In just the second minute of the match, Newbury were forced to make a substitution after Kendall Gilmour pulled a thigh muscle. She had to be withdrawn immediately and was not able to return or play any further part in the match. She was replaced by substitute, Kate Draper and Newbury were forced into a reshuffle of their personnel. Within four minutes of this enforced change, Basingstoke took the lead with a well worked goal.

Newbury still hadn’t settled after the earlier substitution and then fell further behind with two more Basingstoke goals coming in quick succession in the 10th and 16th minutes. Having taken an early and convincing lead, the hosts were now able to play with real confidence and freedom. They were enjoying sustained spells of possession and were passing the ball around really well. Basingstoke increased their lead to an unassailable margin, with a further 3 goals prior to half time and they were well worth the six nil score-line at the half time break.

The second half was all about damage limitation for Newbury and they did show signs of improvement and better organisation after the break. However, Basingstoke still scored a scrappy 7th goal on 49 minutes from a corner that was swung into the six yard box. But then Newbury deployed a more disciplined shape and they continued to battle away, albeit in vein.

The 8th and 9th Basingstoke goals were scored in the 52nd and 91st minutes. All in all, an afternoon to forget for Newbury Ladies FC and one they will wish to move on from very quickly.

Chloe Hunt, Leanne Saunders, Nicole Beesley, Laura Ainscough, Lorna Parr, Caroline Harness, Kela Maskell, Leanne Creese (Capt), Bex Walker, Kendall Gilmour, Maria Rodrigues, Kate Draper.