Town beated but reinstated as Highmoor kicked out!!

For the third time in four seasons Town fell at home in the quarter finals of the BBFA Intermediate Cup. This time it was to old rivals from the Reading Senior Division who equalised through Shane Small - King in stoppage time to take the game into an extra thirty minutes play.

The match started in end to end fashion with both sides being positive in their desire for the opening goal with Small - King delivering a dangerous cross that was cleared to be followed by Dan Jewell firing into the Highmoor Ibis side netting and Jamie Fairchild being flagged off side from a defence splitting pass by Nick Edwards.

Town were first with the break through when Jewell broke down the right flank before firing in a low cross close to the goal line that ex – Town player Ashley Isaacs could only steer into his own net.

With the lead, Town’s superior passing and movement saw they enjoy the rest of the half but they were guilty of over-elaborating in the Highmoor penalty area when a first time shot may have been the better option. Paul Holloway shot at Chris Elton while Jamie Connor hit the cross bar while Highmoor’s best chance fell to Aaron Baker only for the ball to get caught under his feet allowing Edwards to clear.

The second half started as the first with end to end play that saw Elton tip over the bar Richard Thomas’ shot while Baker shot wide with only Craig Beales to beat. Barry Elmore was tackled by Thomas when well placed to shot while Danny Isaiew saw claims for a penalty turn away after tangling with Adam Theophandies.

As the half passed Highmoor started to get control of midfield with Town attacking on the counter attack as both teams sensed a second goal would be important to the game’s outcome. Warren Baxter deflected Ian Griffins’ shot wide, Baker hit the inside of the Town upright to see the ball clear to safety while Eaton parried Isaiew’s shot that Sam Cripps put wide.

With the game in stoppage time Highmoor attacked once more with the ball falling to the unmarked Small – King to steer home but Town still had one more chance to win when a quick kick off caught many Highmoor players out of position only for a desperate clearance to keep the scores level at full time.

Beales’ was the busier of the two keepers in the first period of extra time that saw Jamal Forde – Small score off the post from Small – King’s pass five minutes after the restart, while Elton preserved Highmoor’s led in the second period that include a fine tip over from a Edwards’ header.

As Town pushed for the equaliser, it was Highmoor’s turn to play on the counter attack and with five minutes remaining they broke and a low pass was deflected by Thomas pass the helpless Beales to see Highmoor progress into the semi finals where they will visit North Berks League members Didcot Casuals.

Beales, Jewell (Cripps), Thomas, Edwards, Nightingale, Baxter, Jeffrey (Cooke - Chowdhary), Holloway, Fairchild, Isaiew, Connor (Varndell), Sub not used: Hiscock

Attendance: 59