BASINGSTOKE Town Ladies Reserves picked up their first piece of silverware in an excellent season by winning the Hampshire Intermediate Cup, writes BEN SWAFFIELD.

The team are also looking in a strong position to finish in second spot in Hampshire County Women’s Football League Division Two.

In the cup final the Basingstoke Town Reserves started as underdogs against the Division Two champions.

They were also looking to avenge a 4-0 league defeat in February to Rushmoor and got off to a great start as Beck Lee scored after five minutes.

The reserves then beat Rushmoor’s off-side trap in 10 minutes with Dee Chub added a second.

As the game went on Rushmoor started to get back into the game, but a combination of good goalkeeping and a resolute back four kept Rushmoor at bay.

Basingstoke was hindered by an injury to Beth Swaddling which slowed down Basingstoke’s options. Rushmoor capitalised on this by getting a goal back just before half time making the score 2-1.

Rushmoor started strongly in the second half but again Basingstoke stood firm. Basingstoke then lost a second player to injury when Lee injured her ankle while clearing a goal bound shot.

As Rushmoor again piled on more pressure the reserves lost a third player as Roxy Taw fell heavily and injured her back resulting in a 45-minute interval while she received treatment.

When the game resumed sub, Alisha Richardson made an instant impact on the game.

After collecting the ball and making an amazing run she was able to finish and put Basingstoke 3-1 up.

Shortly after Richardson again made an important interception and set the ball up for Chubb who from 20 yards out, scored a spectacular goal, making it 4-1.

With only five minutes left to play this clearly cemented victory for Basingstoke.

The role the back four played did not go unrecognised when centre back Hayley Williams was awarded Player of the Match.

Basingstoke Town Reserves winning squad: Katy Ambler, Dee Chubb, Jessica Dry, Billie Gardner, Shannon King, Becky Lee, Kerri Martin, Charlotte May, Sharni McConville, Natasha Millsom, Kelly Nash (captain), Alisha Richardson, Libby Stratton, Beth Swadling, Roxy Taw, Hayley Williams. Management Team: Ben Swaffield and Katie Hempton.