Stanford’s defence and goalkeeper were definitely put under pressure during the rest of the first half, but Newbury were unable to add to their tally, despite having numerous chances. So it remained one nil to the visitors at the break.

From the re-start, Newbury pressed again and won an early corner after good work from Lauren Sheldon and Issy Cording. It was then Sheldon who steered her header just wide of the upright from a Nicole Beesley corner. So again, Stanford escaped. Then in the 54th minute, Newbury did double their advantage when a Maria Rodrigues close range shot was blocked by a defender. There were strong Newbury appeals for a ‘handball’ and a penalty, but before anyone else had any time to react, Issy Cording pounced on the loose ball to stab home from 5 yards. The goal stood and the Newbury players all celebrated with Cording. Two nil now to Newbury.

Without being that spectacular for the remainder of the game, Newbury did exactly what they needed to do to see the game out comfortably and they were happy enough with the 2-0 score-line. Stanford were unable to make any in-roads and so Newbury were delighted to keep a clean sheet and collect another 3 points, taking their season’s tally to 27 points and it was their eighth league victory overall.

Match Report by Sue Hewett