Cup Finals to Chinese Selection Boxes: Martin Law is the constant at Reading City

This interview was originally published in the special one-off match day programme for Reading City’s FA Vase Fourth Round tie at home to Lymore Gardens in January 2026.

Martin Law has enjoyed league and cup successes in his 35-year reign, but the Reading City chairman believes the FA Vase could provide him with his most memorable moments in football.

This fourth-round tie hits a high point for him, but he is hoping the club’s Vase run will go on beyond today.

Whilst Simon Johnson and his team are the main focus, Martin is ready to handle the off-field activities, ensuring Lymore Gardens FC, special guests, and the match officials are well looked after.

Without doubt, Martin is one of the most experienced and longest-serving chairmen in local club football.

His commitment to the game extends beyond Reading City, as he is chairman of the Thames Valley Premier League, and he is also the Berks & Bucks FA’s Director of Grassroots Football, leading their development right across the region.

No wonder he says: “I live a very busy life.”

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In his early years, he played Sunday football for Whitchurch, but it was as an administrator where he started to make a name for himself in local football.

He was primarily involved with Highmoor-IBIS, and fondly remembers them going through a season unbeaten. They reached league and Norfolkian Cup finals, and in 2006 they won the Reading Senior Cup, by defeating Woodley Town 4-1 in the final at the Madejski Stadium.

Martin also recalls the days the club played their first Step 6 game and lifted the Southern Combination Cup for the first time in 2024, beating Horley Town 5-2 at Rivermoor.

“But I think today will be something above all that,” he says. “It is a historic game for the club as we have never reached this stage before, and it would be massive for us and the town as a whole if we can win and reach the last 16.

“There will probably be some spectators watching us for the first time, and I hope they will enjoy their visit here, the facilities we provide, and will want to come back to see us again in the future.”

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So, what is the chairman expecting from today’s opponents, Lymore Gardens?

“They have played Step 6 clubs in previous rounds, mostly in their own area, so coming to us will be something completely new for them.

“As they are from East London, I think they will be a physical side, and it will be up to our players to match them. Looking at their record, they are in good form. They didn’t lose a game in December, so it will be interesting to see how they perform today.

“At this stage of the Vase, there will be no easy games, and I am pleased that we are playing at home on a grass pitch.”

Groundhoppers here today will be able to purchase a Reading City badge and bottle openers, and we also have special mugs, which are popular as well as the club’s now legendary food offerings.

Addendum: A bumper crowd on the day witnessed a strong first half Reading City performance with Tyler Robinson sending the Cityzens in 1-0 up at half-time. In the second half however, the visitors – who looked very capable in the first half – turned up the dial on their own performance and were worthy winners. Reading City’s run to the Fourth Round means they will receive a bye to the Second Round Proper of next season’s Vase (subject to any rule changes) if they don’t earn promotion to Step 4 this season.