Hundreds watch on, as Newbury FC return to ‘spiritual home’ at Faraday Road

Newbury Football Club returned to Faraday Road on Saturday in front of hundreds of fans.

They faced Abingdon Town in a Berks & Bucks Cup clash, losing 3-0 in a hard fought contest.

Before kick-off the ground was officially re-opened, with Lee Dillon MP joining the Mayor and key council figures on the pitch to deliver speeches.

“It’s been part of our strategy since 2019 to return football to this pitch,” said Mayor Andy Moore.

“It’s a great delight to see Newbury Football Club return to it’s home.

“We will continue to support the development and we wish all the teams who play here every success.”

Dillon was similarly pleased to see the club return home.

“You were quite clear on what you wanted. You wanted a football club back in the heart of your community,” he told the crowd of fans.

“When councils listen to what communities need, we can deliver what you want.

“Keep faith in the local democratic process, keep lobbying your politicians, because change can happen.

“Today is just the start and over the coming years you’ll see this facility continue to grow and continue to serve the people of Newbury and West Berkshire.”

Following this, a red ribbon was cut by councillor Billy Drummond, as captain and coach Ben Wickens led his side onto the pitch, ending six years of exile for the club.

On pitch matters provided less to shout about.

Around the 20 minute mark, it was Abingdon who christened the new ground with the first goal since 2018.

As a midfielder hit a long pass into the left channel, he found an Abingdon forward with empty space in front of him.

Uncontested, he played an easy square pass to his right, leaving the Newbury ‘keeper stranded and finding his team mate, who tapped home for 1-0.

That’s how it stayed at the break, with the bumper crowd making use of food and drink facilities on site, enjoying everything from lager to hot chocolate in the chilly conditions.

The hour mark saw the visitors double their lead however, in a move reminiscent of the first.

Another ball into the left channel found an Abingdon striker, who produced a skilful chip from the edge of the box, clipping the underside of the bar to make it 2-0.

Tempers began to flare shortly after this, while Abingdon saw a header sail over the bar.

Shortly after came some of Newbury’s best play, as their wide-man danced into the box following some great work on the left.

He fired a pass across the six yard box, but no Newbury players could meet it.

A corner shortly after found a Newbury head, but the ball sailed into the green netting set up behind the goal.

Then came Newbury’s best chance.

A clipped through ball found a Newbury player in space on the left, one on one with his defender.

He jinked past his man, looking up to hit a precise pass into the path of captain Wickens.

He met the cross perfectly, but his powerful shot could only sting the palms of the keeper in what was Newbury’s best opportunity.

With ten to go, Abingdon made it three, breaking through to end the contest with a powerful strike.

They celebrated loudly in the new changing rooms, with Newbury left to regroup.

But regardless of the result, Saturday afternoon marked the end of a six year journey and the most difficult period in the club’s history.

If results on the pitch can again begin to match progress off of it, then Newbury Football Club will soon start to break new ground.