NEWBURY Ladies FC returned to winning ways with a convincing 5-0 victory over Banbury United Ladies on Sunday in their first home league fixture of the season.

Newbury dominated from the first whistle to the last and took the lead in the 22nd minute.

Sophie Self floated a free-kick into the box and Lou Williamson reacted quickest and stabbed the ball home.

They failed to added a second goal until after the break when Williamson headed in an Ellie Reed cross with 51 minutes gone.

However, they were much the stronger side in the closing stages and Amy McNab netted their third with a stooping header from Reed’s flag-kick.

The home side added a fourth goal three minutes later when another Reed corner deflected into the net off a Banbury defender.

Newbury put the icing on the cake when skipper Caroline Harkness scored with a stunning long-range effort.

To rub salt into Banbury’s wounds their goalkeeper was also sent off for foul and abusive language before the restart could take place.

The incident further soured the visitors’ day, while Newbury were left to reflect on a memorable team performance.

They looked solid in defence, creative in attack and dominant in midfield led by player of the match, Reed, who was involved in three of their goals.

With a break in the Southern Region Women’s Premier League fixtures this weekend, Newbury Ladies return to action on Saturday, October 18 when they travel to Marlow United Ladies in the Berks & Bucks County Cup (2pm ko).