Louie Soares bags a hat-trick and South Reading hold their nerves to win on penalties in the cup

PICTURE: South Reading will represent the East Berkshire Football League in the Semi Finals of the Berks & Bucks F.A. David Grange Junior Trophy after a 4-3 win on penalties at Newbury on Saturday.

South Reading have reached the Semi Finals in the Berks & Bucks F.A. David Grange Junior Trophy after a thrilling win on penalties against Newbury on Saturday.

The East Berkshire Football League newcomers have been in scintillating form in recent weeks, winning in their last seven matches in all competitions - scoring 34 goals in the process - to ensure they will battle for both League and Cup honours in the New Year.

Newbury themselves are flying high in Division One of the Thames Valley Premier League this season so, the Quarter Finals tie promised to be a tight affair. Louie Soares was the star-on-show as his hat-trick helped South Reading to hold their hosts at 4-4 after extra time. Phillip John came off the substitutes bench to add a fourth goal. And the visitors then held their nerves to win the ensuing penalties shoot-out 4-3.

Berks Elite, unfortunately, missed out on a place in the final four of the county competition after conceding a lead to lose 3-1 at Marsh Gibbon. A goal from Oliver Schafer gave the E.B.F.L representatives a lead inside 11 minutes of the tie and the visitors held on to the advantage until the break. But, the home team roared back in the second period and strikes from Abdou Jallow, Stuart Leonard and Prince Nahimana sent the North Bucks & District League side through to the next round.

Singh Sabha booked their ticket into the Semi Finals of the Slough Town Premier Cup competition this season after a 4-2 win against Sandhurst Reds. Sabha were in cruise control with a three goals lead at the break but, to their credit, Sandhurst stuck to the task in the second period to hit the back of the net twice and keep their hosts honest. Pritpal Raju scored twice for Singh Sabha with further goals from both Jovan Baines and Mohmin Zaheed.

To enter the East Berkshire Football League ahead of the 2024/25 season, or for further information about the league, or an entry form for the upcoming season, please email the team at contactebfl@gmail.com