Ladies return for 2026 in style

In the first match of the new year for Dan Gray’s ladies, Tara Woodward hit five goals and Ellie Lovelock another two in a mightily impressive return for 2026.

Hosts Kidlington took the lead inside the opening five minutes as Kiera Isaac struck from a free-kick.

But Penn – who gave a debut to former Maidenhead goalkeeper Amy Whale – put themselves on terms through Woodward in the 24th minute, before further strikes from Lovelock (33) and Woodward (43) gave the visitors real control ahead of the second half.

Gray’s side subsequently asserted their authority on proceedings after half-time to add real gloss to the scoreline.

Woodward completed her hat-trick with further goals in minutes 43 and 50, then hit the net once more in the 58th minute before Lovelock’s 68th-minute strike gave her a brace for the afternoon.

Woodward rounded off the scoring with her fifth and final goal on 73 minutes.

Ladies manager Gray said: “We may have conceded early, but the girls displayed real strength and quality to win the game so convincingly in the end.”

The ladies welcome Tilehurst Panthers to French School Meadow next Sunday.

Penn: Whale, Baden, Mackay, Harnby, Wyncoll, Brockwell, Troth, Read, Brooks, Lovelock, Woodward.

Subs: Jones, Misselbrook, Thompson, Southby.