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PICTURE: Old Windsor Reserves got the new season in Division One of the East Berkshire League under way with a 3-2 home win against Reading Tigers on Saturday.
Old Windsor Reserves began their quest to land the East Berkshire League Division One title with a 3-2 win against new team Reading Tigers on Saturday.
The Os finished as runners-up last season and will face tough opposition to go one better with the likes of FC Baylis, Stoke Poges and the Tigers all bidding to finish in the promotion places.
The home side took the lead inside six minutes of the curtain-raiser at Old Windsor Recreation Ground with a scrambled finish by Will Cross at close range. Reading keeper Jakub Langowski thought he had done enough to keep the effort out but the whole ball was adjudged to have gone over the line.
The Tigers have ambition to win promotion in their debut season in the EBFL and equalised in the 13th minute. Windsor stopped John Fearnly saved a shot from the edge of the box but Jakub Szadkowski was in the right position for a close-range poachers finish.
Reading got their noses in front just before the break when Jakub Jarzebowski fired in with a brilliant 20-yard free kick leaving keeper Fearnly no chance.
Old Windsor levelled the scores just seven minutes into the second period as Mark Beale produced a fine turn on the edge of the box and finished low across Langowski.
The points were decided seven minutes from time with an unfortunate own goal from Tigers centre back Oskar Sieg. His skimming header was too high for Langowski with the ball nestling in the back of the net.
Stoke Poges suffered relegation from the Premier Division last season got their bid for a quick return off to the perfect start with a 2-1 win at AFC Reading, another new member to the EBFL this season. Both Sam Manton and Ewan Hammond found the back of the net in the first half for Poges.
PODCAST: Watch the first-ever episode of the EBFL Chat podcast as host, Rob Stevens, is joined by Britwell manager, John Brennan.
Imran Kassim was the star on show for Frontline Reserves in a 7-2 home victory against Berks Elite, a third new Reading-based team to join the League this season. There was a brace from Zayd Ait Fahim, and further goals from both Hamza Hanif and substitute Musab Hanif. The Berks Elite goals came from Nasser Southgate either side of half time.
Sandhurst Town got their new campaign under way with a narrow 3-2 win at home over FC Baylis thanks to goals from Jamie Barrett, Kyle Ollive and substitute Callum Williams.
Britwell began the defence of their Premier Division title with a 3-0 success at Frontline with Daniel Malloy hitting the net twice and substitute Connor Moore secure the three points.
VIDEO: Jakub Jarzebowski scores with a free-kick to give Reading Tigers a 2-1 lead in the 3-2 defeat at Old Windsor Reserves in Division One on Saturday.
The Charles Twelvetrees Trophy (County Cup) begins this Saturday with four EBFL teams competing in the first round (1.30pm KOs). Reading Tigers make the trip to Taplow United, AFC Reading host Burghfield, KS Gryf welcome Maidenhead Town, with Cressex at home to Elmhurst.
Both Southcote and Chalvey Sports Reserves begin their campaign in the Premier Division, away at Iver Heath and at home to Frontline respectively (2pm KOs).
The standout match in Division One sees Old Windsor Reserves host Sandhurst Town, both winners on the opening weekend, whilst Eton Wick are at home to Frontline Reserves and FC Baylis welcome Braywood Beavers (2pm KOs).
To enter the East Berkshire Football League ahead of the 2023/24 season, or for further information about the league, or an entry form for the upcoming season, please email the team at contactebfl@gmail.com
