Storm Bert Brings Challenges for Cherry Red League TeamsA stormy Saturday saw all Cherry Red Premier Division North fixtures go ahead despite relentless wind and rain, with the weekend bringing tough results for Berkshire’s teams, all of whom fell to defeat amid relegation concerns.Berks County suffered a 3-1 loss at home to Ardley United. Ellis Day struck late for the hosts, but it wasn’t enough to salvage a result. The defeat leaves Berks County in 18th place, perilously close to the drop zone, as both teams below them picked up points. Ardley’s win solidifies their hold on 5th place, keeping them in contention for a playoff spot.Wokingham Town also had a difficult afternoon, going down 3-1 to British Airways. A late goal from Firas Chniba provided some consolation for Wokingham, but the result drops them to 17th place, only a point above Berks County. British Airways’ victory pushes them up to 11th, providing some mid-table breathing room.Reading City endured a shock 3-2 loss against relegation-battlers Broadfield United. The result sees Reading slip to 13th in the standings, while Broadfield closed the gap in the fight for safety, moving within reach of the teams above them in 19th place.Holyport had a torrid day at home, succumbing to a 5-0 thrashing by high-flying Egham Town. An early dismissal for Fabian Etienne compounded their misery, leaving Holyport exposed against the league’s second-placed side. Egham’s dominant performance ensures they remain a point behind leaders Amersham, while Holyport’s struggles highlight a growing need for consistency.Amersham, meanwhile, held onto top spot with a gritty 3-2 win away at North Greenford United. Goals from Richard Pacquette, Harley Sells, and league-leading scorer Jake Tabor secured the points for the visitors. North Greenford, who found the net through George Harmes and Joshua Quadry, remain in 3rd place despite the narrow defeat.Elsewhere, Burnham enjoyed a commanding 3-0 home win over Wallingford & Crowmarsh, thanks to strikes from Mohamed Ihid, Jabir Laraba, and Abdel Sahnoun. The victory sees Burnham climb to 9th, while Wallingford stay in 14th.Harefield United kept their playoff hopes alive with a 2-1 win over Virginia Water. Goals from Gareth Chendlik and Jake Sobalak sealed the result, moving Harefield to 8th, just outside the playoff positions. Virginia Water, who scored through Freddie Solly, remain 7th.At the bottom of the table, Edgware & Kingsbury pulled off a vital 2-1 win away at Wembley. Late strikes from Hafid Bounyafe and Nawaf Miller overturned Nathan Osaji’s opener for Wembley, who also saw Ethan Tyrer sent off. Edgware remain bottom but closed the gap to safety to just six points.Bedfont Sports rounded off the action with a 4-1 away win at Hilltop. Tyler Robinson netted twice, with Connagh Wilks and Jake Woods adding to the scoreline to secure Bedfont’s hold on the final playoff spot in 5th.Next Week’s FixturesThe pick of Saturday’s matches is a top-of-the-table clash between leaders Amersham and second-placed Egham Town. For Berkshire’s sides, Holyport face Broadfields away, Reading City host Milton United, Berks County travel to Virginia Water, and Wokingham Town welcome Ardley United to Lowther Road. Report by CHRIS COOK
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