We are so proud to report that our Women’s Walking Football Team recently played in their first Competitive Friendlies against Kingswood Ladies in Swindon. The squad has been together for over a year now and although the main focus is on Fun, Friendship and Fitness (probably in that order) the player’s skills and confidence have increased hugely in that time.

As Sara Fenton’s report demonstrates they have a competitive edge too. Photos by Steve Reay.

Match Report: 1st Match
Kingswood Ladies, Swindon vs Hungerford Women’s Walking Football – Result -1:1

Hungerford Women’s Walking Football Team played their first two matches on Saturday 18th October, against Kingswood Ladies, Swindon. Travelling to Swindon, the team of Sarah Reay, Sara Fenton, Naomi Hunter, Ali Mason, Kelly Purnell and Emma Binns showed great spirit, composure and glimpses of really good walking football play.
From the off, in the first game, Hungerford held their own against the more experienced Swindon team. They looked well organised, showed smart movement and crisp passing for a first outing together. In particular, a great pass from Kelly to Sara early in the first half enabled her to take the chance and fire the ball into the back of the net to give Hungerford a 1 - 0 lead. It was a clean, confident finish that gave the visitors a deserved advantage.
Hungerford continued to press well, with Kelly firing a great shot at goal only to be deprived by the crossbar. Shots on target from Ali and Sarah tested the Swindon goalkeeper. However, the Swindon side also had spells of pressure and equal chances, showing that the visitors were well tested.
Going into the second half, Kingswood pressed harder and there was great defence work from Hungerford with Emma Binns and Sarah Reay blocking Kingsdown’s efforts and goalkeeper Naomi Hunter making several great saves
Despite Hungerford’s early lead, Kingsdown drew level with just minutes to go. Naomi got a hand to the ball and was unlucky not to keep it out, but at the final whistle, the score stood at 1–1.

2nd Match
Kingswood Ladies, Swindon vs Hungerford Women’s Walking Football – 0:0

In their second game against Kingswood Ladies, the Hungerford Team faced a tough challenge against a stronger Kingsdown Ladies side. From the outset, the Home Team came out with energy and purpose, putting Hungerford under sustained pressure.
Despite this, the Hungerford team showed great discipline and teamwork, refusing to be overwhelmed. Ali Mason, in goal, had a standout performance, making a number of excellent saves to keep the scores level. Under constant pressure, her composure and sharp reactions were key in maintaining the clean sheet.
The match was a tight, hard-fought contest with both sides creating chances but neither able to find the breakthrough. Hungerford defended with determination and continued to grow into the game, showing improved cohesion and confidence on the ball.
A 0–0 draw was a fair reflection of a well-contested match.
This was a thoroughly encouraging debut for the Hungerford Women’s Walking Football Team. Both games were a fair result in many ways — given it was Hungerford’s first ever match in this format, to draw away and show strong collective play is something to celebrate.

Congratulations to all six players: Sarah, Sara, Naomi, Ali, Kelly and Emma — you made history today.

If any ladies are interested in giving walking football a try, we’d love to welcome you! Hungerford Women’s Walking Football Club is a friendly and supportive team open to all abilities. We train from 7pm-8pm, on Wednesday evenings at the John O’Gaunt School. For more information, please contact Martin Brailli on 07759 228514– come along and join the fun!