AFC Aldermaston were out of luck at the Stacatruc as Berks County ran out comfortable winners in West Berkshire in an early season Combined Counties Division 1 Local Derby.
Both sides went into this match having recorded victories in their season openers. New-look Aldermaston actually started on the front foot in this clash, forcing early corners which saw a couple of very presentable headed chances wasted.
In that opening spell, Marciej Tajs was released through on goal only to have the opportunity snuffed out by County’s Clive Akem-Che before the visitors took over.
Nine minutes were on the clock when Luke Hayden was sent clear and finished low into the corner. The impressive Sam Day wasted two very presentable opportunities before the second goal came when Ebby Opoku-Ware’s expert free-kick delivery was tucked home by Callum Brighton midway through the half.
Tajs had a golden opportunity to half the deficit when he thrashed a shot wide following a corner but the game was truly up before half time.
County were livid that Harprit Purewal only saw yellow when he nudged Hayden who was about to pull the trigger. Revenge was a dish best served by the cold and calculated resultant free-kick into the bottom corner by Ellis Day.
The away side continued to dominate after the break. Sam Day flashed an effort wide of goal before ‘keeper Hassan Hussain denied Hayden with his legs. County substitute Les Sackey later hesitated having dispossessed Hussain and the chance went begging but the best opening of the half came moments before referee Mr George-Vaughan sounded his final whistle, as substitute Karim Chaibi summed up the hosts night by missing from point blank range.
Midweek results across Berkshire
Emirates FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round Replay
Windsor 0-2 Royal Wootton Bassett Town
See the FA Cup Preliminary Round draw for Berkshire here.
Cherry Red Records Combined Counties League Division One
AFC Aldermaston vs Berks County (Wednesday 10th)
Bagshot 2-5 Langley
Eversley & California 2-1 Woodley United
Sandhurst Town 5-2 London Samurai Rovers
A full list of weekend fixtures is here. Look out for the brand new Football in Berkshire Ticket Store with tickets to plenty of local football available.
