Just over 20 mins in Bracknell won a corner following a strong run down the right wing. The cross fell inside the six yard box and Newbury frantically tried to clear their lines, but the ball was eventually hit over the line by a Bracknell player (0-1).

Newbury attacked straight from kick off with some neat passing however the final ball was well collected by the Bracknell keeper who was quick off her line. Tracey Beales came on after 25 mins for Bex Walker who had pick up a foot injury. Tracey had an immediate impact being involved in some good attacking play. Newbury thought they were back on level terms, when a good pass from Ellie Reed on the right hand side put Amie Barnard one on one with the keeper, and took the ball round her passing into the back of the net, but the effort was ruled offside.

Newbury had a couple more decent chances, however finally got one back following a bit of luck, when Nicole Beesley’s powerful cross from the left wing was deflected off a Bracknell defender into the back of her own net (1-1). Newbury had a couple more chances before half time, with the best coming to Ellie Reed, following a good run from Amie Barnard on the right wing, who passed low to Reed on the edge of the box, but the shot was hit over the bar. The teams went into half-time on level terms.

Newbury started the second half brightly and had a number of chances early on, with Ellie Reed meeting a deep cross from Amie Barnard, but her header was cleared off the line. Newbury then won a couple of corners but were unable to convert. Newbury did however go ahead following a well worked goal starting from left back Lauren Hansen, making a good pass forward to Nicole Beesley who passed into Amie Barnard in the middle of the box. Barnard’s shot was charged down by the Bracknell defenders and keeper with the ball rolling across the goal mouth, but this was followed up by Caz Harkness for a simple tap in at the back post. 2-1 to Newbury.

Bracknell were still threatening and won a few corners, however Nicky Isted in the Newbury goal was alert and also very quick off her line, making it difficult for Bracknell to get through with the long ball.

25 minutes in after good play from Ellie Reed and Maria Rodrigues, Nicole Beesley was fouled 25 yard out of the Bracknell goal. Ellie Reed’s took the free kick, blasting the ball just under the bar leaving the keeper no chance. 3-1 to Newbury.

The two goal advantage was however short lived after Bracknell won a free kick straight after kick off, with the ball being lofted cleverly into the box and the defence unable to clear, the Bracknell winger converted well to make the scores 3-2.

With around 15 minutes to play Newbury were desperate to hold on for the win, with Lorna Parr and Sami Atkins were holding strong in the centre of defence. Newbury were also still continuing to attack and won 2 free-kicks just outside the box, the first was headed wide by Amie Barnard, with the second more central and Ellie Reed taking another superb free-kick which was heading for the top left corner however the keeper made a fantastic save.

This was to be the last of the attacks with Newbury holding on for their first win in the league campaign this season, against a tough and physical Bracknell side.

Match Report by Caroline Harkness