Newbury started brilliantly, with Becky Anderson and Gemma Burnett combining early on. Then in the third minute, when Leanne Saunders cleared well in the centre of defence, she started another Newbury attack, finding Anderson in space on the left of midfield. Her cross-field pass gave Amie Barnard the opportunity to get beyond the MK City back line and storm into the area. She collected the ball and then played a low shot across the keeper and into the far bottom corner. One nil to Newbury from a very clinical finish. This was their first league goal of the season and it was a real confidence booster for the visiting team.

Unfortunately for Newbury, they gave their hosts a way back into the match in the 15th minute, when they conceded a foul just inside the area. The Referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot and the penalty was duly dispatched for 1-1.

As usual between these two good and experienced Southern Region Premier teams, it was proving to be another evenly matched contest. MK City next had the best effort on goal on the half hour mark, when a stinging long range effort had to be dealt with by Chloe Hunt in goal for Newbury. She was alert and able to palm the ball up onto the cross bar and over for a corner. A fine save. Newbury were now withstanding some sustained pressure from the home side, but their defence was standing firm.

Just when it looked as if the half time break would arrive with the scores still tied at one goal apiece, up stepped Newbury skipper, Reed, to produce a touch of magic. After tireless work from Burnett to win Newbury a throw-in deep in MK territory, Amy Lambden took the throw and found Reed close to the by-line. She headed goalward, evading the challenge of an MK defender and then elected to shoot, slamming in a strong shot from close range, which gave the keeper no chance. It was a great time to score for Newbury, with just one minute of the first half remaining. They now had a 2-1 lead.

MK City produced an early onslaught in the second half and Newbury had Chloe Hunt to thank on several occasions for protecting their lead. Her saves included an excellent double block, showing just what good reflexes she has. Newbury’s defenders too, were working extremely hard, with Maria Rodrigues clearing one shot on the line by heading away. Not surprisingly, after withstanding so much pressure from the home side, Newbury’s defence was finally breached in the 77th minute and MK City again scored an equaliser to make it 2-2.

This prompted Newbury’s one change in personnel, with Caz Harkness replacing Anderson in midfield, to add some fresh legs and energy in the closing stages. The switch did help to shift some of the momentum back in Newbury’s favour, as they finished the match as the stronger side. With Harkness quickly involved, Newbury had their best scoring chances of the second half, through Barnard and Burnett. The first shot was well saved and the second went narrowly wide of the upright. Then in the 84th minute, a Barnard cross was well met by Harkness, who expertly directed her header goal-wards, using the pace on the cross. As the ball flew towards the top corner, it looked as if it would be the winner, but somehow the MK goalkeeper made a flying save to deny Newbury’s hopes and the match ended as a 2-2 draw.

It was a positive result for Newbury and a very good team performance.

Match report by Sue Hewett