Jacqui has no need for a sheepskin on her sunshine debut

Jacqui Oatley earned her place in football history yesterday when she ended the male domination of televised football commentary.

The broadcaster, who has made her reputation as a sports reporter on Radio Five Live, became the first woman to commentate on a Premiership match for BBC TV's Match of the Day when she took her seat in the gantry at Craven Cottage for Fulham-Blackburn.

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Having refused all interview requests during the build-up, Oatley, 32, a former amateur footballer, made sure she was in good time, arriving soon after 1pm before walking along the sun-drenched touchline and climbing up to the BBC commentary point in the Riverside stand, high above the dugouts.

Her promotion had caused a mixed reaction among the football community, with traditionalists such as former Wimbledon boss Dave Bassett claiming he was "totally against it" and insisting he would walk out of the room when she came on.

Others, including Fulham's new manager Lawrie Sanchez, who played under Bassett at Wimbledon, believed this was merely a case of the old game stepping into the 21st century and applauded the "vision and integrity of the appointment".

Oatley herself does not believe she is a trailblazer. "I don't think of it as breaking down barriers for women in sport," she said recently.

"I do it for the same reason as any bloke does. I love my football.

"There are certainly a few more (women) in the press box these days, so we don't stick out like a sore thumb any more.

"Gabby Logan has done us all a favour, fronting a main channel. She has become accepted and I think more women will be, in time."

Former BBC commentator Barry Davies, who worked on numerous World Cups, FA Cup finals and internationals, predicted that Oatley's debut may depend on the quality of the match. "People talk about commentaries, but often they are referring to a good match," said Davies. "You just hope for her sake there's plenty for her to talk about."

The teams did not let her down. In a lively contest, Fulham, needing victory to pull clear of the relegation zone, led from the 10th minute with a goal from Italian Vincenzo Montella but Benni McCarthy's equaliser on the hour earned Rovers a 1-1 draw.