The opening period was fairly even, although it was Newbury who forged a couple of encouraging breaks into Oxford territory. They had the ball in the back of the Oxford net in the 7th minute, only to be denied by the off side flag after a goal mouth scramble.

Both sides probed, with some neat passing football being played, but both defences held firm. Newbury’s new centre half pairing of Laura Ainscough and Lauren Hanson were performing very well, with goalkeeper, Chloe Hunt, quick off her line for Newbury on several occasions to mop up any danger. It was from one of Hunt’s clearances just prior to half time, that Newbury fashioned their best chance to open the scoring. Bex Walker took control just inside her own half and laid off a pass to Leanne Creese out on the right wing. She made good progress into the final third, but her cross agonisingly evaded the advancing Gemma Burnett and Ellie Reed and the chance passed. This was a big moment and it would prove to be crucial in shaping the outcome of the match.

The score-line remained 0-0 as the half time whistle blew.

Within two minutes of the re-start Oxford City went ahead, after they stretched the Newbury back line. The visitors were unable to clear and the ball nestled in the net at the third attempt. This was despite a strong appeal from Newbury for a foul on Caroline Harkness, as she was upended whilst trying to clear inside her own penalty area. The Referee did not deem it a foul and the goal stood. One nil to Oxford City Ladies.

Sadly for Newbury, as they were still reeling from this setback, the home side extended their lead just two minutes later, with the Oxford striker connecting with a cross to score their second of the afternoon. Despite such a good first 45 minutes, Newbury now had a mountain to climb and they found the ‘blues’ of Oxford too strong and organised to let a two goal lead slip.

The match was wrapped up in the 70th minute when the Oxford left winger came inside and unleashed a shot from 25 yards, which sailed into the roof of the Newbury net. As Kate Draper had already been withdrawn due to the recurrence of a troublesome thigh injury, Newbury were without any further options from the bench and as the match drew to a close, Oxford were good value for their three nil victory. It was a disappointing end to the afternoon for Newbury, when the opening 45 minutes had been so full of promise.