All of the early attacking pressure was Newbury’s, with Gemma Burnett having a shot charged down and cleared. Before Amie Barnard opened the scoring for the home side after ten minutes, firing past a helpless keeper for one nil.

Denham United’s young team then rallied and started to come more into the match, but it was still a fairly even contest, with both midfields cancelling the other out to a certain extent. Further chances for Newbury fell to Ellie Reed and Shelley Forster, with neither able to convert. Then Denham had their best opportunity to level in the 25th minute from a corner, but were denied by an excellent save from Carly Passfield in the Newbury goal. Denham kept the pressure up and had Newbury penned into their final third, as the closing seconds of the first period ticked down. An equalising goal was finally conceded by Newbury, when the unfortunate Lorna Parr deflected a cross into her net, gifting the visitors an own goal. 1-1 the score-line at the end of the first period.

Newbury rang the changes at the interval and the ever influential Barnard again had an early effort, this time shooting straight at the keeper, who made a comfortable save. Denham were able to take a 2-1 lead in the 42nd minute however, in what was proving to be a thoroughly entertaining encounter for the spectators. Falling behind invigorated Newbury and they created a superb equaliser just five minutes later. Barnard was again sent away down the right and her cross into the six yard box was met with a bullet header by Maria Rodrigues that almost tore the net off. A further opportunity came Denham’s way, but again goalkeeper Carly Passfield was equal to the test, narrowing the angles and forcing the striker to shoot high and wide. As the Referee’s whistle signalled the end of the second period, the scores remained tied at two goals apiece.

With the early Spring heat, the fitness levels of both sides were tested in the final period of 30 minutes and it was Newbury Ladies who were finishing the stronger. Burnett and Tracey Beales both had long range efforts, before Player of the Match, Amie Barnard crashed a strike back off the Denham cross-bar. Newbury were still looking for a winning goal in the closing stages and Denham had to hold their breath when Newbury were awarded a free kick 25 yards out. Reed stepped up to take the set piece, but her shot was marginally too high and cleared the bar. So the game ended all square at 2-2.

Match Report by Sue Hewett