Newbury kicked off the contest, but it was the home side who had most of the early pressure, with Newbury pegged back in their own half for much of the opening period. Wycombe forced several corners, but the visiting defence held firm. It took until the 21st minute before Newbury registered their first shot on goal and it came after a move involving Maria Rodrigues and Ellie Reed. The latter’s cross was met well first time at the back post by Bex Walker, who’s thunderous volley narrowly sailed over the bar.

Wycombe won a central free kick just prior to half time, but the effort narrowly missed the top corner. As the half time whistle blew, the game remained goal-less.

Ten minutes after the re-start saw a controversial decision, when the Referee awarded a penalty to Wycombe. It looked from most angles as if the attacker was clean through on the Newbury goal, with just the keeper to beat and it was judged that the last defender had brought the striker down, denying an obvious goal scoring opportunity. However, Newbury’s players felt there had been no contact and that the Wycombe player had kicked the ground, causing her to stumble. A penalty was awarded nonetheless and Wycombe duly opened the scoring to take a one nil lead after 55 minutes.

Carly Passfield in the Newbury goal, kept her side in it just 3 minutes later, when she blocked well in another one-on-one dual with a Wycombe attacker. Making her first appearance for over six years, Passfield grew in stature and confidence as the game went on and she saved splendidly again on 66 minutes.

Wycombe were now racking up the corners, but they were unable to convert. They did have the ball in the Newbury net again in the 79th minute, but it was ruled out for offside. With Newbury not having any real threat in attack, the match finished exactly as it had started, with Wycombe encamped in the visitors’ half. They sealed victory four minutes later when the left winger went on a surging run down the flank, cutting into the Newbury area and unleashing a shot that flew into the roof of the net from a tight angle. Two nil to Wycombe Wanderers the final score.

Match report by Sue Hewett