Newbury’s plan was to put pressure on the opposition from 1 to 11. This was executed and led directly to the first goal by Ellie Reed after 9 minutes. Rachel Panting had forced a back pass to the keeper and Nicole Beesley pressurised her which eventually resulted in Ellie Reed picking up the ball outside the area. Her shot from 25 yds left the keeper no chance as it sailed over her and into the centre of the net.

Prior to this Oxford had won two corners which had been cleared confidently by Sophie Self and Gemma Povey for Newbury. Oxford looked dangerous on the break, playing very neat balls through the middle.

Newbury were well in contention with Beesley, Panting and Leanne Creese making lots of progress down the right. Again Oxford won a corner and this time it was headed off the line by Reed who was having a storming end to end game.

Beesley then had a solo run down the left beating the full back’s strong challenge. Her shot was charged down and her second attempt was deflected into the keeper’s arms. The full back had to leave the pitch injured and was replaced by a sub a few minutes later.

Again the Newbury pressure on the defence caused the ball to come to Creese, whose resultant shot was wide of the post. With 27 minutes gone Panting won a corner and Reed’s header was cleared off the line. The follow up shot hit the post.

Oxford broke immediately and this time their attack proved successful when a quick break was rewarded with a goal shot into the corner of the net outside of the reach of Newbury goalkeeper Chloe Hunt.

The game continued with Newbury having a marginal upper hand, Oxford’s breaks seemed a little less threatening than earlier in the half. Newbury were still required to defend strongly which they did.

Just before half time Newbury won a corner, which resulted in a penalty when Reed was pushed. Leanne Saunders took the penalty but unfortunately the keeper guessed correctly, saving the shot one handed low to her right.

The last action of the half saw Newbury’s defence desperately scrambling the ball clear leaving the score 1-1 at half time.

As was to be expected Oxford came out rejuvenated and Saunders was immediately called into action to head the ball off the Newbury goal line. Oxford came back again and Hunt made two brilliant saves. For the first five minutes of the half Newbury were under severe pressure.

Newbury then eased the anxiety when Creese won a corner, but the pressure on Newbury was to resume when, following two corners, Oxford shots hit the bar twice.

Lily Chubb entered the fray for Lorna Parr, whose valiant efforts, alongside Sam Atkins, in midfield had left her completely exhausted. Atkins was having a tremendous game marking the Oxford midfield orchestrator. Beesley was to drop back into midfield with Chubb upfront. Oxford then had two further corners, the second resulting in a goal when Newbury failed to clear the ball.

Oxford were to capitalise on their lead by quickly gaining a third goal and it looked for a few minutes as though it would be plain sailing for Oxford, but it was not be. With Sheldon and McConnon on for Reed and Saunders who were both now also exhausted by their efforts, Newbury gained a corner which Povey put into the net in the scramble. The ball definitely crossed the line but was not given, but Povey’s second effort was given for a score of 2-3.

Both teams were now really going for it. Panting and Creese won corners, Creese’s shot was saved. Self was outstanding in defence twice clearing up Oxford attacks in the final minutes of the half.

In injury time Newbury were awarded a free kick taken by Creese. This kick was precise and dangerous but the Newbury strikers we just unable to get to it before the keeper. The result was 2-3 in an outstanding game of football against a team to play next season in the Women’s Super League reserves league.

Match report by Sue Hewett & Jack Harkness.