As the first half continued, Newbury’s midfield pairing of Caroline Harkness and Ellie Reed really started to take a hold of the game and were a constant source of creativity. Shooting chances came and went for both Gilmour and Bex Walker. Kingsclere were well organised and defended strongly, with Newbury lacking a cutting edge. The half ended with a flurry of Newbury chances, but all three efforts were off target. The best of those, a header narrowly wide from Kela Gunnlaugsdottir, who had timed her run expertly to meet a Sam Atkins cross from the right. The first half ended goal-less.

Kingsclere were rejuvenated following the half time break and they were able to put Newbury’s defence under a bit of pressure. The deadlock was broken on 55 minutes, after a long Newbury clearance was immediately shot back at goal by a Kingsclere midfielder. The shot was accurate and had enough weight on it to loop high over the Newbury keeper, who was still on the edge of her area, and into the empty net for a one nil lead. It was a spectacular strike and worthy of an opening goal.

After making several substitutions at half time, this sparked a new-look Newbury side into life. Walker headed wide from a corner and then she turned provider, after some excellent build-up play on the right involving Williamson and Harkness, before Walker’s cross found Gunnlaugsdottir advancing into the penalty area. Her well timed shot soundly beating the keeper to level the contest at one goal apiece on 65 minutes.

Newbury had further chances to extend their lead, but were thwarted by two excellent saves from the Kingsclere keeper. For the second week running, Newbury had to settle for a one all draw, but for both sides, the match had proved to be a very good pre-season work out.

Report by Sue Hewett