Basingstoke are quick, organised, experienced and skilful, and it was the visitors who seized the initiative from kick off, going straight onto the attack. But after the first 5 minutes, Newbury began to get a foothold in the game and Amie Barnard for Newbury, had the first shot, which was unfortunately just wide of the upright.

Newbury had further chances through Bex Walker and Caroline Harkness, but then Basingstoke opened the scoring in the 24th minute, after a strong break down their left. The home side were still competitive however, with Ellie Reed and Barnard again having efforts at goal, after strong work in a central area from Maria Rodrigues.

As the sun came out and the conditions on the pitch began to heat up, Basingstoke were able to extend their lead just ahead of the half hour mark. Newbury had by this stage, had to shuffle their pack a few times due to injuries sustained to two of their defenders. Just three minutes later and Newbury were 3 goals down. As the game headed towards half time, Newbury were in danger of losing their focus completely, when they conceded 2 further goals before the half time whistle blew. They found themselves 5 nil down at the break and yet they had performed well in the opening half hour.

Buoyed by a positive half time team talk, Newbury came out with renewed purpose. Captain, Caroline Harkness drive forward down the right hand flank, linking up well with Barnard. Harkness’ determination saw her trick and jink her way into the penalty box, lifting the ball over the head of one defender and spinning around her quickly to collect on the other side. It was a move reminiscent of Gazza at Euro 96! From the narrowest of angles, Harkness got her shot away, but the effort was somehow blocked at the foot of the near post by both a combination of Basingstoke’s goalkeeper and a defender. Newbury gaining a corner only.

Basingstoke were able to score a breakaway goal after 55 minutes to give them a convincing 6 nil lead. Newbury re-grouped however and although they had by now run out of substitute players due to injury, they dug in and showed some real resolve. Player of the Match for Newbury, was Bex Walker, who had shown creativity in attack when playing on the wing, but then had equally good spells in both full back positions when required. Like many of her team mates, they kept their heads and kept going. No further goals were conceded, but sadly Newbury’s attack did not have any final cutting edge today when it mattered.

So the match finished in a 6 nil defeat for Newbury, but it was a far better second half performance, having been 5 nil down at the break.

Match report by Sue Hewett