After initial good work from Lily Chubb down the left flank to force an opening corner for Newbury, it was then Wycombe that began to build significant attacking pressure of their own with a string of corners. The home side’s number 9 posing a particular threat, as she repeatedly drifted into space between Newbury’s defence and midfield. A determined Newbury rearguard stood firm however in these opening exchanges, with goalkeeper Honor Ramos in assured form.

It was the Wycombe striker that opened the scoring on 20 minutes, when she was put through on goal and she delicately lobbed the helpless Ramos. Following a tactical switch for Newbury where Chubb was brought into central midfield, the Wycombe pressure was alleviated a little, with signs of some neat attacking play from Newbury, but without any clear cut chances being carved out by the visitors.

Gradually Newbury were able to up the tempo as the first half went on, and on 37 minutes they found an equaliser. Ellie Reed cut in from the left wing, evading three tackles and then caressing a 25 yard shot into the top right hand corner of the Wycombe net to make it 1-1. Just 2 minutes later Newbury were awarded a free kick on the far right. Captain Leanne Creese stepped up with a cross that fell to an unmarked Reed. This time, Reed slammed a thunderous left foot shot from 30 yards that sailed over the head of the Wycombe keeper. Newbury taking a 2-1 lead at half time.

The second half began much the same as the first, with sustained Wycombe pressure, as they went in search of an equaliser. They found little joy however, as Newbury were dealing comfortably with everything that their hosts threw at them. Ramos, in the Newbury goal was proving to be quick off her line, with both Gemma Povey and Lorna Parr in front of her, marshalling Newbury’s defence superbly.

Newbury were weathering the storm well, with Naomi Purvis dominating in the central midfield holding role, breaking up attack after Wycombe attack. Further up the field, both Ruby Oliver and Chubb were starting to find space and were able to exploit the fatigue that was starting to creep into the home side’s play. Oliver, in particular, was starting to pull the strings for Newbury, playing some lovely cross field passes to both Newbury wingers.

As the match entered the final quarter of hour, the next goal would prove crucial in determining the outcome. Thus far it had been Newbury that had gone closest, with both full back Sophie Self and Reed having chances to extend the visitors lead. But it was Chubb for Newbury that found a spark in the last 5 minutes. She stormed forward down the right channel, jinking past two Wycombe defenders and into the box, with some excellent close control. She then found a finish to match her approach play, as she drilled a low shot across the keeper and into the bottom corner.

There was no way back for Wycombe, with 3-1 to Newbury the final score. This superb victory earning them a glamour home draw in the next round against Reading FC Women of the FA Women’s Premier Division.