Old Windsor have been the dominant force and take a clear lead over rivals into the Winter months

PICTURE: Old Windsor have been in impressive form at the start to the season and have a clear five-point lead over the chasing pack in the East Berkshire League Premier Division.

Old Windsor will head into the Winter months with a clear five point lead at the top of the East Berkshire League Premier Division.

The Os have been the dominant force since the start to the season with victories over all four of the teams directly below them in the league table, most recently a 1-0 win against Virginia Water Reserves last weekend.

Old Windsor will face another test of their tittle credentials when clashing with Southcote - runners-up last season - in a Showcase Match at the Racecourse Ground in Ascot on this Friday night (8pm).

Assistant Chairman, Luke Wade, believes the key to their impressive form has been the ability to name consistent and competitive squads on a regular basis however, he has called on the players to keep their focus.

He said: “We’ve had a decent start to the season. We seem to be creating lots of chances and playing some good football. We’ve been able to get consistent squads out which helps on the pitch. The positive for us is the fact we are constantly getting two squads out and have all the lads buy into what we’re doing. With that we’ve been playing good football and creating a number of chances.

“The main area of improvement for us would be to stay switched on throughout the game as we’ve conceded some sloppy goals due to a lack of concentration. The one defeat was disappointing (4-3 loss to Hype Train on 2nd September) and sticks in the memory however, I feel that has been a bit of a lesson to some of the boys in that, no matter who you are playing, you need to be on your game or you could come unstuck.

“We didn’t really set a specific target this season other than try and build on what we did last season. We’ve been able to get two competitive squads out most weeks which we did not do regularly last season. I think we’ve achieved that up until now and the results have followed on the pitch. With the summer months now over we need to keep availability good and try to go on a good run which will be key to a successful season.”

PICTURE: Old Windsor take on Southcote in an EBFL Premier Division Showcase Match at the Racecourse Ground in Ascot on Friday night. FREE ENTRY is offered to all Old Windsor Tigers players wearing their kit shirts (Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult).

Old Windsor (first team) have met Southcote three times in the past two seasons, beating the Reading-based team in the League Cup in the 2021-22 campaign, before two draws in the Premier Division last season.

Southcote have played only five matches in the League so far this year, with three wins and two defeats, and Wade expects another tough game against opponents that will want to clim the table in the Winter months.

He said: “Southcote are a decent side. Both league games last season ended in a draw and could have gone either way. They finished above us last season and I expect are targeting a similar season this time. I imagine we should have another good game that could go either way.

“We’ve had some really enjoyable Showcase Matches with the EBFL. It’s always nice to play under lights at a good venue. Hopefully, both teams will enjoy the experience and bring plenty of supporters to create a good atmosphere.

“A win would be great, not because it’s a Showcase Match, but because it would mean another three points in the league. That’s more what we’re looking at this game for, we want to continue our good start to the season both this weekend and into the Winter months. I think that whatever team can go on a run of picking up wins during the Winter months will fancy their chances of going close in the League.”

The East Berkshire League is offering FREE ENTRY to any Old Windsor Tigers players that wear their kit shirts to the Racecourse Ground on Friday night (all under 18s must be accompanied by an adult).

Tickets can be purchased online using the link - https://tktp.as/EKQHCR - at a discount price of £4 with entry at £5 at the turnstiles on the night. You can also pre-order a copy of the match day programme online.

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