Sandhurst Royals lose narrowly to Old Windsor but can be proud of Premier Division debut campaign

PICTURE: Sandhurst F.C. Royals are guaranteed a top-six finish at least in their first-ever season in the East Berkshire League Premier Division. Striker, Isaac Ababio will also finish the campaign as one of the leading goals scorers in the division.

Sandhurst F.C Royals brought down the curtain on their first-ever season in the East Berkshire League Premier Division with a nine-goals thriller against the defending champions, Old Windsor, on Saturday.

Royals will take all the plaudits for their approach to football at the highest level and although losing narrowly 5-4 to Old Windsor, the young team has put down a marker to challenge at the top end of the table for years to come.

The home side were eager to have some impact on the race for the Premier Division title, and made The Os work hard to leave Sandhurst Memorial Park with all three points. The Royals goals scorers were Louis Cote, Owen Elliot, Felix Gardner and substitute Liam Quinn.

The result means Sandhurst have been victorious in more than half of their 20 league matches in this campaign, wracking up a total of 35 points: that will guarantee them a top-six finish at least.

Isaac Ababio could not find a route to goal last weekend but he can still be proud of his personal tally of 19 goals in just 17 appearances this year, a total that still puts the striker narrowly at the top of the leading goals scorer charts for the division. Harry Winkley could also finish in the top 10 with his final tally of 12 goals in 16 games.

For Old Windsor, it was a crucial three points in the defence of their crown, meaning they now leapfrog Sandhurst into second position but still seven points behind Britwell.

Joseph Allen was first to strike for The Os inside 15 minutes, with Harry Crimmins and Harry Farnan hitting the back of the net to give their side a narrow lead at the break. James Walton bagged a fourth with three minutes still to play, and Allen scored the all important fifth goal in the fourth minute of time added on at the end of the game.

PICTURE: League Cup Semi Finals Day takes place at Eton Wick Football Club & Social Club from midday this Saturday. Entry is free to all, with BBQ food sold at very reasonable prices, and the bar will be open from midday until late.

Britwell still have the advantage in the race for the title thanks to a 3-0 victory over Chalvey Sports at The Chicken Ranch. Goals from Joe Blout, Cheyenne Cripps and Daniel Molloy made sure of maximum points to keep Old Windsor in the rear view mirror.

Cookham Dean ended a run of three games without a win on their travels with a 6-2 success at A.F.C Reading: the second match in succession that Reading have conceded six in defeat.

The contest was all square at two goals apiece at the break; Lewis Scott and Sam Ingamells registering for Reading, plus Lee Jerrum and Sean Inkpen for Cookham.

The Dean went through the gears in the second half to return with all three points. Joshua Wright bagged a brace, with further goals from Jack Jukes and substitute Joshua Bull.

Saturday 5 April (2pm kick off unless stated)

League Cup Semi Finals

(to be played at Eton Wick F.C & Social Club)

A.F.C Reading v Old Windsor Reserves (12.15pm kick off)

F.C. Baylis v Old Windsor (3pm kick off)

Presidents Cup Semi Finals

(to be played at The Atrium in Reading)

Hype Train v Barton Rovers

Ascot & Fielden District Cup Second Round

Bracknell Aces v Slough Heating Laurencians

Premier Division

Frontline v Pundit

Langley Reserves v Chalvey Sports

Division One

Caversham United v Taplow United Swans

HKRG United v FC Bracknell