Windsor & Eton progress in cup after beating Reading YMCA on penalty kicks

Fifi Carter. Photo: Richard Milam

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Windsor & Eton progressed to the next round of the Berks & Bucks Charles Twelftree Cup on Saturday, but they needed penalty kicks to see off hosts Reading YMCA at the 'Cauldron' ground.

Matty Angell's side are unbeaten in all competitions this season, and they maintained that record after a 5-4 shoot-out win in Padworth, however, they were given a good test by their hosts.

After recent postponements, Windsor looked a little sluggish in the opening half, and they fell behind when Troy Baker was adjudged to have handled in the area and Pele Hagger converted a 21st minute penalty.

Reading YMCA held that lead until the 52nd minute when James Clark levelled the scores, and it seemed normal service had been resumed when Fifi Carter tucked home Jemel Johnson's cross after 77 minutes. However, YMCA refused to roll over and they took the game to a shoot-out when Tom Simon made it 2-2 in the 84th minute.

Windsor held their nerve in the shootout, with Clark, Jude Van Spall, Oliwier Bach, Carter and Connor Allison scoring from the spot and George Armstrong making a crucial save to send Angell's side through. He was later named man-of-the-match by supporters.

Having been stretched by YMCA in the cup, they'll likely be tested once again in the league when the sides meet at the Cauldron this Saturday with points at stake. Windsor are the only side yet to taste defeat in the Thames Valley Premier Division this season, but they remain a point adrift of leaders Westwood Wanderers, who have played a game more.

Windsor & Eton also announced this week they're planning on launching a women's senior team from the start of next season. The club is looking to recruit a management team, players and volunteers to ensure the new side hits the ground running.

For more information email comms@wefc.co.uk