With no midweek league action for our local sides, we have two cup matches tonight as the Reading Invitation Challenge Cup reaches the Quarter Final stage.
Better known as the Reading Senior Cup, the final is held at Madejski Stadium each year and the fact it’s only open to local sides always throws up some interesting local derbies and tonight is no different.
Binfield vs Ascot United
The previous round saw the Yellamen defeat Rotherfield United 3-1 in what has been new manager Neil Richards’ sole victory so far.
With one draw and three losses since the above win, the new look Ascot have struggled to get find a rhythm.
Without the pressure of league points up for grabs, tonight is the perfect opportunity for the visitors to find their feet and get back on the winning trail.
It won’t be easy though with the hosts starting clear favourites.
It’s only one loss in the past two months for Binfield (a narrow 1-0 defeat against Bracknell Town) and Liam Ferdinand is leading the line impeccably.
With 33 goals in total this season and having scored in six of the last seven matches, Ferdinand is the man United need to shut down.
The winners of this one are scheduled to host either Finchampstead of Woodcote Stoke Row in the semi-final.
Reading Senior Cup round up: Road to the Madejski Stadium down to last eight
Bracknell Town vs Mortimer
On paper at least, this one should be a foregone conclusion.
Top of the Uhlsport Hellenic League Premier Division against seventh in the Thames Valley Premier League but it’s not always as straightforward in the cups as Sutton United and Lincoln City have proved in the FA Cup this season.
Bracknell will undoubtedly make changes with the winning the league the main priority but we think it will still be a strong team put out as Mark Tallentire utilises his full squad.
Mortimer have not won a match since the end of January but they’ve been competitive in the defeats since then and they will relish the challenge.
With Liam Ferdinand grabbing the headlines at Binfield, keep an eye out for his dad Chris who should feature for Mortimer tonight.
Wokingham & Emmbrook will play holders Henley Town in the final quarter finals with the winners earning the right to host the Robins or Mortimer in the semi-final.
Both matches kick off at 7.45pm.
Henley won last season’s tournament but managed to drop the trophy in their celebrations, a moment you can see here:
