| Sadly Newbury Ladies FC did not start the New Year off as they would wish, going down to a 3 nil defeat at the hands of New Milton Town Ladies in a Premier Division clash in the Southern Region Women’s League.
On a bitterly cold day and in high winds, Newbury kicked off the match and started well, with a half chance falling to Bec Walker. The home keeper out to smother and gather well. With second place playing third place in the league table, it was as expected, a very closely fought encounter between two good quality sides. Newbury were finding it harder to utilise the space out on the flanks, with the heavy conditions through the middle of the pitch, proving difficult for both sets of players.
Just prior to half time and New Milton earned a corner. From the set piece, they took advantage from a mix-up between a Newbury defender and goalkeeper, with the ball flying into the net off the head of a defender for an own goal. So the home side had a decisive lead at the half time break, one nil to New Milton Town.
Within three minutes of the re-start and Newbury were undone again, this time from another home corner. They failed to clear their lines and in the scramble inside the six yard box, a New Milton player was able to lift the ball over a crowd of players and into the roof of the Newbury net. Two nil now to the home side.
Newbury’s players pressed and pressed, going in search of a goal to get them back into the match. The tireless Amy McNab having one close range effort cleared off the line by a New Milton defender. As Newbury committed bodies forward, they were always then in danger of a counter attack, with Newbury goalkeeper, Nicky Isted and defender Sam Atkins, each called upon for a couple of last ditch challenges and saves to keep Newbury in the contest. When the third one-on-one break-away opportunity presented itself, the New Milton striker was not to be denied a third time. She duly slotted the ball home well, to all but wrap up the three points for New Milton Town and take a comfortable three nil lead.
There would be no way back for Newbury, as they drew a blank in front of goal. The final whistle signalling a victory for New Milton Town, which saw them leap frog Newbury Ladies and go up into second place.
Match report by Sue Hewett
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