Two games in and Woodley United are top of the Combined Counties League Division One.
It’s a bit different from the 2024/25 season when Jordan Blake’s side left it until the last game of the season to pop above the relegation dotted line for the first time, but undoubtedly a welcome relief following the hard work of pre-season.
A phone call to Jordan isn’t required to know the Kestrels won’t be getting too carried away after a 2-1 win over relegated Wembley and a 4-2 win over FC Deportivo Galicia on Tuesday night.
But the comparison to last season is a valid one and you wouldn’t begrudge team taking a moment to take in the view from the summit – at least until Rising Ballers Kensington role into Reading on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Woodley’s landlords Reading City kick-off their Combined Counties League Premier Division North on Wednesday night with a trip across Berkshire to Burnham.
Simon Johnson’s side will have high hopes for the season with an array of impressive signings from Harrison Bayley through to Ash Artwell and Stefan Brown bolstering a side that was in a transitional phase last season after hitting the play-offs in 2023/24.
Following the season opener, City will head to Cirencester Town on Saturday in the FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round with Milton United or Didcot Town waiting for the winner in the Preliminary Round.
