Newbury needed to be patient in the opening stages, before they took a deserved lead through Captain, Maria Rodrigues in the 35th minute. That one goal lead stood at the half time break, in a closely fought affair.

Then two quick goals early in the second half would prove good enough for Newbury, with Player of the Match, Bec Walker scoring Newbury's second goal after 53 minutes, when she was found by a Sam Richards cross. Then just five minutes later, the lively Nicole Beesley scored on her birthday, this time set up by Walker, to give Newbury a three nil lead, with more than thirty minutes remaining.

The quality of Thatcham Flames young side was evident however, as the games closing stages were not as comfortable as they could have been for Newbury. Thatcham pulled two goals back in the 81st and 84th minutes, to set up a dramatic finale. Newbury just about hung on, to run out 3-2 winners and claim their place at the top of the league table.

Match Report by Sue Hewett