Newbury fell behind after just six minutes when the Winchester winger cut-in from the left to fizz a shot into the top right hand corner for one nil. The home side then extended their lead from the game’s first corner on nine minutes. But despite a comfortable two nil lead, Winchester failed to go on and impose themselves on the match, allowing Newbury to settle and regain their composure. Amy McNab having a great chance to score, after good work by Becky Anderson, but sadly McNab’s shot didn’t quite have enough power behind it and a Winchester defender was able to get back and clear from inside the six yard box.

There were to be further set-backs in the opening period however for Newbury, as forward McNab took a knock, as did emergency defender, Bec Walker. Both players continued until the 35th minute when McNab required treatment and had to be replaced. Club captain, Caz Harkness coming on and taking over the goalkeeping duties, to allow Lauren Hanson to become an outfield player. Newbury’s bad luck continued, as just five minutes later Hanson damaged her ankle in a last ditch challenge and she was unable to continue. Newbury seeing out the half with ten players. The half time score-line was still 2-0.

Things went from bad to worse for Newbury at half time, with Ayala Truelove forced to withdraw and Hanson heading for the local hospital to be assessed. A patched up McNab returned with her team mates to the field for the second half, but Newbury were forced to again play with only ten players and everyone feared the worst. They fell further behind just inside the hour mark when a weak goal kick was pounced upon by a Winchester striker, who tucked the ball away well for three nil.

Again, Newbury Ladies showed tremendous fighting qualities and team spirit; and whilst Winchester were having plenty of possession, they were having little joy out of a stubborn Newbury rear guard. The visiting defence was breached for one final time in the 80th minute, when the unfortunate Harkness dived well to her left, getting one hand to a low shot, but being unable to keep the ball out. Four nil the game’s final score-line, but of more pressing consequence and concern for Newbury than this defeat, is their mounting injury list. Manager Sue Hewett will now face an anxious wait this week for news on the injuries sustained to key first team players.

Match report by Sue Hewett