Newbury Ladies Development Team on their travels as they played away to the Reserves of Wargrave Ladies in the Thames Valley Counties League Division 2 South.

All of the early chances came Newbury’s way, but then the home side opened the scoring in their first attack. With just six minutes on the clock, Newbury fell behind after Nicky Isted had saved the first shot, but then the second Wargrave striker reacted quickest for a tap-in. One nil to Wargrave.

Newbury gathered themselves and pressed again as a team. They found an equaliser after 16 minutes. Bec Walker and Kendall Gilmour combined well, with the latter shooting from 25 yards. The shot was half saved, but the ball was only parried to Nicole Beesley, who reacted first to stab the ball home for Newbury. 1-1 now the score-line.

Finding themselves on top as the first half progressed, Newbury were unfortunate in not being able to convert any of the good chances that they were creating. Suffice to say they would rue not being more clinical in front of goal in that period. The half time break came with the teams still tied at one goal apiece.

The second half proved a very even encounter, with neither side able to impose themselves. It took until the 83rd minute, but then it was Wargrave who were again able to take the lead. In attempting to make the save, the Newbury keeper, Nicky Isted, suffered an injury meaning she could not continue. With Newbury now trailing 2-1, Nicole Beesley put on the gloves and took over the goalkeeping duties for her team. She was unable to prevent another Wargrave goal however just three minutes later.

From the re-start, Newbury captain, Kendall Gilmour, went on a powerful 40 yard run down the left. She whipped in a cross, which was well met by Bec Walker just six yards out for a tap-in. With 85 minutes on the clock, this set up a frenetic finish, as it was now Wargrave 3, Newbury 2. Despite this late, late rally from Newbury, then were sadly unable to find an equaliser and the Referee blew his whistle to close the match, with Wargrave Ladies taking all three points. 3-2 the final score.

Match Report by Sue Hewett