With Newbury Ladies FC sat comfortably in a mid-table position, any neutral could have easily been forgiven for thinking that the visitors from Berkshire would take matters easily in this encounter. That was not the case however and it was evident as early as the 13th minute after good work in midfield by Ellie Reed, she spread the play out wide and guided the ball into the path of the advancing Leanne Creese. After beating the full back, Creese was through on goal in a flash. She elected to shoot early from distance and whilst her low drive was on target, it should have been a comfortable first save for the home goalkeeper. Fortunately for Newbury however, Basingstoke’s keeper allowed the ball to slip through her hands and legs and into the net, to give Newbury a fortuitous and early one nil lead.

That set back stung the home side into action and they attacked immediately, earning a free kick right on the edge of Newbury’s penalty area. The first effort was cleared, but not with enough distance and Basingstoke forced an equaliser from the second cross, which caused confusion inside the 6 yard box, allowing a simple tap-in for Basingstoke to make it one all within two minutes.

This was a match that had become an all-action, local derby and it was now end-to-end, with both sides taking it in turns to power forward. Reed was on the end of the next Newbury attack, but her shot was high and it cleared the bar. Basingstoke next took the lead in the contest for the first time, scoring their second goal in the 17th minute after a break down the left. When the cross came into the box, defenders Hannah Byrne, Megan Kirby and goalkeeper, Laura Ainscough, were unable to prevent the ball being bundled home by the Basingstoke striker. Although Newbury were aggrieved, as they felt there had been a dangerously high boot that connected with Kirby’s head as the shot came in. She was injured in the incident and required treatment before the re-start. As well as mild concussion, Kirby would go onto develop a black eye. It was clear that she could not continue and finding themselves 2-1 down, having started so well, Newbury were also required to make an enforced change to their line-up, with the experienced Lorna Parr entering the fray as Kirby’s replacement.

It was certainly a pulsating contest and within five minutes, Newbury had bravely hauled themselves back level. Maria Rodrigues was in scintillating form in her only her second start of the season for Newbury and she won ball strongly in the Basingstoke half, before playing the ball into the right hand channel for Reed to latch on to. Reed’s cut back to the edge of the area, found Newbury captain, Caroline Harkness, still with work to do. She controlled well and brought the ball down, making space for the shot, which soared into the roof of the net. 2-2 now the score.

The drama in the first half certainly wasn’t over, with a strong Basingstoke side continue to press and probe. They earned a corner on the right, which fell to Leanne Saunders inside the penalty area. As she cleared, the Referee blew for hand ball, which again seemed a harsh decision against Newbury. But there would be no changing the official’s mind and the penalty kick was awarded in the 32nd minute. Players of both teams, both benches and every supporter held their breath. As Basingstoke Town were looking to claim a victory to cement their place at the top of the table, this was going to be a season defining moment. Ainscough in the Newbury goal was composed, far more so than the Basingstoke number 10 it would be proved. She stepped forward and blazed her shot high over the Newbury cross bar and the visitors had escaped. 2-2 it remained and that parity between the two sides stayed until the half time whistle.

The second half was a real test of nerve, with less clear cut chances than in the first 45 minutes. Both teams were giving their all and it was enthralling, with spectators unable to predict which way the pendulum would swing. Newbury’s team were performing exceptionally, forcing Basingstoke Town to match their work rate, spirit and desire. The half’s biggest moment came on 79 minutes after sterling work in central midfield by Kela Maskell to keep possession for Newbury. She released Reed on Newbury’s left, who took control of the ball and then beautifully nut-megged her marker, before striding clear. Newbury’s top scorer was bearing down on goal, but her shot was well saved by the Basingstoke keeper and she had kept her side in the match and the scores still tied at two apiece.

Just two minutes later and Newbury found themselves having to defend another Basingstoke corner. The cross was long to the far post, reaching an unmarked Basingstoke midfielder, who headed home well. It was now 3-2 to the home side, with just nine minutes left to play. Newbury’s players had exuded so much energy that they sadly couldn’t find one last final push to come back for a second time. Basingstoke Town Ladies are deservedly top of the Southern Region Women’s Premier Division, but they must now wait for Marlow Ladies to complete their fixtures, hoping they slip up at least once, before they can be crowned league champions.

Despite not quite doing enough to earn a share of the points on the day, the positives for Newbury Ladies are in knowing that this had been by far the best display that any Newbury side had produced at the home of Basingstoke Town ever and that they would also finish this season in their highest ever position in the Women’s football pyramid, having consolidated their place in the Southern Region’s top division for next Season in 2016/17.

Newbury Ladies FC Player of the Match, as selected by a representative of the Hampshire Football Association, was defender, Hannah Byrne.

Match report by Sue Hewett