| Newbury were drawn away to Abingdon Utd in the Preliminary Round of the Women's FA Cup. This was always going to be a difficult game as Abingdon, although in the the same division as Newbury last season, they looked to be strong contenders for promotion into the National league before the season was cut short and declared void. Newbury took a team comprising a mixed side made up of last year's first development teams.
Newbury were well organized from the start as Abingdon attacked trying to expose Newbury down the flanks but a back four of Amy Lambden, Sam Atkins, Leanne Saunders and Claire Turley held the line and defended well. However Abingdon did take the lead after 20 mins when Newbury failed to clear.
Newbury with Gabriely da Silva up front as a focal point and Rebecca Anderson striving to support her continued to take the game to Abingdon and Ayala Truelove prompting attacks
However Abingdon scored a second goal after bursting through. Goalkeeper Erin Davis-Donne was severely injured resulting in Kendall Gilmore having to play in goal. The score was 2-0 to the home team at half time which was a very creditable score line considering the strength of the opposition.
Half time saw Saide Gulliver enter the fray. Unfortunately Abingdon scored two quick goals for the restart leaving Newbury an uphill struggle and scored a fifth a while later. However Newbury battled on. Newbury's player of the match Da Silva forced a good save from the goalie after good work by Anderson and truelove.
Abingdon were to score a late sixth goal but Newbury continued to the end and didn't give up.
Match Report by Tony McConnon
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