Parker double sees Reading City fight back in Combined Counties League opener

Mitchell Parker marked his return to the Rivermoor with two goals as Reading City fought back to beat a stubborn Southall in the Cherry Red Records Combined Counties League Premier North opener.

The Cityzens weathered an early storm that could have seen the visitors with a healthier lead thank 1-0 but as it was, the returning Parker’s fine brace sent Simon Johnson’s side in 2-1 up at the break.

The second half started in similar fashion but Reading captain Alfie Grant headed home at the far post after good work from Jemel Johnson on his City debut.

In Division One, Chalvey Sports had a point in the bag until the final moments of the game when Kensington & Ealing Borough snatched a late winner.

Neil Sanneh saved a penalty for the Stabmonks at 0-0 but Kensington did score on the half hour only for Rhys Harper to level for Chalvey minutes later.

GOAL!!! @KE_BoroFC 1-1 @ChalveySportsFC Harper 38mins #COYS #stabmonks pic.twitter.com/Ng04QQuvtq

— Scott McNeish (@darthscrote) July 31, 2021

It looked like spoils shared on the opening day until the final minutes, a tap in from close range winning it for the home side.