It was well worth the effort for Simon Johnson on Saturday after a patched up Reading City beat Berkshire neighbours Ascot United 3-2 at the Rivermoor in the Cherry Red Records Combined Counties League Premier Division North.
The crowd was boosted after a not insignificant social media campaign to entice Reading FC fans whose own game at home to Luton Town had been postponed earlier in the week, and they certainly got some value with five goals including a winner from Cityzens captain Jemel Johnson.
Ezio Touray had given Reading a fifth-minute lead before Taylor Morgan levelled for the Yellamen on 35 minutes to send the sides in level at half-time.
Tom Scott then made it 2-1 Ascot early in the second half, picking up the pieces from Sean McCormack’s strike but City were level on 54 minutes from the penalty spot, Dan Bailey was adjudged to have handballed in the box and Jemel Johnson made no mistake from the resulting kick.
Then on the hour, Johnson struck again inside the penalty box, beating Ascot goalkeeper Sam Gray at the far post with what proved to be the winning goal.
Elsewhere, Wokingham & Emmbrook were beaten 2-0 on the road at leaders Hanworth Villa and Holyport were narrowly beaten 1-0 at Egham Town.
The only other game in the division featuring one of our clubs was Virginia Water at North Greenford United where the home side came away with a 5-2 win – the Waters goals were from Joseph McBride and Leonardo Pedro.
Cherry Red Records Combined Counties League Premier Division North
Egham Town 1-0 Holyport
Hanworth Villa 2-0 Wokingham & Emmbrook
North Greenford United 5-2 Virginia Water
Reading City 3-2 Ascot United
Windsor P-P St Panteleimon
