It proved to be a very even contest, against two similarly matched teams. Newbury’s defence were performing well and their attackers were probing in the opening period, but they needed more precision in the final third. Alex Kovacsova forced her way through, but then sent her shot over the bar. She was almost found again soon after, by a Maria Rodrigues through ball, but it was just too strong and the Wantage keeper was out quickly to gather. Both sides had opportunities, but they weren’t clinical enough and both goalkeepers were able to make routine saves when they were called upon. Unsurprisingly, the match was still goal-less at the half time break.

The second half started with some bright Newbury attacks. Lauren Hanson got forward well in one and she put a testing ball into the Wantage box, but no Newbury attacker was able to connect. At the other end, Wantage had a shot that went over the bar. The match was played at a high tempo and it was all end to end action. In another Newbury chance, Alice Hill had a storming run through the middle of the Wantage defence, but she was under pressure from both sides as she struck the ball and her shot went just wide. As the match entered the final quarter, it was Newbury who were asking the more testing questions, as they probed for a winning goal. But there was always that chance that one mistake would swing the match the other way, so Newbury’s defence needed to be on their guard. Kovacsova shot at the goalkeeper and Lorna Kinder-Parr saw one effort go narrowly wide. So Newbury had the chances, but it was proving to be a frustrating afternoon in front of goal.

The match ended goal-less, but it was certainly a very entertaining nil, nil game. In the end, Newbury were happy with the clean sheet and the point gained, taking their total for the season to 10 points. They currently sit in 8th position, with their opponents in the lofty heights of fourth in the Division Two South table.

Newbury’s player of the match was Maria Rodrigues, who worked tirelessly and influenced the proceedings throughout.

Match report by Sue Hewett