22Dec
·Pre-Christmas Round-Up: Amersham Hold on to Top Spot, Emotional Win for Wokingham Town The final midweek fixtures before Christmas saw plenty of action across the Cherry Red Premier, with Amersham reclaiming the top spot in the league with a dominant 4-2 victory at Wembley on Tuesday, December 17th. Berks County secured three vital points in their bid to avoid relegation, overcoming local rivals Reading City 2-1. Goals from George Gould and Connor Suckling sealed the win for County, while McKoy Palmer scored for Reading.Meanwhile, North Greenford United kept up the pressure on the top two with a 4-2 victory at Broadfield United, while Harefield United advanced to the next round of the Premier Challenge Cup, beating Alton 2-1. In a match that started but was ultimately abandoned due to floodlight failure, Wokingham Town’s clash with Tadley Calleva was called off shortly after kickoff.On Wednesday, December 18th, British Airways cruised to a 5-2 win at Hilltop, with the hosts finishing the match with two players sent off. Holyport came from behind to secure a 2-1 win at Burnham, with goals from Cyril Ocansey and Amari Fashanu, the latter finding the net in the 88th minute for a crucial victory.Saturday, December 21st brought a full schedule of league action. Leaders Amersham maintained their place at the top of the table with a 2-0 win over Broadfield United, thanks to goals from Reece Cameron and Jake Tabor. Despite the defeat, Broadfield remain just above the relegation zone in 18th.Egham Town, in second place, closed the gap on the leaders with a 4-2 win over Berks County, keeping them just one point behind Amersham with a game in hand. Berks County now sit in 16th, only three points above the relegation zone.The match between British Airways and Harefield United ended in a goalless draw, while Burnham turned in a dominant 5-0 performance against Wembley, with goals from Kristian Belousas, Shyon Dennis, Abdel Sahnoun, and two from Jabir Laraba. This result lifted Burnham into 8th, while Wembley remained second-bottom.At the bottom of the table, Edgware and Kingsbury earned a valuable point with a 1-1 draw at home to Reading City, although they still sit six points adrift of safety. Reading City, despite the draw, moved into 14th place.Ardley United picked up a 1-0 win at Risborough Rangers, with Ardley staying in 7th, while Risborough failed to climb out of danger and remained 17th. Virginia Water enjoyed a resounding 6-1 victory over Holyport, moving into 5th place, just ahead of Holyport, who dropped to 6th.In another crucial clash at the bottom of the table, Wallingford and Crowmarsh picked up three important points with a 2-1 win over Milton United, lifting themselves into 15th, while Milton remained in 13th.The weekend’s standout match took place at Lowther Road, where Wokingham Town hosted Bedfont Sports in a poignant encounter played in memory of club legend Clive McNelly, who tragically passed away recently. The match began with a minute’s applause for McNelly, and some of his family were present on the pitch for the tribute.The game itself was hard-fought, with the pitch in less-than-ideal condition. Wokingham took the lead after just 10 minutes when Ornildo Shehu’s strike from just inside the penalty area flew through a crowd of players and into the net. Despite Bedfont Sports creating chances, the first half ended 1-0 to Wokingham. The second half saw Bedfont equalize through Jared Myers, who broke through the Wokingham defense and slotted past the advancing goalkeeper. The game became increasingly physical, and the referee issued four yellow cards. However, it was Wokingham’s Edward Port who would prove to be the hero, scoring the winner in the 87th minute to seal a 2-1 victory. The result lifted Wokingham Town to 11th, while Bedfont Sports missed the chance to move into 3rd.Looking ahead to next Saturday, December 28th, there will be another full fixture programme. Holyport will host Wokingham Town, while Bedfont Sports take on British Airways in the airport derby. Burnham will face Berks County, and leaders Amersham travel to bottom-placed Edgware and Kingsbury. Second-placed Egham Town will entertain Wembley, while Harefield United take on Risborough Rangers. Ardley United face Milton United, and Reading City will host Wallingford and Crowmarsh. The day’s top billing will be the clash between 3rd-place North Greenford United and 5th-place Virginia Water, all fixtures kicking off at 3pm.
Report by Chris Cook/Photos Paul King
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