Newbury Ladies Football
Match Report -- Season 2017-18
Thames Valley Counties Women's Football League
Division 2 South
Sunday 12th November 2017
Thatcham Flames 5 Newbury Ladies Development 1
The Newbury Ladies Development Team played away versus Thatcham Flames in the Thames Valley League Counties League Division Two South. Despite kicking off the match, Newbury fell behind inside the first minute after a Thatcham break down the right flank and a first time finish meeting the cross to open the scoring for Thatcham Flames. Just two minutes later and the Thatcham lead was extended to two goals, this time following an equally devastating break down the left wing. Newbury now had a mountain to climb to have any chance of getting back into the match, but they did rally and started to defend much better, whilst also carrying more of a threat going forward, with Nicole Beesley, Maria Rodrigues and Becky Anderson growing into the game for Newbury. Just after the half hour mark however, Thatcham were awarded a free kick 20 yards out and the direct set play was converted with ease into the top corner for three nil. This score-line remained at the Referee’s half time whistle.

Newbury started the second period much better than the first, with three quick strikes on the Thatcham goal coming from Alice Hill, Maria Rodrigues and Phoebe Gubb. Whilst they were able to test the Thatcham goalkeeper, she was equal to everything. Then in the 51st minute, Thatcham went straight down the other end and scored their fourth goal with their first attack of the half. A fifth goal was added just four minutes later and the young side of Thatcham Flames were now in cruise control. Newbury did though grab a consolation following the re-start, when Beesley and Hill combined superbly, for Hill to fire past the keeper. 5-1 now the score-line approaching 60 minutes played.

Unfortunately for all concerned, a Newbury player suffered a serious medical problem whilst on the pitch and the game had to be suspended for a length of time, whilst medical assistance was sought. Both teams and their respective officials rushed to help and cooperated brilliantly to cope with the situation. After a considerable delay however, the match was finally called off and it is expected that the 5-1 result will stand in the favour of Thatcham Flames.

Match report by Sue Hewett

Players: Hazel Beesley, Lauren Sheldon, Saide Gulliver, Amy Lambden (Capt), Sam McConnon, Maria Rodrigues, Imogen Gibbons, Phoebe Gubb, Becky Anderson, Nicole Beesley, Alice Hill, Kelly Killick, Issy Cording.
Referee: Nuno Guerreiro
Goal scorers
Alice Hill
Player of the match
Imogen Gibbons
Next fixture

Thames Valley Counties League Division 3 South
Sunday 18th April 2021 2 p.m.
Newbury Dev v Thatcham 1st
at Donnington Recreation Ground