A psychological blow was then dealt to the home side just on the stroke of half time, when a Westwood player was afforded too much time and space in the box. With Gulliver already dragged out of position, the striker was allowed to turn and shoot, and her placement was perfect, the ball finding the top corner and it was impossible for the keeper to get near it. Too good and it gave Westwood a significant one nil lead at the break.

The momentum changed after the interval, with Newbury’s players now able to get more to grips with the game and they began to find more of their passing rhythm. Although much of the play was now in the Westwood half, Newbury were unable to find a breakthrough or get back on level terms, despite plenty of work rate and effort. With substitute, Kelly Killick, particularly shining for Newbury in midfield in the second half. But the clock was already beginning to tick down and with time running out, as the 90 minutes approached, it was looking more and more like the visitors had done enough to claim a big one nil victory. However, Nicole Beesley had other ideas for Newbury. Time and again she was terrorising the Westwood defenders with runs and dribbles into the box. And then in the 82nd minute, Beesley did draw a foul inside the area from a dazed Westwood defender. There was definite contact and the Referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Newbury had a penalty and a lifeline late into the game.

Beesley herself stepped up to take the spot kick and she struck the ball low and hard to the keeper’s left, seeing it hit the back of the net and scoring the equaliser that Newbury Development surely deserved after their improved second half display. Sadly for Newbury, there was not quite enough time left to add another goal, and so the 1-1 draw was a fair reflection on an even contest.

Match Report by Sue Hewett