame this initial setback to dominate the next half hour creating chance after chance. All 6 players in the Newbury attack and midfield, having good scoring opportunities. However only Kelly Stokes was able to get the ball into the net after a strong run through the defence and beating the goalkeeper with a well taken shot. Then as half time approached, very much against the run of play, Thatcham broke into the Newbury penalty area and were awarded an indirect free kick on the by line. They took this opportunity to make the score almost unbelievable 3-1 at half time.

In the second half Newbury was unable to control the game in the way that they had most of the first half and they giving away too much possession. Thatcham's experience told and again they took their opportunities as they came. First when Thatcham's captain spotted the Newbury keeper off her line as lobbed the ball skilfully over her head and later from corner kicks. Even then Newbury were still creating scoring chances but were unable to get the ball on target.

The game ended on a poor note after a Thatcham player was red carded for deliberately kicking the Newbury left back, Emma Theochari, who had to leave the game. A few minutes later a Thatcham player had to be carried off after having suffered a recurring angle injury. All in all it was an extremely disappointing result for Newbury who were unable to take their many opportunities to win the match in the first half and finally succumbed to the experience of Thatcham.

Players: Chloe Hunt, Kelly Doe, Gemma Povey (capt), Hannah Burgess, Emma Theochari (sub Kerriann Benson 75 mins), Kelly Stokes, Caz Harkness, Chelsea Starbuck, Lisa Duncan, Leanne Creese, Kendall Gilmour.
Goalscorers: Kelly Stokes (18).
Player of the match:
Referee: