In the Combined Counties Division One Eversley & California got their 2020 off to a strong start with a victory at home to Dorking Wanderers Reserves.
The Boars did not have it all their own way though, as it was Wanderers who opened the scoring and went in at half time 1-0 up. In the second half it was substitute Kai Francis who made the difference and helped turn the game in favour of the hosts.
Just a minute after his arrival Francis made it 1-1 by heading home a cross in the 64th minute. Deep into injury time Francis turned provider as it was his flick on found debutant Luke Frewin who slotted the ball underneath the keeper from close range to give Eversley a 2-1 win.
The victory sees did not lift the Boars off the foot of the table but does see them close the gap to Godalming Town who sit above them to just 2 points.
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Sandhurst Town were looking to do Eversley a favour on Saturday as they travelled to Surrey to face Godalming. The Fizzers had the better of the game in the first half but were not able to break the deadlock; Danny Turner forcing the home keeper into a good save was as close as they came.
The game badly needed a goal and one arrived a couple of minutes after the break when the Godalming keeper failed to deal with a cross and palmed the ball straight to Grant Kemp who bundled it in from 4 yards out. The game then came to life with both sides looking more dangerous, but it took until the 73rd minute for Sandhurst to add to their lead when Turner converted a spot kick after Brad Brown was tripped.
Further chances came and went for Sandhurst, but it looked like the home side were running out of time to make them pay for the missed opportunities. Godalming did get a goal back late on as their centre back headed in from a corner, but it was too little, too late as Sandhurst held on to secure a victory that leaves them out of the promotion places on goal difference only.
Uhlsport Hellenic League Division One East
In the Hellenic Division One East there was a Berkshire derby between two promotion hopefuls as Holyport welcomed Wokingham & Emmbrook to Summerleaze Village.
It was Port who struck first in the game as Alan Ackerman scored with a fantastic hit, smashing the ball in from outside the box and giving the keeper no chance.
The Sumas were back on level terms 10 minutes before half time when Marcus Guest was brought down in the box and Josh Harris stepped up to score the resulting penalty. In the second half neither side could add to their tally but Holyport did have to play the last 10 minutes with 10 men as Jack Woodbridge was shown a second yellow.
They held out and both sides left with a point, meaning Holyport remain in the promotion places in 4th and Wokingham are one place below them. The two sides are well placed to mount a promotion push this season.
Elsewhere in the league Wallingford Town entertained Milton United at the Hithercroft. It was Wally who drew first blood when last season’s top scorer Charlie Silkstone struck on the half hour mark to put the home side in front.
Milton still managed to lead at half time as two goals gave them a 2-1 lead at the break. A minute into the second half Silkstone scored again to put Wallingford back on level terms but it was not to be as another goal for the visitors saw them leave with a 3-2 victory and all 3 points.
Chalvey Sports were in action against East Berkshire Premier Division side KS Gryf FC in the Slough Town Challenge Cup. Second half goals from Sean Robinson and substitute Cheyenne Cripps were enough to give the Stabmonks a 2-0 victory in a game played at the Eltham Avenue Ground.
Chalvey will now play either Iver Heath FC or Singh Sabah Slough FC in the semi final.
Related: Tuesday night team news for Holyport vs Chalvey Sports
Combined Counties League Division One
Eversley & California 2-1 Dorking Wanderers Reserves
Godalming Town 1-2 Sandhurst Town
Hellenic League Division One East
Holyport 1-1 Wokingham & Emmbrook
Wallingford Town 2-3 Milton United
Slough Town Challenge Cup
Chalvey Sports 2-0 KS Gryf FC
