Last Sunday, Newbury Ladies First Team battled hard to win an entertaining Berks & Bucks Women’s FA Senior Cup tie versus Tilehurst Panthers at the Donnington Recreation Ground.
It was the visitors who struck first, capitalising on some mis-communication in Newbury’s defence, and this gave Tilehurst an early one nil lead. This was after the visitors had already struck the post following an earlier long range shot.
Gradually, Newbury’s passing began to improve and they were able to turn the momentum back in their favour, but despite a succession of corners as half time approached, Newbury still found themselves a goal behind however. But then there was a key moment in the 39th minute, when Newbury’s Gabriely Da Silva was tripped just inside the area and the home side had a penalty. It was Da Silva herself who grabbed the ball and placed it on the spot. And although she was made to wait several minutes before taking the spot kick, she made no mistake and converted with ease to give Newbury a timely equaliser just before half time.
That was not the last action of the first half however, as the visitors were clearly rattled and so Newbury pressed forward again. This time, Ellie Reed was fouled on the right and she made way for the confident Da Silva to again place the ball for the set piece. Her direct shot screamed into the far top corner, giving the Tilehurst keeper no chance. 2-1 now to Newbury at the interval.
Tilehurst Panthers were proving themselves to be a good team and it was a balanced contest in the second half. The visitors hit the Newbury woodwork a further twice, but it was Newbury who extended their lead in between these incidents, when Tilehurst were unable to clear a cross into their box properly and Tracey Beales pounced for Newbury to make it 3-1 just prior to the hour mark.
This gave Newbury some breathing space, until the visitors did score a second late on, but Newbury were able to hang on and record a 3-2 victory that takes them into the Second Round.
Newbury Ladies FC First Team Squad vs Tilehurst Panthers:
Erin Davis-Donne, Becky Anderson (Capt), Leanne Saunders, Sam Atkins, Jo Walsh-Perks, Shelley Forster, Rachel Allwright (replaced by Lauren Hanson, 82 mins), Ellie Reed, Tracey Beales, Gabriely Da Silva (replaced by Molly Baker, 87 mins), Noella Rodricks.
Newbury Ladies FC First Team Goal Scorers:
Gabriely Da Silva (2)
Tracey Beales
Newbury Ladies FC First Team Player of the Match:
Shelley Forster
