Windsor & Eton seal promotion to Step 6 at first attempt

Windsor & Eton are going up after confirming a top five finish in the Thames Valley Premier League.

The Royalists were 5-0 winners at Bisham Abbey against Berks & Bucks County FA Cup Finalists Maidenhead Town having drawn 0-0 with leaders Westwood Wanderers.

On the night, goals from Isaiah Chase-Kelly (2), Jatinder Liddar, Jude Van Spall and Lucas Lindstrup gave Windsor the three points.

Rules for promotion at Step 7 are different to that of the rest of the English Football Pyramid. A team has to apply for promotion rather than win the title, and only one team per Step 7 division can be promoted in any given season.

In the Thames Valley Premier League, Windsor were the only side to apply, but even they had to finish in the top 5 to go up. The win against Maidenhead means that it is now not possible for the club – only founded in the summer of 2023 – to drop out of the top 5.

Windsor could still win the title, but it is in Westwood’s hands. A win for the Reading-based side in their final game at AFC Winkfield on Saturday with give them the title.

For now though, all associated with Windsor & Eton will care about is a job well done – completing the aim of Step 6 football in 2024/25.

All eyes of course now on a possible Windsor derby assuming the Royalists are placed in the Combined Counties League Division One with Windsor.