Ewan Lynch struck early on debut as Reading City looked to ease into the FA Cup Preliminary Round against Ardley United – but the visitors made the Cityzens sweat in the second half.
Lynch – a new signing from Ascot United with an interesting ‘origin story’ – was off the mark for his new side within 9 minutes, latching on to a trademark Eddie Lazarczuk throw.
While Ardley had their moments – City doubled the lead on 26 minutes when captain Josh Baines made it 2-0 and then there was disaster for Ardley stopper Harry Francis-Jones who saw a miss-placed back pass role past him to make it 3-0.
If Reading thought the tie was done and dusted, Ardley had other ideas with Oliwer Orzechowski pulling one back minutes into the second half and with a few minutes remaining Declan Benjamin made it 3-2 with a sensational strike from range ensuring a nail biting final few minutes.
The Cityzens ultimately held on and will now play Nailsea & Tickenham at the Rivermoor on Saturday 17th August 2024. A full list of all FA Cup Preliminary Round ties as they stand are here.
City Report: An Ard Days Work
East Berkshire FA Cup headlines
Binfield won the Martin Joyce Memorial Cup and FA Cup progress on Saturday, beating neighbours Wokingham Town 3-1 at Hill Farm Lane – but ended up with Mitchell Parker in goal after Kacper Orlowski was sent off. The Moles goals came from Luke Wayborn, Parker and Charlie George while Wokingham’s strike came from Mikey O’Connor.
Ascot United went through as well with a 1-0 win at home to Milton United courtesy of former Burnham winger Anas Igozouln who scored after only three minutes. According to the Yellas own report, Milton will feel a little unfortunate not to have at least taken the game to a replay after the home side won with their only shot on target. A tricky Virginia Water tie awaits.
Burnham however will do it all again on Tuesday night after they were held to a 3-3 draw by Corsham Town at the 1878 Stadium. Burnham led 3-1 going into the final 15 minutes but when Javi Blasquez netted and Dylan Lewis scored an 84th minute penalty for the visitors.
Virginia Water started with a bang – beating Brimscombe & Thrupp 4-2 at Arbour Park thanks to goals from Jack Mills, Jamie Di Giuseppe and Turnell Sinclair (2).
A full list of all the weekend’s FA Cup results, plus scores from the Combined Counties League Division One opening day are here.
