Newbury kicked off the match, but it was the home side who took charge of the early proceedings, attacking in the first minute and earning the game’s first corner after just two minutes. Oxford took a short corner routine, but Newbury captain, Caz Harkness, was alert to it and got out early to block and clear. The first shot at goal, came from Oxford’s right and it was an effort from distance, which was struck well. But Chloe Hunt, in Newbury’s goal, was equal to it and she tipped expertly over the bar for another corner. Again, Newbury’s defence stood firm and they cleared well, and then went on to launch an attack of their own. Tracey Beales was almost sent clear of the Oxford back-line, but their goalkeeper was quickly out of her area and she just reached the ball ahead of Beales to clear upfield. The tempo of the match was very high in the opening stages, with Oxford City having a lot of possession. They were trying to probe and find a gap in Newbury’s defence and they managed it in the 7th minute, when their lively striker wriggled free to latch onto a good through ball just inside the area. She slotted home well, despite Hunt’s attempt to save and so Oxford had an early 1-0 lead.

Even after the re-start, all of the play was again in the Newbury defensive half. An injury to Newbury defender, Leanne Saunders, on 12 minutes, required an early substitution, with Kendall Gilmour called up to replace her and fill in. Soon after, Oxford City had extended their lead to two goals, with a thunderbolt strike from the right, this time beating the keeper to sail into the top corner for two nil. Newbury refused to let their heads drop however and they dug in, this time keeping possession from the kick off. Harkness drove forward and found a through pass to Beales, who turned and shot well when under pressure from a defender. Her effort was on target and it required a fine fingertip save from the Oxford goalkeeper. The ball was still loose inside the penalty area and it was Beales who pounced first, again shooting goal-ward and again forcing a second good save. This gave Newbury a confidence boost and they began to assert themselves more, particularly in midfield.

Having received treatment off the pitch, Saunders was ready to return for Newbury and she replaced Jana Penazova on 25 minutes. After good work from Beales, Newbury had their first corner soon after, from which Harkness headed narrowly wide. Whilst Oxford were still an attacking threat, Newbury’s defence was now standing firm and the better efforts at goal were Newbury’s as half time approached. Midfielder, Molly Baker, played a great pass over the top of the Oxford defence, which Gemma Burnett eagerly latched onto. Her shot produced another diving save and Newbury were again thwarted by the goalkeeper. This was a game of real quality, with two good footballing sides enjoying the smooth 4G surface that Oxford City FC have recently installed. Just prior to half time, Oxford’s attack did create another good opportunity. Hunt was called upon to come out and narrow the angle, making a low save. But as she parried the ball, Oxford’s striker was still in control and rounded her, ready to pass the ball into the empty net. Only for Newbury’s Lauren Hanson to make a terrific recovery run, sliding in to clear off the line. So the first half ended with Oxford City still two goals up.

The start of the second period was a disaster for Newbury, as Oxford City attacked straight from their kick off. They earnt a free kick and took it quickly, sending a dangerous cross into the Newbury box. Newbury were caught out and with the ball bobbling around the six yard area, the visitors were unable to clear. So it was no surprise to see the ball rifled in by an Oxford player for three nil, with the second half barely having started. But just when you thought Newbury’s resolve would fade and they would crumble, there was to be no onslaught from Oxford City on the Newbury goal. Instead, Newbury again showed that they can defend and defend well. They put that early set back of the half well and truly behind them. The fitness of the Newbury players also shone through, as it was a tireless display of non-stop work rate. Substitute forward, Bec Walker, was linking up well with Beales and Reed and they were able to ask questions of the home defence. Reed and Walker working a crossing opportunity for the former, which was just too long for the diminutive Beales at the far post.

As the second half progressed, Newbury’s harassing and pressing of Oxford, led to City resorting to more than hopeful shots from distance. This was wasted possession, as many of these attempts were not on target. Oxford were unable to add to their tally, although it can be said that they didn’t need to. They saw out a routine three nil win and collected the three points. But for Newbury, it was about working together as a team, never giving in and making life as difficult as possible for their opponents. Despite the defeat, Newbury’s players and management felt there were more positives than negatives and they now look forward to a home match this week against Winchester City Flyers.

The Player of the Match for Newbury Ladies FC was Tracey Beales, who gave an influential performance.

Match report by Sue Hewett