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PICTURE: Stoke Poges are the unbeaten leaders in East Berkshire League Division One so far this season but, will face their toughest test yet against Sandhurst Town in the Showcase Match on Saturday night (7pm kick off).
Stoke Poges manager Scott Manton is expecting a ‘great spectacle’ when his unbeaten league leaders take on title rivals Sandhurst Town in a Showcase Match this Saturday.
Poges are having the perfect season in East Berkshire League Division One, winning all 10 of their matches so far, scoring 47 goals and conceding just 10.
The team is also competing for Cup silverware having reached the Semi Finals in both the Slough Town Junior Cup and Maidenhead Norfolkian Junior Cup.
Stoke have experience of an EBFL Showcase Match event after twice taking Britwell in non-league stadiums last season, their win over the Premier Division champions at the 1878 Stadium in Burnham a highlight of the previous campaign.
Sandhurst Town present a real threat in the race for the title and will no doubt put Poges’ unbeaten record to the test in what is sure to be a mouthwatering match at Ascot United F.C. (7pm ko), Manton acknowledging a ‘tough game’ is in store.
He said: “A Showcase Match is always an exciting occasion, especially when it’s between two teams competing at the top of the division.
“Sandhurst have been doing really well this season, and we’re expecting a very tough game. However, we ourselves have been doing really well and currently sit unbeaten at the top of the league.
“Winning this match, in any venue, would be great for us in terms of our title challenge but, to win it at Ascot United FC as a part of a showcase event in front of a decent crowd, would make it even more special.
“I think this match will be a great spectacle between two very good teams, and I know I speak for all the lads when I say that we’re really looking forward to the occasion.
“We were lucky enough last season to be part of two Showcase Matches against Britwell, with the first being played at Slough Town F.C. and the second being played at Burnham F.C.
“Despite the result in the first game, it was still an amazing experience for myself and the players. To be able to play at a venue such as Arbour Park was really special, especially being a Slough-based team.
“The second game at Burnham F.C ,was arguably our highlight of the season, winning the match 3-2 against the eventual winners of the Premier Division. It was great being able to share the experience with our friends and families, and something we will remember for a long time.
PHOTO: The Stoke Poges squad with a vehicle of their sponsors, Main Unit Location Services.
“Being part of a Showcase Event is always an exciting opportunity for the club and something we are very much looking forward to”.
Evaluating the season so far, Manton said: “We came off of the back of a very tough season in the Premier Division, which unfortunately ended in relegation to Division One. However, despite the obvious disappointment, we stayed together as a team, improved the squad with a couple of new faces and set our sights on competing at the top of the division.
“Having learned many lessons from last season, and continuously looking to improve our football ability at training, we currently find ourselves top of Division One and in the Semi Finals of the Slough Town Junior Cup, which we are immensely proud of as a club.
“All credit goes to the unbelievable commitment, attitude and dedication of our players, as well as the hard work behind the scenes from our coaches Bradlee Greenwood (Assistant Manager) and Scott Gibson (Coach / Club Captain)”.
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
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