The first half began in a fairly even manner, with both sides looking to play good quality passing football. Gradually it was the visitors from Newbury, who began to assert themselves and threaten the Andover goal. They found a goalkeeper though in fine form, with a couple of excellent saves to deny both Bex Walker and Caroline Harkness for Newbury. Harkness had another opportunity from a Newbury corner, but she was only able to direct her header just wide of the upright. In extremely sunny and hot conditions, the first half ended goal-less.

After the re-start, Newbury continued to show some neat interplay with Harkness, Ellie Reed, Kela Gunnlaugsdottir, Maria Rodgrigues and Amy McNab all involved. Chances fell to both Rodgrigues and McNab, who were played through in turn for one on one scoring opportunities, only to be denied by two quick reaction saves from the goalkeeper. Further shots sailed agonisingly wide for Newbury and then a looping Walker effort from the edge of the area only managed to hit the roof of the net.

Finally, the deadlock was broken after a McNab shot was parried and Reed latched onto the rebound to steer a long drive into the bottom corner in the 68th minute. Whilst Newbury had further opportunities, they did ease back in the closing stages, which allowed Andover to grab an equaliser in the last ten minutes. The match ending in a 1-1 draw.

Report by Sue Hewett