Expectations weren't high for the visitors. They knew they were in for a very tough afternoon at the home of a side pushing for promotion this season and they fell behind after only four minutes. Newbury were unable to prevent a shot from the edge of the area, which was perfectly placed and nestled in the far left hand corner of the net. Oxford City were in command and they took a two goal lead after 11 minutes and then made it three nil on 19 minutes.

All of the possession was Oxford's, and all of the play was in the Newbury half, with the home keeper merely a bystander. In stark contrast, Nicky Isted in the Newbury goal, was performing heroics, under constant bombardment and wave after wave of Oxford attacks. Full credit must be given to the Newbury players, who's heads didn't drop. They stuck together and stuck to their task. Their efforts however could not prevent three more Oxford goals before the break, to see the home side have an unassailable six nil lead at half time.

Whilst the home players could be heard saying they wanted to "score 15 goals", Newbury's second half approach was just to try to better the first half score-line. That must have seemed like an increasingly uphill task, when Oxford scored a seventh within one minute of the re-start. But Newbury then rallied and showed great stoicism in their defensive shape. Tackle after tackle, and block after block, were made by Hannah Byrne and Gemma Povey in Newbury's back line; and their midfield ran themselves into the ground, marshalled superbly by captain for the day, Ellie Reed and well supported by the experienced heads of Lorna Kinder-Parr and Sam Atkins.

Overall, Newbury only managed one shot on goal from Maria Rodgrigues, although she was forced to take the chance early and from a long way out. But they did only concede three further goals in the second half, with the match finishing in a ten nil victory for Oxford City. There was a small consolation for Newbury after the final whistle, when they heard that bottom placed club, Bracknell Town Ladies had been beaten 13 nil by Southampton Women. Newbury remain just one place above Bracknell in the Premier Division table, with one point and a better goal difference.

Newbury Ladies' Player of the Match was unsurprisingly goalkeeper Nicky Isted.

Match Report by Sue Hewett

Nicky Isted, Lauren Hanson, Hannah Byrne, Leanne Saunders, Gemma Povey, Ellie Reed (Capt), Sam Atkins, Maria Rodrigues, Lorna Kinder-Parr, Chloe Hunt, Isobelle Cording, Lisa Kinder-Parr.