WOODLEY United Ladies lead the Premier Division of the Southern Region’s Football League following a 3-0 win at bottom side Newbury.

The opening half-hour proved reasonably even as defending the half of the pitch which had long grass, Woodley struggled to pass the ball and were susceptible to losing possession, albeit Newbury were unable to convert their chances.

What few opportunities the visitors created were dangerous with forward Rosie Page-Smith firing over from distance, Sarah Thompson blazing wide in a crowded penalty area and Page-Smith seeing a one-on-one with home keeper Katherine Brown cleared.

Page-Smith was involved in the opening goal on 34 minutes when she and Eva Thomas shared passes before the left winger’s cross found Jodie Penny unmarked to fire home from 10 yards.

Three minutes later the lead was doubled when Thompson had time to fire low to Brown’s right and inside the far post.

United started the second half with purpose and good pressure and a series of corners were won as Newbury struggled to get out of their own half.

The pressure was rewarded on 63 minutes when Maddie Sawyer’s shot from a tight angle on the right hit Brown’s left upright to go into the net.

BARTON Rovers went in front of their Premier Division game at Ascot United thanks to a fifth-minute Cheryl Williams effort, assisted by Rachel Allwright, but had to settle for a 1-1 draw.

Ascot improved as the game went on and forced a number of good saves from Barton shot-stopper Carly Chilton, but in injury-time an uncleared corner was fired home for a deserved equaliser.

In Division Two South of the Thames Valley Counties League, Barton Rovers Royals Ladies suffered a 4-0 defeat against Milton United Ladies.