The away team started superbly and they took a shock lead after just 4 minutes through a deft header from Ellie Reed. This was after the Referee had played a good advantage, following a foul mid-way inside the Woodley half on Newbury’s Gabriely Da Silva. The ball was played out to the flank to Noella Rodricks and she sent in a terrific cross, which was met by Reed on the six yard box to give Newbury a one goal lead.

They were pegged back however, in the 20th minute when they failed to properly clear a Woodley corner and a shot from distance left the Newbury keeper with no chance, as the ball sailed into the roof of the net. It was now 1-1 and the match was finely poised. Newbury held their nerve and it was still one goal apiece at the half time break.

Newbury again started the second period very well and on 58 minutes they scored a crucial second goal, after excellent work in the midfield from substitute, Tracey Beales. She battled well to keep possession and then with Woodley’s back-line caught off guard, Newbury attacked at pace. Beales had options left and right. She showed real composure as she advanced into the penalty area and then coolly slotted in Da Silva, who finished clinically from the left. It was a brilliant Newbury move and worthy of winning any match. But there were still over half an hour to play.

Despite Woodley pushing and pushing for an equaliser, Newbury’s players were strong and determined. And after the previous week’s disappointment late in the game at Oxford City, this time they showed real resolve and with fresh legs and experience introduced in the shape of Shelley Forster and Michelle Beverley, Newbury were calm and managed out the game superbly. The match finishing in a fine Newbury 2-1 victory, to see them with 4 points to their name already.

Match Report by Sue Hewett