No live SoReg games for me this past weekend, although I did get to see the England v USA international at Wembley, a game that made me appreciate the Southern Region League even more. England's display, especially in the first half, was sleep inducing. My daughter's team also lost in Saturday morning, making it a pretty bad weekend for football all round. The remnants of the recent bad weather caused a few games to be postponed but, on the pitch, the top two in the Premier League both won. In the North, Beaconsfield didn't play, allowing Ascot the chance to take over at the top. Caversham kept their first clean sheet of the season to move off the bottom. In the South Fleet continued their 100% record, but had to survive a second-half renaissance from Abbey Rangers.
Skip directly to this weekend's fixtures

Penn & Tylers Green 1-2 Beaconsfield
Nicole Jacobs saw red for Penn as Beaconsfield continued their great season by knocking their local rivals out of the Combined Counties Cup in a feisty Thursday evening encounter. Rachel Harnby was on the mark for the home side, but goals from Charlotte Hill and Lucy Casey were enough to see The Rams through. Visiting keeper Lisa Phillips earned a PotM for her contribution and Rams reserve keeper Audrey Wakefield finished the game playing up front for the visitors in a very eventful second-half.

Badshot Lea P-P Winchester City Flyers

Oxford City 4-2 Sholing
The Hoops kept up the pressure on Ascot at the top of the league with a solid 4-2 defeat of Sholing. Ellie White led the way with a hat-trick, whilst Isobel Bradley chimed in with her fifth of the season. Sholing's goals, both in the final 10 minutes, came from Emily Serridge and a Katie Shorter penalty. The visitors were hampered in their quest to get back into the game by being reduced to 10 players through sin-bins twice in the game.
The result was a reverse from the League Cup game between the sides a month ago, when the Boatwomen progressed with a 4-2 win.

Reading 0-3 Ascot United
Unbeaten Ascot made it seven wins from eight as they continued to lead the way at the top of the table. Despite being on top for much of the game, they required a couple of Reading own goals to help them on their way. In between, Leah Littlechild scored her tenth of the season. You can read the match report, courtesy of Neal Jeffs on the Ascot United web site. You can also check out a few photos of the game from Sophie Boycott.

Wycombe Wanderers 3-0 Selsey
The Chairgirls made it four straight league victors, with a an aggregate score of 16-1, as they brushed aside Selsey at Burnham. Kayla Potter scored twice for Wycombe, her 12th and 13th of the season. Jessica Watkins added her eleventh for the other goal. Wanderers now have three players in double figures for the season.
Watch all of the the goals by clicking on this link. 

​Ascot United Reserves 3-1 Abingdon United Development
With Beaconsfield not playing on Sunday, Ascot took their opportunity to go top by securing a convincing 3-1 win over Abingdon, reversing their opening day defeat at The Northcourt. Tiffany Skinner, Laura Moss and Katie Vince scored for the home side in the first half. Abingdon recovered slightly in the second period, Charlotte Bigmore getting a goal back for them.

Kidlington Youth 0-0 Caversham United
The Goats lifted themselves off the bottom of the table with a hard-earned point at Kidlington, securing their first clean sheet of the season in the process. Take a look at some match photos from Clive Parker Photography @7352Tommy - Link 1, Link 2, Link3

Milton United 0-2 Wycombe Wanderers u23
Wanderers secured their third consecutive league victory, all without conceding a goal. Elena Mitchell and Mia Parkin were on the mark for the visitors, who held out for another clean sheet, securing the points. A disappointment for Milton who had won their last league game, but just can't secure back to back league wins this season.

Penn & Tylers Green 6-0 Slough Town
Penn bounced back from Thursday's Combined Counties Cup defeat by thrashing Slough at French School Meadow, keeping a clean sheet into the bargain. Ellie Ludgate-Williams made it six for the season with her brace. Megan Brockwell, Tara Woodward, with her tenth goal in nine games, and Thursday night red card villain, Nicole Jacobs, were also on the scoresheet.

Abbey Rangers 2-3 Fleet Town
Fleet survived a second half comeback from Abbey Rangers to keep their 100% league record intact. Keira Simpson and Isabella O'Connor had given the visitors a 2-0 need within the first 20 minutes. However, Brooke Amelie John and Susie King both scored for Rangers after the break. Lily Martin scored the Town winner with three minutes remaining.

AFC Varsity P-P AFC Stoneham

Woking 3-0 Bournemouth Sports Reserves
The Cards won for just the second time in the league, avenging their 2-0 defeat to Bournemouth earlier in the season. Amy Richards put Woking in front before the quarter-hour mark, but they had to wait until the 69th minute before Trudy Bryan-Kerr's goal gave them some breathing space. Louise Curr added the icing to the cake three minutes into added time.

​AFC Portchester P-P Wimborne Town
​
Havant & Waterlooville H-W Chesham United Development

​Pace P-P QK Southampton

AFC Portchester v Woodley United
Only two points separate Woodley, in third, from fifth-placed Portchy. Portchester have suffered a few injuries of late and are still  without central striker Millie Bradbury. Woodley have the league's leading scorer in their ranks. Sarah Lawrence already has 14 goals in her 10 appearances this season. This will be their first league meeting.
Venue: AFC Portchester Womens

Badshot Lea v Oxford City
The Baggies have not played since November 17th, a 3-2 defeat at home to Woodley. I theink it's fair to say that the new look Badshot Lea squad hasn't fully gelled yet, but recent matches have started to show signs of changing form. However, City have won their last two league games, and are still standing firm alongside Ascot at the top. The reverse fixture, in October, ended in a 6-1 defeat for the Baggies.
Westfield Lane, Wrecclesham GU10 4PF

Caversham United v Chesham United Development
A proper relegation six-pointer as The Goats welcome bottom side Chesham to The Rec. The sides have been trading bottom spot recently. Caversham lifted themselves off the bottom on Sunday with a battling 0-0 draw at Kidlington. The reverse fixture was conceded by Chesham and is still Caversham's only league win.
Mapeldurham Recreation Ground, Upper Woodcote Road, Mapledurham, Reading RG4 7LD

Wycombe Wanderers u23 v Ascot United Reserves
Wycombe are on a great run of four wins on the bounce. However, welcoming the new league-leaders to town will be a tough test to that run. Ascot have only lost on the road once this season, the opening day defeat at Abingdon. Wycombe have lost two of their last three home league games. The reverse fixture ended 5-3 to Ascot thanks largely to a Sarah Jones hat-trick.
18i78 Stadium, Wymers Wood Road, Burnham SL1 8JG

​AFC Stoneham v Wimborne Town
Wimborne's unbeaten away record will face its toughest test yet as they travel to Stoneham Lane. With the league leaders in League Cup action, Stoneham know that a big win could take them back to the summit. However, a Town victory would lift them to within four points of their hosts, with a game in hand. The reverse fixture ended in a 4-0 win for Stoneham, Mia House scoring two of the goals.
Stoneham Lane, Eastleigh SO16 2PA

AFC Varsity v QK Southampton
Six of Varsity's seven pints have come on their travels. They'll no doubt fancy their chances of a first home win against a QK side who have yet to register a league point. Neither side has played since mid-November, so both should be equally fresh, or rusty, depending on how you look at it. The reverse fixture in October was a close call, Varsity edging it 1-0 with a second-half goal from Jennifer Parr.
Hatches Farm Sports Ground, Romsey Road, West Wellow, Romsey SO51 6EA

Bournemouth Sports Reserves v Abbey Rangers
The reverse fixture came a t a time when Abbey were in disarray following the departure of their coaching team. It was awarded to Sports as an away walkover. Rangers have not won in the intervening period, but their last two games were only lost on the odd goal, and their second half comeback against the league leaders showed that there is plenty of fight in the team. Sports are still in fifth spot despite a poor run of recent form which included a League Cup home defeat to Milton United.
Chapel Gate, Nr Hurn Airport, East Parley, Hampshire BH23 6BL.

Bursledon v Havant & Waterlooville
If this game is half as entertaining as the reverse fixture, the Dons locals could be in for a real treat. The early season clash ended 4-4. It was 2-2 at the break and 4-3 to Bursledon going into added time. A Sophie Lee strike in the 91st minute claimed a pint for The Hawks.
Toynbee School, Bodycoats Road, Chandler's Ford, Eastleigh SO53 2PL

​Ascot United v Slough Town
Top of the Premier League against mid-table in Division One North. On paper this looks like a home banker, but you just never know in cup football. Ascot have a 100% home record in the league, but have already gone out of the County Cup at home to lower league opposition, a 1-0 defeat to Newport Pagnell. Slough go to this stage on the back of a 3-1 win at QK Southampton, Ascot beat Woodley 4-1 in the previous round.
Racecourse Ground, Winkfield Road, Ascot, Berkshire SL5 7LJ

Fleet Town v Milton United
Milton's 6-3 win at Bournemouth Sports Reserves in the previous round has earned them another clash against a Division One South team. Fleet, however, may pose a stiffer test. They beat Premier League Badshot Lea in the previous round and are currently top of their league.
Crookham Road, Fleet GU51 5FA

Penn & Tylers Green v Wycombe Wanderers
After beating Division One South side Bursledon in the previous round, Penn & Tylers Green now face the prospect of a local derby against their Premier League neighbours, Wycombe. The Chairgirls put 11 past AFC Varsity in the last round, and have scored seven more without reply in their last two league matches. The Penn defence will have their hands full, but they are no slouches in front of goal themselves, having put away 23 in their 6 league outings this season.
French School Meadow, Elm Road, Penn HP10 8LG

Selsey v Beaconsfield Town
Selsey put out Abbey Rangers in the previous round but, despite being a league above their visitors, probably go into this game as slight underdogs. The Rams are on a roll this season and, although they lost top spot through inactivity on Sunday, are unbeaten in the league. They got to this stage by slamming in a dozen goals against Caversham in the last round.
Seal Bay Resort Stadium, PO20 0QG

Sholing v Reading
An all Premier League tie but, due to a postponement, the teams have not yet met this season. Sholing have scored or conceded four in their last three games in all competitions, one of which was the 4-2 win at Oxford City in the previous round. Reading are still awaiting their first league point of the season, but have fared well in cups, especially when going into a penalty shootout. They progressed to this stage with a shootout win against Tilehurst in the last round. BotP was there to see it- Panthers Pay Penalty To Royals
Oasis Academy Mayfield, Ashley Crescent, Southampton SO19 9NA

Woking v Winchester City Flyers
The Cards had a morale-boosting 3-0 win on Sunday, just in time for them to face up to the challenge of Premier League Winchester. Woking defeated Kidlington in the previous round, winning 4-0 at Woking College, watched by The Wandering Tractor - House of Cards (https://wanderingtractor.uk/house-of-cards/). Flyers got here by means of a bye in Round One.
Woking College, Rydens Way, Woking GU22 9DL

Last Sunday's fixtures were hit hard by the effects of Storm Bert. However, some games did survive the weather. IN the Premier League Ascot United returned to the summit after an impressive win at Sholing. Ascot United kept up the pressure on Beaconsfield in Division One North and, in the South, Fleet Town edged past Bursledon to go top of the table. AFC Portchester's history-making FA Cup run came to an end as they succumbed to National League south coast rivals, AFC Bournemouth.

Skip to forthcoming fixtures

​Badshot Lea P-P Reading

Sholing 0-4 Ascot United
Ascot returned to the top of the table in some style on the South Coast. They got off to an almost perfect start when Leah Littlechild put them ahead in the third minute. Two quick-fire strikes from Olivia Glover in the 25th and 27th minute then had the Yellas three up at the interval. Littlechild added a fourth five minutes in to the second half. You can read the match report, courtesy ofNeal Jeffs on the Ascot United web site.

Winchester City Flyers 3-2 Selsey
Flyers bounced back from last weekend's home defeat to Wycombe, but they had to survive a second-half rally from Selsey before securing the points. Annie Northwood and Libby Wilkinson gave Winchester a two-goal lead at the break. However, Gemma Halford pulled one back on the hour before Kayleigh Tonks restored the two-goal gap with 11 minutes to go. Kate Delillis them made for a tense close to the game in the 82nd minute.
Watch the Winchester goals right here.

Woodley United P-P Wycombe Wanderers

​Abingdon United Development P-P Wycombe Wanderers u23

Ascot United Reserves 7-0 Caversham United
Caversham, without a win and with a few players missing, were always going to be up against it at high-flying Ascot. The Goats battled hard and, at times, frustrated their hosts but were ultimately well beaten. Sarah Jones scored twice in the first-half to send The Yellas in two up at the break. Shortly after the restart Keren Banduka added a third. Tiffany Skinner and Stephanie Ferreira added two quick fire goals before Lou Pullen and Keziah Banduka completed the scoring. You can read the match report on theBotP web site - Weather Beaten

Milton United P-P Tilehurst Panthers

Penn & Tylers Green P-P Kidlington Youth

Slough Town P-P Beaconsfield Town

​AFC Stoneham 2-0 Woking
Level at the halfway stage, Stoneham scored twice in the second half to stay level on points with Fleet Town. A thumping Abbie Awdas header got them on their way. Imogen Mullins then added a second with a superb curling effort from 25 yards. Watch both goals on the Stoneham X feed.

AFC Varsity P-P Abbey Rangers

Bursledon 2-3 Fleet Town
Fleet were made to work all the way by The Dons, despite taking a two-nil lead into the interval. Amy Granger and Keira Simpson scored for Fleet inside six minutes just before half-time. However, Isobel Pouncy was on hand in the 52nd and 70th minutes to put the home side level. Amy Granger popped up on 77 minutes to take the points for the visitors.

Wimborne Town P-P QK Southampton

​Havant & Waterlooville P-P Chesham United Development

AFC Portchester 0-4 AFC Bournemouth
The Portchy FA Cup dream came to an end at the hands of National League high-flyers AFC Bournemouth, but it was far from a disgrace for the Southern Region side. Molly Barron-Clark struck early for Bournemouth, giving them the lead after just 8 minutes. Bournemouth were reduced to 10 with just under half an hour played when  Amber Treweek was dismissed. Portchy kept the score at 0-1 up to the break, but rom the restart Chloe Gilroy fired in a superb second for the visitors (watch the goal here), shortly followed by the first of Gemma McGunness's two goal. McGuinness then completed the scoring just before the hour mark.
Read the report and view the photo gallery on the Bournemouth web site. You can also read the match blog from Tim Shots ATFC (@TimboATFC).

​Combined Counties Cup
Penn & Tylers Green v Beaconsfield
The only two unbeaten sides in Division One North go head to head in the Combined Counties Cup. If Penn were to win their league games in hand, they would be level with The Rams at the top, which shows how closely matched these sides are. This was borne out in the league meeting at Holloways Park in October, when the sides could not be separated, a game that BotP had the pleasure to witness -Undefeated
French School Meadow, Elm Road, Penn HP10 8LG

​Badshot Lea v Winchester City Flyers
The Baggies are still looking for that illusive first win of the season, but recent performances have suggested that it may be just around the corner. In the reverse fixture of this one, Badshot Lea took an early lead through Shellie Irvine before eventually succumbing to a 4-1 defeat. With the bottom three starting to look isolated in the Premier League, The Baggies will be wanting to get some points on the board, having played more games that both Selsey and Reading.
Westfield Lane, Wrecclesham GU10 4PF

Oxford City v Sholing
Sholing were beaten at home by Ascot at the weekend, a result that put the Yellas top again. This weekend the Boatwomen face the team that Ascot usurped at the top. City are level on points at the top but behind Ascot on goal difference, and have played two more. City and Sholing have already met twice this season. An opening day 1-1 league draw was followed by a 4-2 for Sholing at Marsh Lane in early November.
Marsh Lane, Marston, Oxford, Oxfordshire OX3 0NQ

Reading v Ascot United
A classic bottom versus top match-up. Reading sit rock bottom without a point. Ascot are at the summit and are unbeaten. This will be their first meeting this season. Ascot will be aware that Reading put a National League side out of the county cup in their last outing, whereas they lost at home to a lower league ide in the same competition. Ascot 4-0 win at Sholing last Sunday would have put them back on track for the season.
Arbour Park, Stoke Road, Slough SL2 5AY

Wycombe Wanderers v Selsey
Selsey are one of the three teams that have been cut adrift at the bottom. However, their second half comeback against Winchester on Sunday showed how they are capable of hurting any team in this league. Wycombe's game on Sunday was called off but they are on a run of there consecutive victories in all competitions. The reverse fixture ended in a 3-1 win for Wanderers.
18i78 Stadium, Wymers Wood Road, Burnham SL1 8JG

​Ascot United Reserves v Abingdon United Development
Given the game in hand and the three point advantage that second-placed Ascot have over third-placed Abingdon, a home win would put a serious dent in Abingdon's title chasing aspirations. Ascot were convincing 7-0 winners at home to Caversham last time out, Abingdon's game on Sunday was postponed. They met at The Northcourt on the opening Sunday where a Beth Hawtin goal on the hour gave the home side the three points.
The Racecourse Ground, Winkfield Road, Ascot, Berkshire SL5 7LJ

Kidlington Youth v Caversham United
With Chesham not in league action, The Goats have an opportunity to climb back off the bottom of the table with a point or more at Exeter Park. However, they'll need to overcome a Kidlington side looking to get back on track after losing the last two in all competitions. This is the first meeting this season, but last year this fixture saw a Courtney Sumner hat-trick help the Greens to an 8-2 victory.
Exeter Park, Crown Road, Kidlington OX5 1AB

Milton United v Wycombe Wanderers u23
Two wins on the bounce for Milton will see them go into this one with a certain degree of confidence. However, Wycombe have also won their last two. They've not yet met this season. However, last season this fixture ended 3-2 to Milton thanks largely to two goals from Kira Ranxha. Milton will be looking for someone to step into the shoes of departed top scorer, Mollie Dyer.
Milton Heights, Potash Lane, Milton, Abingdon OX14 4XB

Penn & Tylers Green v Slough Town
Penn are unbeaten in their five league games so far. In fact their only defeat in any competition came two weeks ago when they were beaten by National League Chesham United in the county cup. Slough are just two points behind them, but have played two extra games.
French School Meadow, Elm Road, Penn HP10 8LG

​Abbey Rangers v Fleet Town
With their 100% record after seven games, Fleet are sitting at the summit of the league going into this game. Abbey sit second from bottom but have played fewer games than all the teams around them. Flet have the meanest defence in the division but have conceded at just over one per game on the road. Whilst Abbey aren't prolific in front of goal, they have averaged two per game at The Moor.
Addlestone Moor, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 2QH

AFC Varsity v AFC Stoneham
After a postponement and a walkover, Varsity have yet to get back on the pitch to shake off their League Cup defeat to Wycombe three weeks ago. A visit from The Purps is probably not highest on their list, however. Stoneham are bringing a 100% away record to Hatches Farm, a ruin that has also seen them keep a clean sheet in all three games.
Hatches Farm Sports Ground, Romsey Road, West Wellow, Romsey SO51 6EA

Woking v Bournemouth Sports Reserves
Sports are looking to stop a run of defeats, having lost their last three in the league. However, the three games in question were against the current top three in the division. Woking's current form is mixed, having won one, drawn one, and lost one in their last three. The reverse fixture, in September, ended 2-0 to Bournemouth thanks to first half goals from Lila Charlton and Anastasia Hnatiw.
Woking College, Rydens Way, Woking GU22 9DL

​AFC Portchester v Wimborne Town
Wimborne have settled into league life well, but they face an altogether different challenge in this tie, facing up to Premier League high-flyers AFC Portchester. Town have been very good on the road this season and are yet to lose a league outing away from Dorset. Portchester's last home game saw them as underdogs as they took on AFC Bournemouth. This weekend the tables are turned with Portchy facing a potential banana skin.
Venue: AFC Portchester Womens

Havant & Waterlooville v Chesham United Development
The Hawks lost top spot at the weekend after their game was postponed and both Fleet and Stoneham won. Chesham managed to claw their way off the foot of the table without playing, climbing above Caversham on goal difference after The Goats lost. All of Chesham's four league points have come on the road, so they'll not be too concerned at having to travel for this game. However, Havant have not suffered defeat on their own patch and have clocked up 26 goals in four games.
​Westleigh Park, Havant PO9 5TH

​Pace v QK Southampton
Hampshire League Division Two side Pace have lost both of their home league outings this season. QK have yet to pick up a SoReg point. So, both teams will be looking forward to a little relief from their league campaigns. Goalscoring seems to be an issue for both teams. In 17 league games between them, they have scored just 5 goals.
Venue: Pace FC

Despite the best efforts of Storm Bert, I managed to get to two games this weekend. After my trip over to Finmere on Saturday, I eventually opted for a return to The Racecourse Ground on Sunday for a Southern Region Division One North clash between Ascot United Reserves and Caversham United. As any long-term readers will know, Caversham were a major reason for BotP getting more involved with The SRWFL, even sponsoring one of their players for a couple of seasons. So, it is difficult to see the team struggling a little at the moment. Every team goes through tough periods, and The Goats are no different. They are a small club and have recently put out a social media request to create a partnership with another club in the pyramid. The link to the post is here. If anyone reading thinks they may be able to help, click on the link and get in touch with the club. I can assure you, they are great bunch and deserve any backing they can possibly get.

​Ascot knew that they could close the gap on Beaconsfield with a win, and started the game accordingly. Within two minutes of kick-off, Holly Robinson in the Caversham goal, was called upon to thwart Sarah Jones, who had been put clean through by a ball that dissected the Goats defensive line. It was to become something of a theme for the day. Three minutes later, Jones was again played in on goal and, this time, Robinson hesitated slightly giving the striker time to compose herself and a slip the ball into the net. 1-0
Not an ideal start for the side second from bottom, but they were clearly determined not to capitulate and, despite Ascot largely dominating possession, the home side were not able to add to their lead, at least for a while. Jones turned provider, playing in Delphi Perkins, who put her effort wide. The same player then went close again after 18 minutes. However, Robinson wasn't having to work too hard at this stage.
Just before the half-hour mark, Ascot did increase their lead, but it owed a little to fortune. A ball through the defence looked to be meat and drink to Robinson, who slid out to claim it. However, the ball squirmed out of her grasp, presenting Sarah Jones with an opportunity to chip it into an unguarded net. 2-0. Such a shame for the goalkeeper, who before and after this unfortunate slip-up, performed brilliantly for The Goats.
Conditions were not helping either side to put together any flowing moves. The gusty wind making it very difficult to judge the weight of pass, even when keeping the ball on the deck.
Caversham were battling away as best they could, with a few players out this weekend. Katie Dearling, who was previously sponsored by BotP for 2 seasons, probably better known as a defender, was ploughing a lone furrow up front. One thing she will always give is 100% effort, but the Ascot defence was proving to be a tough nut to break down. At the other end, Robinson saved well from Brejge Gering and Sarah Jones again, as well as throwing herself at the feet of any attacker that came inside her penalty area. No lack of bravery there.
Then, just before the break, Caversham almost, and probably should have, snatched a goal back from nowhere. Dearling somehow wriggled free on the left before slipping the ball across the face of goal. How it stayed out, with a number of players coming in on it, is a mystery. However, it did and Ascot managed to smuggle the ball clear from literally on the line. That could have hit an attacker or a defender and gone in, but when as the saying goes, when you are at the bottom, things just don't seem to run for you.

HT Ascot United Reserves 2 Caversham United 0. Awful conditions for watching, let alone playing. Ascot were, no doubt, worthy of their lead and will feel that they could and should be further in front. Caversham, for their part, worked their socks off to stay in the game, and credit to Holly Robinson for being a formidable last line of defence.

​The second half started with conditions even worse than in the first half, the wind blowing at almost gale force and horizontal rain in the faces of the Caversham defence. With the conditions against them in the second half, it was always going to be a difficult 45 minutes.
With only six minutes played int her second period, Ascot increased their lead. A corner from the left dropped into the centre of the Caversham box where Keren Banduka was on hand to stab it over the line. 3-0. Two minutes later, the same player was put clean through and looked odds on to get her second before Robinson brilliantly and bravely threw herself at the ball, blocking the strike and taking a knock in the process.
The attacking waves from Ascot were now as relentless as the wind from Storm Bert. Just past the hour they had an effort cleared off the line and then, from another left-wing corner, captain Laura Moss crashed a header off Robinson's bar. It was only a matter of time before the next goal arrived and, sure enough, on 69 minutes it did. Tiffany Skinner with an absolute belter from 30 yards, dipping over Robinson leaving the keeper helpless. 4-0
Four minutes later another substitute, Stephanie Ferreira was played in behind the Goats defence. She steadied herself before calmly stroking the ball past Robinson. 5-0. You feared for Caversham now. Having been chasing the ball for the entire game, they were starting to tire and Ascot looked in the mood for adding to their tally.
With fifteen minutes left on  the clock, Lou Pullen got in on the act for The Yellas. Her low, angled drive flew past Robinson into the bottom corner. An excellent strike, giving the goalkeeper no chance. 6-0. With just under ten minutes remaining, Ascot struck again, and it was a goal that summed up Caversham's season so far. Another corner, this time from the right side was played into the mix. Just as the ball reached the area a sudden, sharp gust caught it, directing the ball close under the Caversham bar. Robinson adjusted her footing and managed to get to the ball  but could only palm it away as far as Keziah Banduka, who slotted the ball home to make it seven. 7-0. Even the wind seemed to be against the visitors.
There was still enough time for Robinson to pull off another great stop, this time thwarting Ferreira again, before referee Paul Surtees drew a close to the game. 

FT Ascot United Reserves 7 Caversham United 0. A comprehensive victory for Ascot, taking them to within striking distance of Beaconsfield. Only two points separates the teams at the top now. The defeat means that Caversham fall to the bottom of the table, dropping below Chesham on goal difference.
Next weekend Ascot welcome third placed Abingdon United Development to The Racecourse, in a real title-chasing six-pointer. Abingdon beat Ascot 1-0 in August thanks to a Beth Hawtin strike on the hour. Caversham make the journey North to take on Kidlington Youth at Exeter Park. This will be their first meeting this season.

Ascot United Reserves: 1.Allen, 16.Moss(c), 5 Killick-Bird, 6.Russell, 2.Wright, 8.Pullen, 4.Sumner, 17>gering, 14.Wilson, 9.Jones, 3.Perkins. Subs: 7.Ward, 12.Keziah Banduka, 11. Ferreira, 10.Skinner, 15. Keren Banduka
Caversham United: Robinson, Buckingham, E.Burns, S.Burns, Dearling, Downey, Fletcher, Paton, Scott, West, Wicks. Subs: Clarke, Goldring, Timms

Ground Number: Re-visit
Att: 
Entrance: N/A
Programme: N/A

​With Storm Bert beginning to show its teeth across the country, a number of games had already fallen foul of the weather, including my daughter's game in the morning. So, I was pleasantly surprised to hear that my first choice game was on. Not wanting to do too much travelling today, I had opted for a North Bucks Intermediate League clash between Finmere and Deanshanger Athletic, teams at opposite ends of the table. Prior to kick-off Athletic sat in third spot, seven points off the leaders, Olney, having  played a game more. Finmere were second from bottom, seven points clear of the bottom side, Bletchley Scot Reserves and within striking distance of jumping a couple of places with a win. The teams met on the opening day of the season (presumably a much warmer and drier day than today), with Deanshanger coming out victorious by 4-0. Two goals from Dan McLaren and one each for Jack Harris and Ben Stevenson. It would be my second time watching Deanshanger this season, having witnessed their 1-1 draw at Woburn & Wavendon back in September (Call The Cops. There's Been A Mugging). I'd never seen Finmere play, home or away, before, despite the village only being 8 miles from home.
Many thanks to match official Joe Major for sharing the team sheets with me prior to kick-off.

​With second placed Woburn & Wavendon in cup action, Athletic knew a win would take them into second place, and they didn't waste too much time in asserting themselves. Only four minutes were on the clock when they were awarded a free-kick in a fairly central spot some 20 yards out. Scott Moore struck his shot well enough but it was the deflection off the wall that wrong-footed home goalkeeper Alex Hayley and resulted in the ball nestling in the back of the home net. 0-1.
An already confident Deanshanger side were bolstered by the early goal and set about increasing their lead, something they achieved in the 10th minute. A corner from their right was directed toward the back post where captain Jack Harris rose highest to plant his header into the corner of the net. 0-2 Two became three in the 14th minute, and it was all too easy for the visitors. George Barry burst down the right before pulling the ball back into the path of Ben Stevenson, who gleefully swept the ball past Hayley for 0-3.
Finmere were in real danger of being overrun by their visitors at this point but, to their credit, they did stem the flow a little. Hayley was called into action again to thwart Dan Forbie on 21 minutes but, a further four minutes down the line, Athletic made it four. Once again, the damage was done on the right, Barry again being sent clear. His low cross was aimed at Dan McLaren but the centre-forward couldn't get a clean strike on the ball, which continued on it's path, falling for Dan Forbie, and the winger smashed the ball home. 0-4
It looked like game over, with barely half an hour played. Then, out of nowhere, Finmere got a goal back. It came from Deanshanger making a mess out of playing out from the back. They gifted the ball to Finmere deep inside their own half, which was fed across the box to Louis Cane, who made no mistake with his finish. 1-4.
The goal seemed to rattle the visitors a little, and gave The Fins a boost. Cane, who had already looked like Finemere's most lively player, was that yard faster. Whilst not threatening the away goal too much, they did have a brief period where their own goal wasn't under threat. That was until the 37th minute, when Deanshanger restored their four goal lead. The ball was fed to Dan Forbie on the left. He drove forward, cutting inside and across the face of the penalty area, beat a couple of challenges, before firing low past Hayley's right-hand. 1-5
The response from the home side was almost immediate. Only a good save from Sam Watts prevented Toby Bullivant from pulling a goal back. 
Then, with three minutes to go before the break, something I don't think I have seen before. The game was briefly stopped to allow a player to retrieve a stray umbrella that had been blown onto the field of play. Safely back in the hands of its owner, the game was allowed to continue and there was just enough time left for Athletic to almost make it six when Sean Dyer saw his strike glance the bar before going over for a goal-kick.

HT Finmere 1 Deanshanger Athletic 5. Not exactly one-way traffic, but not too far off. Deanshanger played some lovely passing football on a very difficult surface. The home side had little to offer in exchange.

​Interestingly, despite the weather, Deanshanger stayed out on the pitch for their half-time talk, whereas Finmere took shelter in the changing room. Maybe the slightly warmer muscles of the home team had the advantage, because they certainly started the second half on the front foot. Only three minutes had passed when they reduced the deficit with a goal from captain Cameron Thomas, a well struck drive from 20 yards that Sam Watts will be disappointed not to have stopped. 2-5
Things were a lot more even in this half. Without a doubt, the home side had increased their intensity and, equally, Deanshanger seemed to have taken their foot off the gas a little. The result was that there were no clear-cut goal chances at either end for the next fifteen minutes or so. 
However, this changed in the 65th minute when Athletic substitute, Ben Baker, latched onto a through ball to volley home from 15 yards. A great strike, especially as he was challenged and knocked off balance as he struck the shot. Even so, it flew past Hayley into the top corner. 2-6
Once more, the home side did their best to respond, even though the game was now almost certainly beyond them. They missed a golden opportunity to reduce the deficit again with just under 20 minutes to go. Visiting keeper Sam Watts did well to get down to a low strike, pushing it away, but only into the path of Jason Ronald who, with the goal gaping, somehow smashed the ball against the upright from six yards out. A few minutes later, Watts was again called into action, saving well from Cane.
With eight minutes to go, Deanshanger put the icing on the cake. A low, driven, left-wing corner found Ben Baker running in at the near post. His flicked effort somehow squirmed past a sea of legs to go in off the foot of the upright. 2-7
That was the end o the scoring and, as the weather worsened, thankfully the referee drew a close to proceedings.

FT Finmere 2 Deanshanger Athletic 7. A much more even second half. Finmere definitely upped their game in response to the first half performance. However, the damage had already been done. The result lifts Deanshanger up to second spot, but still seven points adrift of Olney at the summit. Finmere remain second from bottom.
Next weekend Finmere make the trip over to Milton Keynes to take on bottom side Bletchley Scot Reserves. The Fins won the reverse fixture 3-2 back in September. Deanshanger make the short journey to Buckingham as they take on sixth placed Buckingham, the first time they have met this season.

Finmere: 13.A.Haley, 12.C.Haley, 14.Thomas(c), 8.West, 6.Ashely, 3.Marshall-Stepens, 4.Anderson, 11.L.Cain, 27.R.Bullivant, 10.Ronald, 15.T.Bullivant. Subs: 7.Bone, 16.J.Cain
Deanhanger Athletic: 1.Watts, 2.Grose, 3.Stallard, 5.Dunning, 5.Harris(c), 15.Dyer, 7.Stevenson, 8.Moore, 9.McLaren, 14.Barry, 11.Forbie. Subs: 12.Fisher, 10.Bonsell, 16.Kissane, 6.Baker

​The Ground
Finmere play their home games at a facility shared with the cricket club, just to the North of the village, situated alongside the village hall. There is a reasonably large car park alongside the village hall building and a small gate that leads in to the football and cricket grounds. The changing rooms and toilet facilities are just to the left of the car park, between the corner flag and one of the goals. This wooden structure has a small covered veranda looking out over the pitch. Perfect for days such as today, when the weather was awful.
The playing surface looked in need of a trim and was a little bumpy in places. There are, of course, no further spectator areas around the pitch.

Ground Number: 425
Att: 
Entrance: N/A
Programme: N/A

​Reading may still be awaiting their first league point of the season but the cups are a different matter, especially once they get into a penalty shootout. Sunday saw them take a higher division scalp and once again it was from the spot. After drawing 0-0 with National League Abingdon United, the Royals went through from 12 yards for the third consecutive cup tie.
In the leagues, we have a new Premier League leader after Oxford beat Portchester at Marsh Lane. Beaconsfield were in cup action, but stay top in the North, although the chasing pack all won to close the gap to five points. IN the South Fleet won the big, top of the table, clash beating Havant & Waterlooville. However, The Hawks remain in top spot for now.

​Badshot Lea 2-3 Woodley United
The Baggies took an early lead in this game when Alyssa Hall scored after just 9 minutes. They held that lead until the stroke of half-time before Sarah Lawrence put United level. Two minutes after the break Chloe Melton had the visitors in front and seven minutes later Lauren Devlin added Woodley's third. Rebecca Munro pulled a goal back with just over 20 minutes remaining, but Woodley held on to take the points.

Oxford City 2-1 AFC Portchester
Gemma Hillier gave Portchester an early lead at the MGroup Stadium, but that was cancelled out just before the half-hour by Isobel Bradley. Five minutes later an unfortunate own goal put the hosts in front. The Hoops then held onto their advantage, getting back to winning ways, taking them to the top of the table in the process.

Winchester City Flyers 0-4 Wycombe Wanderers
Eman Kassem struck a hat-trick for the second match in succession, catapulting Wycombe firmly into the mix at the top end of the table. The game was goalless at the break but Kassem struck just a minute after the restart, adding a second on 74 minutes before completing her hat-trick with there minutes to go. In between goal two and three, Jessica Watkins added her tenth of the season. Three Wanderers players, Kassem, Watkins and Kayla Potter, are all now in double figures for the season.

​Chesham United Development 0-2 Milton United
Milton United won away from home for the first time, consigning Chesham to an unwanted 100% home defeat record in their fifth match at Chiltern Hills Academy. April England and Grace Wiseman were on target for the visitors.

Kidlington Youth 1-2 Ascot United Reserves
Kidlington slumped to their third consecutive defeat in all competitions after Ascot scored late on to take the points at Exeter Park. Kiera Isaac scored her fifth of the season for Kidlington whilst Bregje Geling and Danielle Kjaer were on target for United. The victory puts Ascot just five points behind leaders Beaconsfield, with a game in hand.

Tilehurst Panthers 2-4 Abingdon United Development
Home league form is proving to be an issue for Panthers. This was their fifth outing at Scours Lane and they are yet to win. Charlotte Bigmore scored a hat-trick for Abingdon whilst Iva Georgievska added the other goal. Kloe Peters and Leah Why scored for Tilehurst, both goals coming in the second half.

Wycombe Wanderers u23 6-0 Caversham United
Wanderers eased past Caversham with two more goals from top-scorer Shannon Read and further strike from Elena Mitchell, Ammara Qureshi, Emma Vaughan and Poppy Lloyd. The Goats remain second from bottom on goal difference but their lack of goals this season must be concerning, with only two scored in seven league outings.

Bournemouth Sports Reserves 0-1 AFC Stoneham
An Emma Simpson goal was all it took for Stoneham to maintain their 100% away record in the league. The result leaves them third, a point shy of the leaders, with a game in hand.

Bursledon 1-0 QK Southampton
Kirby Anderson's goal gave Bursledon their first home league win of the season. It was QK's ninth league defeat on the bounce, leaving them anchored to the foot of the table. However, recent results are showing improvements, giving reason for optimism.

Fleet Town 3-1 Havant & Waterlooville
A Phoebe Hamilton goal could not prevent The Hawks going down to a Fleet side who have now won six from six in the league. Elin Roberts inside the first 10 minutes, Olivia Cervino just before the break, and a late Keira Simpson goal ensured a 3-1 win and second spot for Town.

​Abingdon United 0-0 (3-5) Reading
Reading claimed a National League scalp following their fourth penalty shootout win in just over a month. After the game remained goalless after 90 minutes, Reading went on to win 5-3 from the spot. This added to the FA Cup defeat of Richmond & Kew, County Cup victory over Caversham United, and League Cup progress past Tilehurst, all from shootouts.

Ascot United 0-1 Newport Pagnell Town
A late Jasmine Spence goal secured County Cup giant-killing progress for Newport Pagnell Town. In a game of few clear-cut chances, Spence's 86th minute strike was the deciding factor. You can read match report on the Ascot United web site.

Beaconsfield Town 0-5 Maidenhead United
National League Maidenhead proved a step too far for the high-flying Rams. Simone O'Brien gave The Magpies the perfect start, putting them in front inside a minute. Izzy Stockton made it two just before the half-hour. Two quickfire goals within 11 minutes of the restart, from Tia Johnson and Nat Cowell, effectively sealed United's victory even before the 74th minute own goal made it five.

Penn & Tylers Green 1-4 Chesham United
A penalty, the last kick of the first-half, was converted by Sarah Harrison, to give Penn a half-time lead. However, Becky Fraser got The Generals level just after the break and, ten minutes into the second half, Gemma Fraser made it 1-2. Tasha Smith then added a quickfire third goal before Gemma Fraser made it safe in the 82nd minute.

​Bognor Regis Town 5-1 Selsey
The Rockettes proved too strong for their Sussex coast rivals. Rhiannon Hambleton opened the scoring on 16 minutes before defender Alice Gue added a second close to the half-hour. Shortly after the break Millie Carter put away a spot-kick to make it 3-0 only for Mai Childs to pull one back for Selsey with just over 20 remaining. In the closing ten minutes Jade Widdowson and Alice Gue, with her second, made it a commanding win for Town. You can check out match photos from @lynandtrev and Martin Denyer. You can also read about the game in the Sussex Express.

​Poole Town 1-1(p4-2) Wimborne Town
Poole eventually came out on top from the penalty spot, but they had to come from behind to take the game to a shootout. Goalless at the break, Sadie West gave The Magpies the lead just before the hour, but Lauren Kelly popped up with the equaliser for The Dolphins.

​Epsom & Ewell 0-7 Woking
The Cards proved to be too strong for Epsom & Ewell, scoring three in the first half and four in the second, unanswered. Jasmina Vanvooren out Woking into a 6th minute lead, Amy Richards made it two and Louise Curr added a third before the interval. Shortly after the restart Alicia Christie added a fourth before, two minutes later, Vanvooren grabbed her second. Frances Cotter made it six before the hour, then Trudy Bryan-Kerr completed the scoring on 66 minutes.

Richmond & Kew 1-0 Abbey Rangers

​Badshot Lea v Reading
Two team in desperate need of league points. Reading sit bottom, two points adrift of The Baggies but with a colossal six games in hand. Neither team has won a league match and neither will want to be cut adrift at the foot of the table.
Westfield Lane, Wrecclesham GU10 4P

Sholing v Ascot United
Ascot lost their place at the top of the table and went out of the county cup last weekend, and will be keen to get back up there as soon as possible. First of all they'll need to overcome a mid-table Sholing side who will be fresh, having not been in action last Sunday or in midweek. Last season, Ascot won the corresponding fixture 1-0 with a Sarah Jones goal just after the interval.
Oasis Academy Mayfield, Ashley Cresent, Southampton SO19 9NA

Winchester City Flyers v Selsey
One place, but five points separates City in 7th from their visitors in 8th. Two weeks ago, Selsey notched their first win of the season in all competitions, but are still winless in the league. Flyers have lost their last two home league outings 4-0, so they'll be very keen to buck that trend.
Hiller Way, Winchester SO50 7SU

Woodley United v Wycombe Wanderers
Woodley know that, whatever Ascot do in their game, a win against The Chairgirls will see them sit on top of the pile by close of play. However, two consecutive league wins has seen Wycombe put themselves back in the mix near the top of the table too. Last season's corresponding fixture, toward the end of the season, saw the sides fight out a 0-0 draw.
​UofR Bulmershe Pavilion, Woodlands Avenue, Woodley, Reading, Berks RG5 3HE

Abingdon United Development v Wycombe Wanderers u23
Two sides in good recent form. Wycombe have won their last two games without conceding. Abingdon have also won their last two, scoring 11. A month ago, in the revers fixture, Abingdon came away from Burnham with a 4-0 victory thanks to two goals from Isabel Hughes and one each from Charlotte Bigmore and Nina Maitlis.
The Northcourt, OX14 1PL

Ascot United Reserves v Caversham United
Ascot's 2-1 defeat of Kidlington last weekend saw them move to within five of Beaconsfield, with a game in hand. Meanwhile, Caversham were going down 6-0 to Wycombe. Last season, eight goals were scored in a frantic second half after Ascot had gone in three up at half-time. The Yellas went on to win the game 8-3.
Racecourse Ground, Winkfield Road, Ascot, Berkshire SL5 7LJ

Milton United v Tilehurst Panthers
Milton's win and Tilehurst's defeat last weekend saw United move to within a point of Panthers, with a game in hand on Sunday's visitors. Six of the eight points that Panthers have gained this season have come on the road and after taking only a single point from four consecutive homer games, they may be happy to be travelling again.
Milton Heights, Potash Lane, Milton, Abingdon OX14 4XB

Penn & Tylers Green v Kidlington Youth
Unbeaten Penn could go level with the leaders should they win all of the games in hand. Step one is to get the better of a Kidlington side who have blown hot and cold this season. Defeat to Woking in the League Cup and, last week's 2-1 defeat at home to Ascot, came on the back of three wins on the bounce, which include a very creditable 3-2 win at Abingdon.
French School Meadow, Elm Road, Penn HP10 8LG

Slough Town v Beaconsfield Town
A first league meeting between these local rivals. They have, however, already met in the Berks & Bucks Senior Cup, a game that saw Beaconsfield progress by 6-2, scoring three goals in each half. The Rams have a five point lead at the top of the table but, with Ascot having a game in hand, they'll be keen to continue their unbeaten run, at the very least. Since that cup defeat at Holloways Park, Slough have won one, lost one in the league. They also come into the game on the back of a 3-1 League Cup win at QK.
Arbour Park, Stoke Road, Slough SL2 5AY

​AFC Stoneham v Woking
The Cards have hit a patch of form recently, winning their last three in all competitions without conceding a goal. Stoneham, currently third in the table, are a point behind the leaders with a game in hand. Last season this fixture ended 3-2 to Stoneham, Chloe Marshall scoring twice for the Purps. Charlotte Keenan, who has since moved on to Portchester, scored both Woking goals.
Stoneham Lane Football Complex, SO16 2PA

AFC Varsity v Abbey Rangers
Rangers make their first league visit to Hatches Farm, knowing that a win would take them level on points with their opponents in the table, with a game in hand. Varsity are yet to win a league game at home, Abbey are yet to win on the road.
Hatches Farm Sports Ground, Romsey Road, West Wellow, Romsey SO51 6EA

Bursledon v Fleet Town
Fleet take their 100% league record down to Toynbee School on Sunday, knowing that a win would put them top of the table. The Dons won in the league on their own patch for the first time last weekend, but have also only lost their once, a 1-0 defeat to Stoneham. However, Fleet's 22 goals in 4 away games is the best record in the league.
Toynbee School, Bodycoats Road, Chandler's Ford, Eastleigh SO53 2PL

Wimborne Town v QK Southampton
QK's search for a first point of the season continues in Dorset this weekend. The reverse fixture ended in a 4-0 win for Wimborne, with two goals coming in each half. The Magpies have not scored too many at home this season so far, just 3 in 4 games. QK have scored twice in five away games. So, neither are prolific. Maybe that will change this weekend.
​Wyatt Homes Stadium, New Cuthbury, 16 Ainsley Road, Wimborne BH21 2FU

​Havant & Waterlooville v Chesham United Development
The Hawks retained their top spot at the weekend, despite losing to Fleet Town. Chesham remain in the drop zone of Division One North. Maybe a weekend of cup action is exactly what both teams need? All of Chesham's four league points have come on the road, so they'll not be too concerned at having to travel for this game. However, Havant have not suffered defeat on their own patch and have clocked up 26 goals in four games.
​Westleigh Park, Havant PO9 5TH

​AFC Portchester v AFC Bournemouth
A very tasty looking south coast derby in the FA Cup and a very tough test for Portchy. AFC Bournemouth currently sit top of the National League Division One South West with a 100% record, having only conceded two goals in the league all season. They progressed to this round of the FA Cup with a 6-0 win at Saltash United, whilst Portchester won 4-1 at Winchester City Flyers.
​Venue: AFC Portchester Womens

This weekend saw most of the SoReg sides in League Cup action and how refreshing that it is still called, The League Cup. Not the Milk Cup, The Rumbelows Cup, The Littlewoods Cup or the Carabao Cup. The League Cup. Plain and simple, a cup for teams in the league. I get the need for sponsorship, but maybe I'm old fashioned. After all, I still like to call the Premier League, Division One.
Anyway, on the pitch there weren't many surprises. Fleet were the only 'giant-killer' after putting Badshot Lea out, but as they had also put them out of the FA Cup earlier in the season, it wasn't totally unexpected. Tilehurst Panthers came close (Panthers Pay Penalty To Royals), but were eventually beaten form the spot by Reading. In the only league game of the weekend, Havant & Waterlooville jumped to the top of Division One South by winning at AFC Stoneham.

​AFC Stoneham 0-2 Havant & Waterlooville
The Hawks opened a four point lead at the top of the table with a superb win at Stoneham Lane. Laurie Potvin scored five minutes before the break to give them the lead at the interval. The same player then added a second with twelve minutes remaining.

​AFC Portchester A-A Wimborne Town
This game was abandoned very early on, after an injury to a Portchester player. Best wishes to the player concerned. Let's hope for a speedy recovery.

Ascot United 4-1 Woodley United
Woodley took an early lead at The Racecourse Ground through Lucy Giles. However, Chloe Ball got Ascot level five minutes later and Leah Robertson gave them the lead just before half-time. Midway through the second half, Olivia Glover made it 3-1 with her fourth goal in the last three games, before Sophie Doyle made it four on the stroke of full-time. Check out the match action perfectly captured by Andy Wicks Photography.

Badshot Lea 3-5 Fleet Town
Fleet inflicted defeat on their higher-ranked neighbours for the second time this season. Isabella Moffett, two from Amy Granger and another from Lily Martin, put Fleet into a four goal lead after 35 minutes. However, Gemma Luke and, inevitably, Dot Usher, reduced the deficit to 4-2 before the break. The scoring spree over, the teams had to wait until the 80th minute before Elin Roberts made it completely safe for Fleet. Claire Benton added a last minute consolation for The Baggies.

Beaconsfield Town 12-1 Caversham United
The Rams heaped more misery upon The Goats at Holloways Park. Nicole Brown picked up player of  the match for her five goals. Dominque Carrington scored a hat-trick, with Katie Riddington also grabbing a brace. Lucy Casey and Charlotte Hill scored one a piece. All of this came after Caversham had stunned the league leaders with an early opener from Kelly West. You can see all of the goals on the Beaconsfield You Tube channel.

Bournemouth Sports Reserves 3-6 Milton United
One thing is for sure, there's never a shortage of goals in Milton United games. Including this game, there have now been an amazing 95 goals scored in games involving United. Two goals each from Lily Black and Grace Wiseman, backed up by further strikes from Zoe Barnes and Caitlin Kemp were enough for Milton to make progress in the cup. Hannah Palmer, Lucia White and Abi Lander were on target for Sports.

Oxford City 2-4 Sholing
All six goals came in a hectic first half at The Raw Charging Stadium. Molly Pinnock gave Sholing the dream start after three minutes only for City to equalise five minutes later. Catherine Browning then made it 2-1 to the Boat Women before Oxford squared it up again. Katie Shorter's 44th minute goal put Sholing back in front and the same player gave them a two goal gap in first-half added time.

Penn & Tylers Green 3-1 Bursledon
A goal from Rachel Southby and two from Tara Woodward was enough for Penn to get past a determined Bursledon team.

QK Southampton 1-3 Slough Town
Another game where all of the goals came in the first half. Megan Dries was on the mark for QK. Alice Heady, Hannah Summers and Aimee Roberts were the goal scorers for Slough. Click on the Slough player's names to view their goal on the Slough X feed.

Selsey 3-0 Abbey Rangers
Selsey enjoyed their break from the league, showing their higher-placed credentials with a solid win over Abbey Rangers. Kate Delillis gave them the ideal start after just 6 minutes, with Chelsea Burr adding the first of her two goals eleven minutes later. Burr made the game completely safe with twenty minutes remaining.

Tilehurst Panthers 2-2 (3-5p) Reading
In an entertaining local derby encounter, Panthers showed their higher-ranked opponents how to finish chances in the first half. Leah Why after five minutes and Lydia Vettese, after 31, put the home side two to the good with almost identical finishes. However, Reading stormed back after the break, pulling on back through Mia Bradley almost straight from kick-off, then equalising on the hour through Lucy Bolitho. The game went to penalties which Reading edged without missing from the spot. Read all about it in the BotP match blog - Panthers Pay Penalty To Royals

Woking 4-0 Kidlington Youth
Two goals in each half saw The Cards progress at the expense of Kidlington. Gabriella Hobday scored twice inside eight first half minutes to give Woking a 2-0 lead at the break. Jasmina Van Vooren put the game out of Kidlington's reach in the 70th minute. Bethany Anders then added the icing to the cake with six minutes to go. Luckily for us all, the excellent Wandering Tractor was on hand to record events for us - House Of Cards.

Wycombe Wanderers 11-1 AFC Varsity
Wanderers showed no mercy in making county cup progress, scoring six in the first half and five in the second. Three players, Eman Kassem, Jessica Watkins and Ellen Wardlaw, all scored hat-tricks. Kayla Potter, who opened the scoring in the first minute, bagged a brace.

​Winchester City Flyers H-W Overton Youth
Flyers made their experience and higher-rank tell against Overton, progressing into the North Hants DFA semi-final with some ease. They'll play the winner of Farnborough v Rushmoor Reserves, which is scheduled for this Sunday

​Badshot Lea v Woodley United
These two met on the second weekend of the season, with Woodley coming out on top by 4-2. It was the start of a good run for Woodley and a bad one for Badshot Lea, who are still yet to win in the league. United, currently fourth, are just a point behind leaders Ascot United in a very tightly congested top half of the table.
Westfield Lane, Wrecclesham GU10 4PF

Oxford City v AFC Portchester
Third take on fourth with the sides level on points, although City have played a game more than Portchester.
The visitors are taking a 100% away record to The Raw Charging Stadium, having won all four games on the road, conceding just two goals. However, City have a 100% home record, winning all three with just three conceded. Something has to give on Sunday, in what could well be the game of the day.
Marsh Lane, Marston, Oxford, Oxfordshire OX3 0NQ

Winchester City Flyers v Wycombe Wanderers
Both of these teams had big cup wins last weekend, both registering double figures. In recent league terms, Wycombe hold the aces, having not lost in the league since the opening day, a total of five unbeaten. Wanderers won the corresponding fixture last season, courtesy of goals from Emma Kern and Katie Riddington.
Hiller Way, Winchester SO50 7SU

​Chesham United Development v Milton United
Currently sitting just above the relegation zone, these two are level on points although Milton do have two games in hand on Chesham. They met at Milton Heights just a month ago, sharing eight goals with both Summer Major for Milton and Emma Nolan for Chesham, grabbing hat-tricks. Chesham are yet to take a home point this season, Milton are yet to win away. One things is for certain. There will be goals in this match. There have been exactly 100 scored in the 14 league games these teams have been involved in.
Chiltern Hills Academy, Chartridge Road, Chesham HP5 2RG

Kidlington Youth v Ascot United Reserves
Just two points separate Kidlington in fourth, from Ascot in second, although United's goal difference is much the superior. This will be their first meeting this season. However, United did win 3-1 at Exeter Park last season. Millie Bilcliff with two and Olivia Mansell with the other. Abi Haynes scored for The Greens. This season, both Grace Craven for Kidlington and Ascot's Sarah Jones, have bagged ten goals already.
Exeter Park, Crown Road, Kidlington OX5 1AB

Tilehurst Panthers v Abingdon United Development
Panthers took Premier League Reading to penalties on Sunday and will be looking to carry that form into this league game. They have yet to register a home win in the league, despite winning twice on the road. Abingdon have been going through series of winning one, losing one. They won at the weekend, so they'll be looking to break the sequence this week. This will be first meeting between the teams this season.​
Venue: Tilehurst Panthers Women

Wycombe Wanderers u23 v Caversham United
The Chairgirls won 5-1 at Mapeldurham earlier in the season, with five different names on the score sheet. A win for Wycombe could potentially take them to fourth whereas Caversham will be motivated to gain three points that could lift them off the bottom of the table, especially with the two directly above them playing each other.
18i78 Stadium, Wymers Wood Road, Burnham SL1 8JG

​Bournemouth Sports Reserves v AFC Stoneham
Stoneham's home defeat to Havant & Waterlooville on Sunday, left them four points adrift of The Hawks, albeit with a game in hand. Sports went out of the league cup at home to Milton United and are looking for their first league point in three after losing their last two. They last met in Bournemouth on the final day of last season. Stoneham won that one 3-0 with two goals from Mia Delaney and Chloe Melton's last goal for the club.
Chapel Gate, Nr Hurn Airport, East Parley, Hampshire BH23 6BL

Bursledon v QK Southampton
The Dons are sitting fairly comfortably in mid-table, although they have yet to win at home in the league. QK, having lost eight on the bounce, are in great need of kick-starting their campaign. Although this is their first encounter this season, they were Hampshire League mates last term. Bursledon won this fixture 5-2 on their way to the title, but were beaten 6-2 in the reverse fixture.
Toynbee School, Bodycoats Road, Chandler's Ford, Eastleigh SO53 2PL

Fleet Town v Havant & Waterlooville
Another potential game of the week, as the top two in the South go head to head. Fleet, with a 100% league record after five games, currently trail The Hawks by four points, but do have three games in hand. This game also sees the league's most prolific scorers, Havant with 39 in 8 games, face up to the league's meanest defence, 4 conceded in 5 games.
​Crookham Road, Fleet GU51 5FA

​Abingdon United v Reading
Reading, despite being the current holders of the Senior Cup, will go into this game very much as underdogs against an Abingdon United side currently one tier above them in the pyramid. Reading disposed of Caversham United, following a penalty shootout, in the previous round. Abingdon beat Reading's league-mates, Woodley United, 4-3.
The Northcourt, OX14 1PL

Ascot United v Newport Pagnell Town
The Yellas will, no doubt, be favourites for this one. Currently top of the Southern region Premier League, they welcome a team only three points above the drop zone in Division One South of the East Midlands Region. However, Town have already put out a Premier League side in Wycombe Wanderers. The Chairgirls succumbed to a 95th minute Rachael Mumford winner in a seven-goal thriller, in the previous round.
Racecourse Ground, Winkfield Road, Ascot, Berkshire SL5 7LJ

Beaconsfield Town v Maidenhead United
A fascinating match-up. The Rams are having a superb season so far. Eight points clear at the top of Division One North, through in the League Cup and progressing the county cup, whilst scoring goals for fun. However, there is a two step difference between Beaconsfield and their National League Division One South-West visitors. The Magpies put 13 past Beaconsfield's league-mates, Milton United, in the previous round. The Rams put out local rivals, Slough Town, 6-2.
Holloways Park, Holloways Park, Windsor Road, Beaconsfield HP9 2SE

Penn & Tylers Green v Chesham United
Another Division One North versus National League Division One tie. Penn welcome their local rivals and former striker Sasha Smith, to French School Meadow. United have not been in good form of late, losing their last three matches since putting New Bradwell St Peter out of this competition in the previous round. Penn progressed after a superb 1-0 defeat of MK Dons SET in the last round.
French School Meadow, Elm Road, Penn HP10 8LG

​Bognor Regis Town v Selsey
With less than 12 miles between the clubs, this is a proper south coast derby. Bognor play one step below Selsey in the London & South East Region Division One South, but are currently sitting in second spot, unbeaten n the league and with a 100% home record. Selsey have been struggling a little since their relegation last season, taking just two points in the league so far. They did, however, progress in the League Cup on Sunday, making it two games without defeat since they lost at Portchester in late October.
Nyewood Lane, Bognor Regis, West Sussex PO21 2TY

​Poole Town v Wimborne Town
The Magpies make the short journey to Poole to take on somewhat familiar opposition. Last season Wimborne not only pipped Poole's reserves to the Dorset League title, they also beat them in the League Cup Final. Now they get to test themselves against their first team, currently second from bottom of the South West Regional Premier, one step above Wimborne. Both sides received a bye in the previous round.
County Ground, Blandford Close, BH15 4BF

​Epsom & Ewell v Woking
The Cards, on the back of a resounding 4-0 county cup defeat of Kidlington, make the short journey over the M25 to take on South East Counties Surrey Premier Division side Epsom & Ewell. The hosts are second from bottom of their league after a single win in seven games. However, they did progress to this round with a 5-0 win at Old Tiffinians in he previous round.
Reg Madgwick Stadium, Downside Bridge Road, Cobham,  KT11 1AA

Richmond & Kew v Abbey Rangers
Both of these teams are on a run of three defeats in all competitions, so something has to give in this game. London & South East Division One North side, Richmond & Kew, have also failed to score in the last four matches. This will come as a relief to an Abbey side who have leaked a few goals in recent weeks. Only last month, Richmond played another SoReg side, Reading, in the FA Cup, a game they lost on penalties after a 0-0 draw.
Ham Fields, Richmond, TW10 7RX

​Southampton u21 v AFC Varsity
Varsity, who have lost their last two in all competitions, face a tough task against a young Southampton side. Despite being an away game for Varsity, the match will be played at their home venue. This may not be the advantage it first sounds, as both of Varsity's wins this season have come on the road.
Venue: AFC Varsity

​This Sunday I headed back down to Reading for a return to the Rivermoor Stadium, a ground I last visited in 2017 for a Reading Senior Cup semi-final (Robins Squeeze Out Sumas). I may be wrong, but there didn't appear to be too many changes to the ground in the intervening years, not that it needed changing.
My chosen game was the Southern Region League Cup local derby between Tilehurst Panthers of Division One North and Premier League, Reading.
Plenty has been written about the problems at Reading, for both the men's and women's teams. Suffice to say that the women's team, who graced the WSL Premier League only two season's previously, were now effectively starting over in the Southern Region League after withdrawing from the WSL Championship in June this year. Tilehurst were promoted from the Thames Valley Counties League as champions last season, meaning that the clubs were five divisions apart before the summer.
Although Reading women now play home games at Slough's Arbour Park Stadium, this game must still be seen as a very local derby. The Rivermoor Stadium is less than a five mile drive across Reading from the Select Car Leasing Stadium.
Panthers started life in the Southern Region League very well, remaining unbeaten in the first three league outings. However, they have slipped a little in recent weeks and the point at home to Caversham in a very feisty derby last weekend, was their first since late September. For Reading, Southern Region life has not been particularly easy as they rebuild their squad. Their first four league games have all ended in defeat. However, in cup games, it has been a different story, progressing the Round One of the FA Cup, before losing to Aylesford, and also making progress in the Beaks & Bucks Senior Cup after a penalty shootout defeat of Caversham United.
Thanks to referee Steven Monks for sharing the team sheets prior to kick-off. Nice to have a chat and thanks for the follow (and for following Wandering Tractor).

​After a well observed minute's silence the match got under way with Reading kicking toward the car park end, and it was the visitor's who had the first opportunity when a hopeful lofted pass into the Tilehurst penalty area found Zuzanna Gajzler. However, Emily Bell was off her line quickly, forcing the Reading striker to put the ball wide of the mark.
Almost immediately after that chance, Tilehurst broke away at the other end and took the lead. Leah Why was just too pacy for the visitor's defence as she ran onto a through ball that split them wide open. The Panthers winger then calmly side-footed the ball past the advancing Cherry Preisner and in off the far post. 1-0.
Former Woodley striker Saj Turner tried to inspire Reading with a run from midfield, but her ball into the Tilehurst box was scrambled clear. Lucy Bolitho then came close on 18 minutes when her drive rattled the Tilehurst bar.
Reading had seen more of the ball since going behind, but there was an ever-present danger from Tilehurst, who were working very hard and looked dangerous on the break. The home side's cause was almost given a helping hand midway through the half when Reading, trying to play out from the back, lost the ball inside their own half with Preisner out of her ground. However, the goalkeeper did well to recover quickly and was able to hold onto the left-foot strike from Georgia Hayes. A minute later, Reading came very close to equalising when Mia Bradley's corner was nudged goalward by Lucy Bolitho. However, with the visiting support already starting the celebrate, the ball was somehow smuggled off the line by Tilehurst.
The home team then went close to doubling their lead when yet another ball in behind the Reading defence caused a problem. Malacia Charles took the ball around Preisner but, forced out wide, was unable to beat Lily Brooke-Cousins, who had got back onto the line to cover. On the half-hour mark, Panthers introduced their joint leading scorer Lydia Vettese to the action, making her return after a red card against Penn & Tylers Green in mid-October. After only a few minutes, it looked like a bad move as the striker, chasing another through ball, pulled up with what, at first, looked like it may have been a hamstring injury. However, after some treatment, she was able to limp to the side-line and, a minute later was able to come back on. Shortly afterwards it became abundantly clear the that the injury was most likely a little pull and certainly not as bad as it first looked. There was no sign of after effect as the striker latched onto another defence splitting pass before slotting the ball past Preisner into the far corner. An almost carbon-copy of the finish for the first goal. 2-0
There was little goalmouth action following the second goal. The Tilehurst work-rate did not drop and Reading were struggling to find that final ball that would give them a clear sight of goal. Keira Morl did get a good effort on target, but Emily Bell was well placed to make a good save. 

HT Tilehurst Panthers 2 Reading 0. Despite having more possession, Reading find themselves two down at the break and could easily have been further behind. Panthers made much more of the ball when they had it and were very happy to exploit the spaces in behind the visitor's defence, with both goals coming from balls through defensive line, and both finished clinically.

​I'm not sure what was in Reading's half-time brew or if they had been given a blasting by the coaching staff, but whatever the reason, they came out all guns blazing in the second half. Tilehurst simply didn't know what had hit them in the opening minutes. Only just over a minute had been played since the restart when Brooke-Cousins found Mia Bradley with a ball in behind the defence. The Reading player made no mistake, drilling the ball past Bell. 2-1. Two minutes later Gajzler flashed a ball across the face of the home goal, a whisper away from a striker getting a touch. Panthers were rocking, but did manage to, at least, slow the flow of Reading attacks and show a couple of glimpses that they still posed a threat. 
Georgia Hayes had a strike on target that Preisner picked off comfortably and Leah Why showed her pace again, driving sown the right and delivering a delightful cross. Unfortunately for Panthers, her fellow strikers could not get on the end of it.
That proved to be consequential a minute later when Reading levelled the game. The goal owed everything to the determination and perseverance of Lucy Bolitho. She chased down a bouncing through ball that she was very much second best to reach. However, her presence forced two defenders and the goalkeeper to get into a muddle, allowing the Reading player to get between then, slamming the ball into an unguarded net. 2-2
Reading were very much on the up now. They came close to taking the lead on 68 minutes when Gajzler lobbed Bell only for Jacqueline Asamoah to get back brilliantly to acrobatically hook the ball off the line.
Having lost a two-goal lead against higher-ranked opposition, many teams may well have caved in at this point, but Tilehurst are made of stronger stuff and they still had the firepower to cause Reading problems. In fact it was Panthers who generated the next two chances. First off, Why drove down the right again, firing over a cross that Preisner could only parry into the path of Vettese. However, the striker was slightly off balance, screwing the effort wide of the mark. Shortly afterwards, Vettese held up a long ball really well, shielding the ball before laying it into the path of the overlapping Why who struck a low effort that had Preisner diving full length as it flashed past the upright.
As we entered the final ten minutes, Why and Vettese once more hooked up, but again the final effort was just off target from Vettese. Then former Goat, Sumaya Zayadi, on as a substitute for Reading, got a flick on to put Mia Bradley n on the left. Zayadi continued her run into the box and was a matter of inches from getting on the end of Bradley's drive cross. Then, to add to the tension of what had been a cracking cup tie, Reading thought they had won it in the final minute. Brooke-Cousins sent over a cross into a dangerous area where it hit a Tilehurst defender and deflected into the net. However, the linesman had his flag up for offside against Brooke-Cousins before she played the ball in. After some consultation between the referee and assistant, the goal was chalked off, much to the displeasure of the travelling support.
We were heading for a penalty shootout.

FT Tilehurst Panthers 2 Reading 2. A really entertaining cup tie between two fully committed teams. Great credit to Reading for recovering from two goals behind, but also kudos to Tilehurst for showing the determination not to crumble after Reading equalised.
​
Over to the lottery of the penalty shootout:
​

​In a lot of ways, it was a shame that there had to be a loser this evening. As a neutral, I was impressed by the grit shown by both teams. If you want to catch either team in action, you have the opportunity this coming Sunday. 
Tilehurst at back at home in the league as they welcome third-placed Abingdon United Development.
Reading, meanwhile, make the journey North to Abingdon as they visit The Northcourt where they face National League Division One South-West side, Abingdon United, in the Berks & Bucks Senior Cup.

Tilehurst Panthers: 1.Bell, 34.Gong, 16.Wraight, 7.Why, 11.Hunt. 12.Hand, 14.Hayes, 20.Asamoah, 25.Peters, 23.Charles, 10.Langham(c). Subs: 4.Vetesse, 9.Cane
Reading: 1.Preisner, 2.Giles, 5.Herbert, 3.Brooke-Cousins, 16.Hoesli-Atkins(c), 11.Morl, 12.Bradley, 20.Turner, 7.Gajzler, 17.Bolitho, 18.Simmons. Subs: 6.Less, 21.Dench, 19.Robinson, 14.Zayadi, 9.Fatri

Ground Number: Re-visit
Att: 
Entrance: N/A
Programme: N/A

​This Saturday, after spending the morning watching my daughter's team come from a goal down to win 2-1 (guess who scored the winner? Clue: Proud Dad moment), I was lucky enough to have time to whizz down the A34 to witness the, long-awaited, return of Newbury FC to Faraday Road. A lot has changed since the club was evicted by the council in 2018, to make way for redevelopment of the industrial area. In 2021, just before the old clubhouse was scheduled for demolition, it burned down overnight. Local residents restored the pitch and the plans were put in progress for a return following a change in local council. New changing rooms for players and officials have been installed, along with food and drink outlet and toilet blocks. The pitch has been fenced off and all other preparations made to attain Step 7 grading.
Newbury's first match back in the town was scheduled to be a Charles Twelftree Trophy game against Abingdon Abbotts of the Oxfordshire Senior League. Abbotts themselves know all about making comebacks, having been resurrected from the ashes of Abingdon Town in 2022. Since then they've managed to gain promotion from Division One and are now mid-table in the Premier League. Newbury did the same last season, finishing second in Division One of the Thames valley League and earning place back in step 7. Life has been harder for them, however. At the start of play today they were second from bottom and, after Reading City u23 earned a draw at Woodcote, were  rock-bottom by close of play, albeit with three games in hand.
Facing a side from Abingdon was nothing new to Newbury in this competition. They had disposed of United's development squad in the previous round, going through 4-3 on penalties after a 2-2 draw. Abbotts made slightly more straight-forward progress, winning 4-1 at  Frilsham & Yattendon.
Once again, I am grateful to the match referee, Mark Bullock, for letting me get a photo of both team sheets during the half-time break.

​The game started quite quietly and was mainly a midfield contest for the opening 15 minutes, with neither goalkeeper stretched. However, just on the quarter hour, the visitors demonstrated their power on the break when Freddy Dunham latched onto a long ball, outstripping the defence only to be thwarted by a good block from home keeper Donny Burke.
Abbotts were starting to get a grip on the game now and, almost on the midway point of the half, they took the lead. A long diagonal ball found Ciaran Murray on the left. The winger took a touch before spotting the run of Freddy Dunham into the box. He delivered the perfect pass into the run of the striker, for him to slip the ball past Burke. 0-1
The remainder of the half was a relatively even contest with the visitors edging it on possession and chances, but neither team was able to add the scoring before the half-time break

HT Newbury 0 Abingdon Abbotts 1. A score line that reflected the game. Abbotts deserved to be ahead, but neither side had really set the game alight at any point. The bumper crowd were happy to get a cup of tea or a snack to help fight off the chilly weather.

​The second half began in the same vein as the first, with Abbotts holding sway. They were unlucky not to extend their lead seven minutes in when they saw an effort come back off the post. However, they didn't have to wait too much longer. Another raking ball forward caught the home defence out, leaving Freddy Dunham to run on and lob the ball over the advancing Burke. The bounce took the ball against the underside of the bar and into the net. 0-2
Given the few chances that Newbury had made in the first half, a 2-0 lead looked to be enough for Abingdon. However, the goal sparked the best period in the game for the home team.
Approaching twenty minutes to go, the lively, diminutive Kelsea Muburi went on a great run down the left. His strike, from a narrow angle, forced Mitch Larman into a diving save, pushing the ball out into the centre of the penalty area. Sadly for the home team there was no-one there to finish it off. A few minutes later, home captain Ben Wickens also drew a save from Larman but, once again, the angle was too narrow to gibe the Newbruy player a lot to aim at. Abingdon's response to these two chances was to go up the other end and make the game safe. Burke did really well to parry Dunham's well hit strike, but was powerless to prevent Jack Smith smashing home the loose ball. 0-3
To be fair, Newbury didn't give up the game. James Farrell was unlucky to see his header go just over from a corner and, just before the end, Larman was once again called into action to save from Harry Monger.

FT Newbury 0 Abingdon Abbotts 3. Safe progress through to the next round for Abingdon. However, today was more about Newbury returning home than the result. A really good turnout came to see the club's return. Let's hope many of them continue to support them in their bid to avoid the drop. You can read the report from Newbury Today here.
If you want to catch either of these team in action, they both have games next Saturday. Newbury are back at Faraday Road in another cup game, this time entertaining Woodcote in the Berkshire Trophy Centre Senior Cup First Round. Abingdon make the short journey to Chalgrove Cavaliers for an away league encounter.

Following this victory, Abingdon Abbotts will welcome Old Windsor in Round 4.  The O's, who won the East Berks Premier League last season, are currently second in the league but have a 100% record across all competitions. They knocked out Burghfield last weekend, drawing 2-2 and wining 4-2 from the spot.

Newbury: 1.Burke, 2.Cannell, 3.Rogers, 4.Farrell, 15.Way, 6.Foad, 7.Wickens(c), 14.Muburi, 8.Duodu, 18.Monger, 10.McIntyre. Subs: 11,Wright, 12.Murehwa, 9.Tobin Taylor, 16.Mortimer, 5.O'Doherty
Abingdon Abbotts: Larman, Daley, Daniel, Tillyer, Perks, J.Bone, Seye, Lucas, H.Bone, Dunham, Murray. Subs: Smith, Howard, Castle, Amadiah, Lygo

Ground Number: 424
Att: A great turnout.
Entrance: N/A
Programme: N/A

It was FA Cup First Round week on Sunday and six Southern Region teams were in there fighting. We knew there was a guarantee of one team getting through because Winchester had been drawn at home to Porchester. That proved to be fortunate after the four other teams were all beaten. So, following their 4-1 win, Portchester are the sole league representatives in Round Two, where they will face south coast rivals and National league Division One South-West side, AFC Bournemouth.
League-wise, Oxford City missed out on the chance to go top of the Premier, losing 4-1 at Wycombe. Beaconsfield came from behind to maintain their unbeaten start and increase their lead at the top of Division One North. Meanwhile, in the South, Fleet remain the only team with a 100% record but remain second after Havant & Waterlooville edged  nine-goal thriller at home to Bournemouth Sports Reserves.

Don't forget to keep up to date with the teams who are aiming to join the Southern Region, by reading Wandering Tractor's excellent, in-depth round-up of all the latest Thames Valley Counties Women's League action. - Coming soon, look out for the update.

​Selsey 2-2 Badshot Lea
Neither team had picked up a league point since sharing a 2-2 draw on the opening day of the season. Clearly the sides are very closely matched because that was again the case on Sunday. The Baggies got off to a great start when Emma Gregory-Barnes gave them an 8th minute lead. Isabelle Wheatley levelled things up ten minutes later and, a few minutes before the break, Nancy Sanderson gave the Seals the lead. Selsey held on until the 80th minute when Daniella Mitchell popped up to earn a point for Badshot Lea.

Woodley United 3-0 Sholing
After three defeats in all competitions, Woodley got back to winning ways at Bulmershe Pavilion. It took some time for the hoe side to break down a determined Sholing outfit. Sholing keeper Sarah Kelsall saved a 25th minute Chloe Melton spot-kick before, in the 36th  minute, Sarah Lawrence put the hosts in front. Just past the break it was Lawrence on the mark again, doubling the lead for United. The scoring was rounded off by a scorcher from Chloe Melton in the 59th minute. Read the full match report from the excellent Wandering Tractor Woodley's unofficial good luck charm) whilst taking a look at the match action, captured by the always superb Andy Wicks.

Wycombe Wanderers 4-1 Oxford City
The Hoops missed out on the chance to go top of the table after losing for just the second time in the league. Kayla Potter scored goal number eight of the season to put The Chairgirls in front. This was cancelled out just before the break by Ellie White. On the stroke of the hour Danielle Puddlefoot regained Wycombe's advantage from the spot. Five minutes later Kayla Potter got her second to give the home side breathing room. Jess Watkins completed the scoring in the 70th minute, liftin Wycombe above Sholing into fifth place. You can see all the goals on the Wycombe X feed.

Ascot United Reserves 1-2 Beaconsfield Town
It's still too early in the season to be talking about the title, but this game had the feeling of being a big pointer to the final destination of the trophy. Sarah Jones put Ascot ahead midway through the first half a lead they held until just before the hour mark. That's when the returning Freya Harris got the Rams back on level terms. Nine minutes later Dom Carrington added her fourth of the season to give the visitors the lead and, ultimately, a crucial three points. Beaconsfield now have an 8 point gap at the top of the table and are still unbeaten. Penn, in fourth, can draw level on points should they win all of their four in hand. Watch the match highlights courtesy of the Beaconsfield Town YouTube channel.

Chesham United Development 1-3 Kidlington Youth
Kidlington put the brakes on Chesham's recent mini-revival with their second away win on the bounce. Courtney Sumner and Keira Isaac both scored their fifth goals of the season. Emily Keal was also on the mark, grabbing her second of the campaign. Emma McNamee had scored to take the sides in all-square at the break.

Milton United 5-7 Abingdon United Development
It's not often that a team will score four goals in the first half of a game and go on to lose it, but that's exactly what happened to Milton on Sunday. Charlotte Bigmore gave the visitors a third minute lead only for Lily Black, April England and Mollie Dyer to put Milton 3-1 up. Beth Hawtin pulled one back just before the break, only for April England to make it 4-2 at half-time. Hawtin then scored again to make it 4-3 before Isobel Hughes levelled it on 55 minutes. Ten minutes later it was 4-5 thanks to Olivia Ward, only for a second from Mollie Dyer to square it at 5-5. Ward scored again with 10 minutes remaining to give the visitors a 6-5 advantage. An own goal two minutes from time concluded the scoring on a breathless afternoon of football.

Slough Town 0-3 Wycombe Wanderers u23
Wanderers leapfrogged their hosts after this convincing win on the road. Slough managed to keep Wycombe's top scorer, Shannon Read, off the score sheet but were undone by two goals from Meira Ashby and one from Elena Mitchell. You can see all of the goals on the Wycombe X feed

Tilehurst Panthers 1-1 Caversham United
Caversham's new look squad earned their first point of the season following a come-from-behind draw at local rivals Tilehurst. Panthers had taken the lead in the 31st minute through Kloe Peters. However, Caversham earned a 71st minute penalty which was duly converted by Caroline Charlton. Luckily for us all, @7352tommy (Clive Parker Photography) was on hand to capture some great photos of the action (Link 1, Link2, Link3)

Abbey Rangers 2-8 Wimborne Town
The Magpies maintained the pressure on the top three in the division with a commanding performance at The Moor. Jessica Wollington, Hannah Campbell and Sadie West all scored for the visitors in the first half. Just after the break Imogen Rowley added a fourth. Emily Nieman and Sheree Bell-Jack were also amongst the goals. Brooke Suddaby then added two inside the final three minutes to complete Town's eight goal haul. Isobel Saunders added her fourth and fifth of the season for Rangers.

AFC Varsity 1-6 Fleet Town
Fleet made it five wins in five league games as they jumped up to second spot. Amy Granger and Keira Simpson had put Town two goals to the good inside the first 15 minutes. Isabella Moffett scored the first of her hat-trick on 40 minutes, adding to that in the 47th and 82nd minutes. In between, Lily Martin was also on the mark for Fleet. Hear the post match views of Fleet manager Craig Hayman and three-goal Isabella Moffett.

Havant & Waterlooville 5-4 Bournemouth Sports Reserves
The Hawks came from two goal down twice in a game that had everything. Nine goals, including a hat-trick, plus a red card. Sophie Lee was the hat-trick hero for Havant, aided by a penalty from Emma-Jane May and a late winner from Laurie Potvin. Isobel Wheatley had given Sports the lead on 19 minutes, but her game was to take a swing for the worse in the second half, picking up two yellows in five minutes. Anastasia Hnatiw had the visitors two ahead after 24 minutes. Lucia White on the stroke of half-time and Charlotte Kerr on 70 minutes, also scored for Sports, before The Hawks staged their second comeback to take the points.

QK Southampton 0-3 Woking
The Cards finally chalked up their first league win of the season at the eighth attempt, consigning QK to their eight straight defeat. Laura Mitchell gave Woking an early lead in the 5th minute, but they were made to wait until midway through the second half before they could make the points. Gabriella Hobday doubled their advantage after 65 minutes, before Jasmina VanVooren made it completely safe six minutes later.

Aylesford 3-1 Reading
The home of (allegedly) Britain's oldest working sauna proved too hot for Reading as they went out of the FA Cup at the hands of London & South East Division One South side Aylesford. Kara Richardson put the home side in front three minutes before the half-hour mark. However, just six minutes later Reading were level thanks to a Jordanne Hoesli-Atkins penalty. It looked like the teams would go into the break level, but Rebecca Keyte restored Aylesford's lead a minute into added time. A second penalty, this time for Aylesford, converted by Alex Witham in the 75th minute, secured a famous victory and giant-killing. Aylesford now face a 2nd Round home tie with Worthing of the National League Division One South-West.
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Brentford 4-2 Ascot United
The Bees pulled off something of a cupset as they put out SoReg Premier leaders Ascot United. Brentford have been in glorious goal-scoring form this season, and this continued on Sunday. The deadlock was broken in the 31st minute by a superb overhead kick from top-scorer Ashley Cheatley. The same player then doubled the advantage just before the break. When Chloe Logie made it 3-0 immediately after the restart, the game looked gone. However, Ascot hit back with two goals in two minutes, through Leah Robertson and Olivia Glover. The Yellas could not quite complete the comeback and, when they conceded a 70th minute penalty, Chloe Logie sealed progress for The Bees. You can read Neal Jeffs' account on the Ascot website as well as the Brentford match report and match highlights on their web site. Brentford's reward is a home tie with National League Division One South-East side, London Seaward.

Bursledon 0-4 Marine Academy Plymouth
South West Region Premier League outfit, Marine Academy made club history after ending brave Bursledon's FA Cup journey, progressing to Round Two for the first time. The damage to The Dons was done in the first half as the visitors stormed into a three goal lead. Two goals from Elizabeth Overton and one each from Abbie Woodward and Carmen Morison, sealed the victory for Marine, who will now face National League South-West side Bristol Rovers in Round Two.

Penn & Tylers Green 0-3 Queens Park Rangers
QPR took an early lead in this game through Courtnay Ward-Chambers in the 8th minute. However, Penn didn't cave in, and held the National League side for the next 33 minutes. A two goal burst just before the break finally put some serious daylight between the teams. Anna Maria Dzyadyk scored the first in the 41st minute and, as if that wasn't enough, Stevie Kennedy added a third on the stroke of half-time. Penn came out fighting in the second half, but were not able to get themselves back into the game, the two step difference between the sides proving to be a little too much for them. QPR will now face Saltdean United in the next round. You can read the QPR account of the match on their web site.

Winchester City Flyers 1-4 AFC Portchester
Portchester made club history by progressing to the Second round for the first time, although this game was nowhere near a s clear cut as the score suggests. The hosts took the lead very early on through Libby Wilkinson, but were pegged back just a few minutes later when Sam Jennings headed in. Gemma Hillier then put the visitors ahead with only just over a quarter-hour played. The game was still not completely over, even after Hillier made it 3-1 around the hour mark. However, when captain Eilidh Currie gave Portchy a three goal cushion, it looked a mountain too tall for City. They did manage few late attempts at goal, but ultimately the difference between the sides was in the final third. Portchester were clinical, Winchester didn't make the most of their chances. You can read the full BotP match blog here (Flying The Flag), or get an alternative view from Tim Shots ATFC (TimboATFC). You can also hear City manager Emma Pearmine's post-match thoughts. Portchester now face a tasty looking south coast derby against National League outfit AFC Bournemouth in Round Two.

​AFC Stoneham v Havant & Waterlooville
There may only be one league game on Sunday, but it's a real cracker. The Hawks took over top spot last weekend, after edging out Bournemouth Sports in a nine-goal thriller. Former leaders Stoneham dropped to third after Fleet Town also won at the weekend. However, the Purps have a game in hand on Havant, meaning a win would put them back on top. Last season both clashes ended in away victories. Stoneham won 3-2 at Westleigh Park whilst The Hawks, through a Jodie Burchell goal, won 1-0 at Stoneham, a game that saw both Stoneham's Chloe Melton and Havant's Megan Gratton see red.
​Stoneham Lane, Eastleigh SO16 2PA

AFC Portchester v Wimborne Town
Two sides who gained promotion last season and are making quite a splash in their respective leagues this season. Portchy will still be on a high following their FA Cup triumph at the weekend, whilst Wimborne were 8-2 winners at Abbey Rangers. So, both sides come into the game in good form. Wimborne's 19 goals this season have been spread across eleven players, eight of which have one goal apiece.
Venue: AFC Portchester Womens

Ascot United v Woodley United
This will be the third meeting between these teams this season, with another league encounter yet to come. It's probably not the draw Woodley would have wanted, having already suffered two heavy defeats at The Racecourse Ground. On the opening day of the season they lost 11-0 to Ascot, then went on a run of five straight victories in all competitions before encountering the Yellas again in the FA Cup. They lost that game 8-2. Last season Ascot put Woodley out of this competition at the quarter-final stage before losing to eventual winners, Bournemouth Sports, in the semi-final.
Racecourse Ground, Winkfield Road, Ascot, Berkshire SL5 7LJ

Badshot Lea v Fleet Town
You couldn't make these cup draws up. After many Fleet players left for Badshot Lea in the Summer, these sides have already had one encounter this season, an 8-2 FA Cup win for Fleet, and now they find themselves thrown together again. They are having contrasting experiences in their respective leagues. The Baggies are yet to find a win, but did pick up their second point with a draw at Selsey on Sunday. Fleet, meanwhile, are yet to drop a point in Division One South.
Westfield Lane, Wrecclesham GU10 4PF

Beaconsfield Town v Caversham United
The Rams and The Goats butt heads in this encounter. Currently at opposite ends of Division One North. Beaconsfield are yet to taste defeat, Caversham are yet to taste victory. They have already met in the league at Mapeldurham Recreation Ground, where doubles from Lucy Casey and Sarah Davern helped Beaconsfield to a 6-0 victory.
Holloways Park, Windsor Road, Beaconsfield HP9 2SE

Bournemouth Sports Reserves v Milton United
South versus North. Milton had an awful start to the season, looked as if they had turned a corner, but were then beaten at home on Sunday in a topsy-turvy twelve goal thriller against Abingdon. Sports were also involved in a thriller, although there were only nine goals in their game. They eventually went down 5-4 to Havant & Waterlooville. So 21 goals shared in their last matches. It's going to be 0-0 isn't it?
Chapel Gate, Nr Hurn Airport, East Parley, Hampshire BH23 6BL.

Oxford City v Sholing
This all Premier League tie is a reverse of the opening league fixture. That one ended 1-1 thanks to goals from Catherine Browning for Sholing and Ellie Walecki for City. Both teams come into the game on the back of league defeat on the road last weekend. The Hoops will, no doubt, be glad to be back at the Raw Charging Stadium, where they have a 100% league record so far.
Marsh Lane, Marston, Oxford, Oxfordshire OX3 0NQ

Penn & Tylers Green v Bursledon
Both of these sides went out of the FA Cup to higher-ranked opposition at the weekend. Penn are currently unbeaten at home in the league, Bursledon are unbeaten on the road in the league. The cup defeat on Sunday ended Bursledon's run of five unbeaten in all competitions. However, Penn's defeat to QPR was their first reversal in any match this season, a total of nine games (if you count the home walkover in the FA Cup 2nd qualifier).
French School Meadow, Elm Road, Penn HP10 8LG

QK Southampton v Slough Town
A welcome break from a tough league campaign for QK. Slough's last four games in all competitions have alternated between winning and losing. They lost on Sunday, so they are due a victory this weekend. However QK, who really struggled in the opening few games, suffering some heavy defeats, have been slowing improving their results. They still have not managed to gain a point but the flow of goals conceded has certainly slowed a little. Wil this be the week they turn it around?
The Hive, Redbridge Lane, Southampton SO16 0XN

Selsey v Abbey Rangers
Two teams who will welcome the chance to get a win against their name. Selsey are yet to register a win inside 90 minutes, although they did edge past Leatherhead on penalties in a September FA Cup tie. The draw against Badshot Lea last Sunday was their second point of the season. Abbey have not won since the end of September when the beat QK Southampton 4-0. Having said that, they have only played twice in that time, losing both. 
Seal Bay Resort Stadium, PO20 0QG

Tilehurst Panthers v Reading
Reading get another chance to play in Reading again, after their county cup clash with Caversham last month. Cup games have been something of a relief to Reading this season, as they try to rebuild their squad in the Premier League. Panthers, after a good start to the season, have failed to win in their last four in al competitions, but did take a point on Sunday at home to Caversham.
Venue: Tilehurst Panthers Women

Woking v Kidlington Youth
Kidlington had a good win at Abingdon on Sunday, their second successive away win in which they have scored three times in both. The Greens do score a lot of goals, but they also have a tendency to concede a few. Woking, who won for the first time at the weekend, are the opposite. They only average one goal per game in the league but, on the other hand, rarely concede too many.
Venue: Check with home team

Wycombe Wanderers v AFC Varsity
Premier League versus Division One South. Wycombe had a very good 4-1 win over Oxford City at the weekend, Varsity lost heavily at home to Fleet. However, one thing in favour of Varsity is that their away form is better than their home form. Six of their seven pints so far have come on the road. Wycombe have the second tightest defence in the Premier League, which may pose a problem for Varsity, who are second lowest scorers in their league.
​18i78 Stadium, Wymers Wood Road, Burnham SL1 8JG

​Winchester City Flyers v Overton Youth
Overton ply their trade in Division 5 of the Hampshire League, six leagues below Flyers. They currently sit in mid-table, but are only four points clear of the bottom. Both teams received a bye in the opening round. The winner of this game will face either Farnborough or Rushmoor Reserves.
​Venue: Check with home team

As a follower and advocate of all things Southern Region, there was only one place to be on the FA Cup First Round day. Although there were still six SoReg teams left in the competition, the game between Winchester City Flyers and AFC Portchester was the only one that guaranteed a SoReg team in Round Two. As it happened, by the end of the day, it was just as well, as Ascot, Reading, Penn and Bursledon all suffered defeat. More of those games in Edition 11 of SoReg Review coming out on Wednesday.
On to today's clash at The Charters Community Stadium. History was already being made Winchester, having never managed to get to Round One before. Whatever happened, one of them was going to make it the second round for the first time. 
Of the two sides, Winchester can boast the greater FA Cup experience, despite Portchester having managed to get further in the competition. This would be their 15th Women's FA Cup match and they had previously made the third qualifying round twice, losing to Southampton Women in 20178-18 and Poole Town in 2019-20. Last season they got to the second qualifier, winning 6-2 on the Isle of Wight against Shanklin before going down 2-1 to Ilminster Town.
For Portchester, this would be their 7th FA Cup game in only their third season of entering. Last season saw them defeat Bemerton Heath Harlequins, Premier League Eastleigh and Pucklechurch Sports, before finally succumbing 3-2 at Bromley in Round One.
Many thanks to Portchester media guru Lindsay Hyde for sharing the team sheets with me before kick off.

​On a chilly and damp afternoon at The Charters Stadium, it was Flyers who lived up to their name early on, getting off to a flyer when Libby Wilkinson's 4th minute left-foot volley beat Roxy Roberts and flew in off the far post. 1-0
The early setback prompted an immediate response from Portchester, urged on by their vocal support behind the Winchester goal. Four minutes after going behind they forced a corner on their left. Eilidh Currie delivered the ball into the centre of the six-yard box, where Sam Jennings rose higher than anyone to head past Eleanor Parker. 1-1.
Parker was almost immediately called back into action, blocking well from Charlotte Keenan before Flyers went straight up the other end, only for Kayleigh Tonks's strike to go wide. Before either team had chance to take in either of these opportunities, play swung back to the Winchester last third and, this time, it was a more decisive piece of action. Gemma Hillier picking up the ball some 25 yards out before striking low past Parke's left hand into the corner of the net. 1-2
After three goals in the opening sixteen minutes, and with the turnaround complete, Portchester looked to steady the game down. Laura Da Silva did her best to change this just past the midway point, but her low effort posed no real problem to Roberts. Then, just before the half-hour mark, City almost gifted Portchy a third, giving the ball away to the dangerous Gemma Hillier some 30 yards out, the midfielder immediately fed Charlotte Keenan, who stroked the ball past Parker only for the assistant's flag to chalk off the goal.
Flyers best efforts to get back on terms came through top scorer Libby Wilkinson. Her 35th minute drive from the edge of the box was easily dealt with by Roberts. Then, with a minute remaining in the half, Flyers were awarded a free-kick in a fairly central position some 30 yards out. Wilkinson stood over it, looking as is she was planning to drift a ball into the mix. Instead she fired goalward trying to catch Roberts flat-footed. However, the goalkeeper got across her line well to make the save under the crossbar.

HT Winchester City Flyers 1 AFC Portchester 2. A fair score on the balance of play in the first half. Flyers started very well but Portchester's response to going behind was exemplary. Still, the game was far from over at this point. Both sides had already shown that they had the wherewithal to cause their opponents problems. 

​After an initial Portchester attack, dealt with by the home defence, Winchester began to knock the ball around nicely in the opening minutes of the second period. Both Kayleigh Tonks, on the right, and Emily McDonough, on the left, were keen to get on the ball. However, any balls into the box were being dealt with by a strong Portchester back-line, marshalled by Sam Jennings.
After fending off a fair few minutes of Flyers pressure, Portchester looked to turn things around again and, just before the hour point, they did just that. Gemma Hillier burst through, chasing down a through ball. Parker was quick off her line but Hillier just got there first, poking the ball past the keeper and running on to slot into an empty net. 1-3
With a two-goal deficit, it was going to be an uphill struggle for Flyers from this point. However, they didn't let their heads drop and set about trying to take the game to their visitors. A really neat passing move from Winchester then created a shooting opportunity for Wilkinson. The effort went well over, but it was a positive point for City, showing that they had the capacity to pass through the Portchester midfield. A few minutes later Wilkinson had Roberts throwing herself full length at a low drive that fizzed just past the keeper's right-hand upright.
However, as had happened all game when Winchester threatened, Portchester hit back at them. You know what they say, attack is the best form of defence. After those two Flyers attacks, Portchester broke down the left. The ball was half cleared but picked up on the edge of the box by Eilidh Currie. The Portchy captain evaded a challenge, stepped inside and drilled the ball beyond Parker. 1-4, and, effectively, game over. Winchester were not about to throw in the towel, but a three goal margin with only just over 20 minutes remaining looked to be beyond them.
Emily McDonough, who had chased everything all game, did get a half-chance for City on 79 minutes, but couldn't get enough on the shot to beat Roberts. Parker than had to make a good save from Sophie Bell at the other end.
Then, inside the final ten minutes, Roberts had to be very quick off her line, beating Eliza Eaton to a the ball after the substitute almost latched on to a flick on that split the defence. Flyers captain Lavinia Nkomo then rose highest to get a head onto a right-wing cross but was just off balance and couldn't hit the target. Sharna Capel Watson did hit the target in the 90th minute but the strike lacked power to beat Roberts. Into added time and, to their ultimate credit, Winchester were still pressing for a goal. Nkomo almost grabbed a very late consolation when her close range effort was blocked, she got another go at it but could only put her shot over the bar.

FT Winchester City Flyers 1 AFC Portchester 4. Overall, a deserved victory for Portchester although the final score suggests it was easier than it actually was, in reality. Winchester never gave up, even three goals behind in the final minutes, they continued to make Portchester work. The difference was probably in the taking of the chances. Portchy were clinical in the final third and ultimately that was decisive.,
Portchester go through to Round Two for the first time in their history and are the sole SoReg team remaining. However, it's different cup action for both teams next week. Winchester have a North Hants Cup clash at home to Overton. Meanwhile, Portchester are at home to Wimborne Town in the League Cup.
Update: Portchester now face a South Coast derby against AFC Bournemouth in Round 2. Bournemouth are currently second in Division One South-West of the National League.

Winchester City Flyers: 1.Parker, 4. Capel Watson, 17. Powell-Rowland, 2.Rooney, 24.Burt, 12.Whitlock, 11.Nkomo(c), 8.Wilkinson, 6.McDonough, 16. Da Silva, 15.Tonks. Subs: 59.Eaton, 1.White, 3.Chalk, 5.Moulding, 22.Harmer, 10.Smith
AFC Portchester: 1.Roberts, 2.Hier, 3.Hinton, 4.Jennings, 5.Marshall, 8.Stroem, 9.Keenan, 10.Hillier, 11.Bavister, 12.Currie(c), 19.Bell. Subs: 14.Woodard, 15.Hall-Guy, 16.Taylor, 18.Nightingale, 17.Crewe-Way, Pye

The Ground
The Charters Community Stadium, which was still the SimplyHealth Stadium when I last visited in 2019 (Matt Finish), has changed quite a bit in the intervening years. The most obvious difference is the pitch which was converted to an artificial surface. There is now spectator cover on all four sides of the ground. Gone is the uncovered Dave Green Stand on the rugby club side of the ground. There are now two stands on that side, both covered and both providing seating. There are sheltered terraces behind both goals and covered standing, set back a little from the pitch, in between the dugouts opposite the main stand.