A Showcase Match victory would mean an awful lot after a difficult past year for Chalvey Sports

PICTURE: Chalvey Sports take on Old Windsor Reserves in the Quarter Finals to the Ascot & District Fielden Cup competition at the Racecourse Ground in Ascot this Saturday (7pm KO). It is the second in three Showcase Matches at the home of Ascot United F.C.

Craig Howard believes that a win in the Showcase Match this Saturday would mean an awful lot after a difficult past year for Chalvey Sports Football Club.

Things have not gone entirely to plan for The Stabmonks both on and off the pitch this season but, there has been signs in recent weeks that the green shoots of recovery are starting to sprout.

The team has picked up crucial points in the East Berkshire League Premier Division, including an impressive win over Frontline last weekend, and now face Old Windsor Reserves in the Quarter Finals to the Ascot & District Fielden Cup at Ascot United F.C. on Saturday (7pm kick off).

Chalvey also have early season form against Premier Division champions Britwell, whilst Old Windsor Reserves have not entirely been firing on all cylinders in Division One, and Howard knows his Club will be proud to compete under the lights at the Racecourse Ground.

The Chalvey Sports, Secretary, said: “It’s been a difficult season for the Club as a whole. We lost our Chairman, Scott Young, and Secretary, Carl Feasey, and then unfortunately the first team had to fold.

“But, in relation to the reserve team, we always knew it was going to be a difficult season in the Premier Division. There are some very tough teams and it’s very competitive.

“We’ve held our own and done okay and we’re meeting our goals. The expectations weren’t too high but we’ve picked up a couple of good results, namely Southcote and Britwell. But, there has also been a couple of results that were not plain to form, calling out Old Windsor, for example. But, all in all, we’re relatively happy.

“We’re very lucky to be a part of a Showcase Match and the fixture is a Cup tie, obviously it’s great playing these Cup ties in front of a crowd in a stadium and on a good pitch.

“A win would mean a lot for the Club as we’ve had a difficult year, and it would be great to progress into the next round. And it’s always good to win under the lights and in front of our fans. I’m really looking forward to it and hoping for a good result.”

Howard added: “The Showcase Match is a fantastic idea and we were privileged to be a part of one last season when we played Harts Of Bracknell at Burnham F.C.

“It’s just a fantastic event. We had a really good turnout in that game, with lots of supporters coming through the doors. We’re privileged and proud to be a part of the Showcase Matches.

“It’s a huge advert for the East Berkshire League, and credit to the league for organising it and getting everything done.”

PICTURE: The Old Windsor Reserves team with manager Laurence Chetwynd, front row far right.

Old Windsor Reserves sit third bottom in EBFL Division One, where perhaps a lack in goals has not helped in their cause for points but, boss Laurence Chetwynd hopes his men will put on a good show in what he knows will be a tough Cup tie.

He said: “We’re happy to be involved in this Showcase Match. They’re great for local football in general and something for players in the EBFL to look forward to.

“We would love to put on a good show under the lights and are expecting a very tough game against Premier Division opponents.

“We haven't had the season we wanted at the start but we've started to turn a corner in recent weeks. I hope this can continue through this game and get us to a second Semi Final this year.

“All of our lads are excited for this opportunity to play at Ascot, and I hope we can get a good result and entertain the crowd."

To enter the East Berkshire Football League ahead of the 2023/24 season, or for further information about the league, or an entry form for the upcoming season, please email the team at contactebfl@gmail.com