Hungerford Town vs Reading FC: Rob Couhig era begins at Bulpit Lane

Hungerford Town kick-off their pre-season campaign on Saturday 5th July having lured none other than the Royals to Bulpit Lane.

Reading FC will play their first game of the Rob Couhig era on Saturday against Southern League Premier Division South Hungerford, whose manager, Danny Robinson, is eager for a tough opener to the campaign: “It is a massive honour to host Reading FC’s first game under their new owners.

“As a club cannot wait to welcome you to Bulpit Lane. It’s a massive game for us to host and we are really looking forward to hosting all you Royal fans. We will definitely give a very good account of ourselves and we can’t wait to test ourselves against Reading’s first team. Where else can you come and watch your side up close and personal for just £7!?”

Robinson added: “Ticket sales are going really well so please make sure you get your ticket on line or you can purchase tickets on the day at Bulpit Lane.”

Related: Four unmissable Berkshire friendlies this summer including an intriguing ‘Battle of the Ding’

A big game for the Crusaders, but a historic one for Reading. It will be the first matchday in several seasons without the looming spectre of protest and anguish after Dai Yongge was finally ousted from the boardroom.

Reading had a remarkably positive season on the pitch, narrowly missing out of the League One play-offs last season with a very young side. Noel Hunt, who took over following the departure of Ruben Selles to Hull City, will be in the dugout with several new players potentially on show.

Tickets for the fixture on Saturday 5th July at Bulpit Lane (3pm), can be purchased in advance here.

Elsewhere in the county, Reading’s men’s age group sides have a series of local fixtures reported. The Reading Chronicle has Harrison Gilkes’ under 18s due to play three fixtures on the road around the county.

Beaconsfield Town on July 19th, Thatcham Town a week later (1pm) and a midweek trip to Bracknell Town on Wednesday 30th July.

Meanwhile the under 21s will head to Basingstoke Town in Hampshire on 26th July, an 11am kick-off to coincide with anyone wishing to travel back to Reading for the first team friendly with Portsmouth.