Berkshire went into the FA Cup First Qualifying Round with eyes on five sides, but only Hungerford Town were able to put their name in the hat for the Second Qualifying Round.
Jacob Bancroft scored after less than a minute for the Crusaders at home to Yate Town and that was how it stayed as Danny Robinson’s side booked an away day to Southern League Premier Division South rivals Winchester City.
Indeed, it possibly should have been more comfortable than it was, Zidan Akers having a number of efforts through the game and Hungerford had a second goal disallowed with 80 minutes on the clock following a foul.
Bracknell Town and Binfield meanwhile both tumbled out of the FA Cup. The Robins had been expected to safely negotiate Step 4 South Park at Bottom Meadow but only goalkeeper Michael Eacott emerged with any credit as Bracknell exited 1-0.
Binfield meanwhile had taken a 1-0 lead at Lordswood through Mitch Parker, however the Step 5 side had other ideas and rallied after the break, winning 3-1.
Manager Ross Weatherstone called for his players to ‘step up’ following the disappointing defeat.
The teams with the toughest assignments – Wallingford & Crowmarsh and Virginia Water – saw their FA Cup campaigns ended.
Both sides were playing against teams two divisions higher and Virginia Water certainly had their moments at Isthmian League Premier Division Horsham – however two goals either side of half-time but paid to any hopes of a shock.
Hopefully now though Matthew Jones can enjoy his honeymoon.
Wallingford & Crowmarsh meanwhile were at Havant & Waterlooville, putting in a brave performance with it taking 70 minutes for the home side to break the deadlock against the Combinec Counties League Premier Division visitors.
2024/25 FA Cup Second Qualifying Round draw for Berkshire
- Chichester City vs Slough Town
- Winchester City vs Hungerford Town
FA Cup Second Qualifying Round ties to be played on the weekend of Saturday 14th September 2024. A full list of round dates is here.
