Walker doubled her own tally and that of Newbury’s in the 19th minute, when she was played in skilfully by midfielder, Maria Rodrigues. And it was three nil after half an hour, with Walker claiming her hat-trick, this time assisted by the lively Nicole Beesley. Newbury were rampant and it was to be a painful afternoon for the visitors. With five minutes of the first half remaining, Newbury scored another four goals. Two were taken by Kendall Gilmour and there was one apiece for Jazz Bird and Beesley. This gave Newbury an emphatic 7-0 lead at the half time break.

Newbury had chances galore, but they were only able to add another four goals in the second period. Rodrigues scoring Newbury’s eighth with a composed left foot finish. Any Thatcham Town attacks were few and far between, with Newbury’s defence and goalkeeper clearing up well and they had a comfortable afternoon. Thatcham’s misery was compounded when they conceded a penalty for hand ball, which Gilmour duly dispatched to become Newbury’s second hat-trick hero of the day, alongside Bec Walker. Both Gilmour and Walker were to go on to each claim their fourth goals of the game, which saw Newbury run out 11 nil victors by the final whistle.

With their first three points of the season on the board, it had been a terrific start for the Newbury Ladies Development Team. Captain for the day, Marie Prout, was named Player of the Match.

Match report by Sue Hewett

Newbury Ladies FC Development Team Goal Scorers: