The encounter was kicked off by home side City Belles, but it was Newbury who went straight on the offensive, with an attack down the right. With Nicole Beesley playing in a more central position for Newbury, she fed Ellie Reed on 3 minutes, who shot just over from 25 yards. The resulting goal kick was a poor one and striker Lily Chubb pounced on the ball to fire a shot straight back in, but the home keeper was able to recover and make the save.

Newbury continued to look the more likely to score, but the strong cross-field wind was making conditions difficult for both sides. Further chances came and went for Newbury, but they were struggling to find any fluidity to their play. City Belles were rarely threatening however, with O’Leary in the Newbury goal having a very quiet half.

On the half hour mark, Naomi Purvis played the ball out of defence for Newbury, finding Reed on the left wing. She linked up well with Chubb, who played in a cross from the left of the area. The ball swung just behind Beelsey on the penalty spot, but it fell invitingly for Sam Atkins, who had advanced from midfield. She met the ball sweetly, sending in a first time volley on the edge of the box, but it flashed just wide of the upright.

Still Newbury went in search of an opening goal and just 3 minutes later, skipper Leanne Creese played in a ball from the right to Beesley, who laid off a good pass to Lorna Parr. She ran onto the ball and took a first time snap shot just inside the area. This too sailed agonisingly wide of the left post. As half time approached, the score line still remained goalless and although Newbury had one further attempt on goal, the Referee blew for Half Time with the score at nil nil.

Although Newbury had created plenty of chances in the first half, they hadn’t really maintained any controlled possession and needed to show better composure in the second 45 minutes. The match re-started with Newbury looking sharper and they forced a corner inside the first minute. Having won the corner herself, Creese stepped up to take the kick from the right. She stood up her cross and it almost hung above the near post and the six yard area. The keeper tried but failed to grapple with it and the ball fell to Reed at the back post. She spun and struck the ball into the net from 5 yards to give Newbury a one nil lead.

This early goal settled Newbury and they began to move the ball around much better. Atkins was now asserting herself in midfield and the visitors were looking more solid all round. All the play in the next 20 minute period was entirely in the City Belles half, with a succession of corners for Newbury. Their lead was not extended however until the 67th minute after the award of a free kick midway into City Belles territory. Creese’s cross found Beesley, who showed a neat touch and then jinked past a defender just inside the box. She then stroked the ball into the far bottom corner of the net to give her side a 2 goal lead.

Shortly after, Creese felt a slight twinge in her hamstring and she was withdrawn as a precaution, with Sam McConnon entering the fray on 75 minutes as a like for like replacement. Just one minute later however, City Belles had pulled a goal back, with only their first shooting opportunity of the half. The shot was high and looping, leaving O’Leary in the Newbury goal helpless to get anything on it. The ball dropping just under the cross bar. It was one lapse in concentration by Newbury, in what had otherwise been a good half.

They regrouped and saw out the match well, ensuring that City Belles were pegged back until the final whistle. Newbury picked up all 3 points with this 2-1 victory and moved up 4 places in the Southern Region Division One table.