Newbury then had to sustain a period of Wargrave attacking pressure, with some terrific defending from Sam Richards, Lauren Sheldon and Nicole Pearce, in turn. Mid-way through the half, Marie Prout was called upon to save well in the Newbury goal and keep her team’s slender one nil lead intact. The home side were able to make the half time break, still with a one nil lead.

Just prior to the re-start, Newbury were able to make a crucial substitution, bringing on forward, Bec Walker. She injected pace into the Newbury attack and her introduction paid dividends in the 52nd minute, when she latched onto a Gilmour through ball and finished clinically to extend Newbury’s lead. Two nil now to the hosts. Walker sent Newbury further ahead after 65 minutes, when assisted expertly by Maria Rodrigues. It was now Newbury three, Wargrave nil.

The contest and the points were all but wrapped up by Newbury in the 77th minute, when a Gilmour corner was met with a first time volleyed finish at the near post from Amy Lambden. It was a goal worthy of winning any match and it gave Newbury Development a convincing four nil lead. There would be no way back for Wargrave and it was a very satisfying afternoon for Newbury, a clean sheet, four goals and 3 great points to see them go level with Thatcham Flames in the Division Two South table.

Match report by Sue Hewett