Title chasers Windsor & Eton forced to share the spoils with derby rivals Windsor

Windsor hosted Windsor & Eton at a foggy Holloways Park on Friday evening. Photo credit: Richard Milam

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Windsor 1, Windsor & Eton 1

Both sides could justifiably claim they should have come away from this clash with all three points, however, Friday evening's derby clash between Windsor and Windsor & Eton at Holloways Park ended in a 1-1 draw.

There is no love lost between these two sides, with Windsor & Eton having taken over as the new long-term leaseholders for Stag Meadow a couple of seasons ago.

That was the move which led to the Royalists being established and it's been an unobstructed path of progress ever since. However, that move also led to Windsor becoming tenants of Beaconsfield Town FC at Holloways Park - and as part of that agreement they often have access to players on the fringes of Beaconsfield's first team.

This was the case for the visit of Matty Angell's title-chasers on Friday evening but, as Windsor director Kevin Stott noted in his post-match report - 'all is fair in love and draws'.

There was also a little consternation among Windsor & Eton fans at Windsor's decision to raise admission prices on the gate from £5 for adults and £3 for concessions to £6 and £4, however, in the end, a very decent crowd of 283 showed up for the clash, which was shrouded in mist and fog throughout.

Earlier in the season, Windsor & Eton had edged their rivals 1-0 thanks to a goal late in the first half from Pawel Kowalkowski, and although he was back on the scoresheet on Friday evening, it wasn't enough to secure victory this time.

Troy Williams fired the home side ahead after only five minutes, with Kowalkowski levelling matters in the 55th minute, however, on this occasion the visitors weren't able to press on for a 19th victory of the season. It means they remain in third place, six points behind leaders Penn & Tylers Green, however, they do have four matches in hand on their main title rivals. They have seven matches in hand on second placed Westside who they trail by four points.

Here’s the goals from Friday night’s derby day draw at @windsorfc #BitFoggy pic.twitter.com/BhNYYgm9fi

— Windsor & Eton FC (@WindsorEtonFC) December 29, 2024

Windsor & Eton came into the clash as the division's form side, while Windsor have been much less consistent, with Stott calling them an 'on their day team'.

On this occasion, however, they produced a performance to dent their rivals title hopes.

Windsor started with four u17’s and five u19’s, however, Usman Lalustani also made his debut for the Jacks having signed for Beaconsfield from Ascot United.

The FA Vase winner put in a very credible first 45 minutes before being replaced by Ollie Saunders at half-time.

Windsor raced out of the traps with Avta Akhsiashvili beating his man for pace and whipping in a cross that Williams headed past Giordano Zabotti in the Windsor & Eton goal.

The Royalists were rocked but they settled more as the half wore on and were unfortunate not to level when Jatinder Liddar hit Cairo Richard’s lefthand post, just minutes before the break.

As expected, Windsor & Eton set about their hosts with renewed vigour in the second half and they equalised in the 55th minute when Kowalkowski volleyed a cross into the net through a crowded six-yard box.

The visitors might have expected to go on and win the match however, the hosts weathered the storm and very nearly nicked it at the end when the ball bounced invitingly in front of Austen Edwards whose goal bound effort hit Giordano Zabotti’s shin before bouncing to safety.

Afterwards, Stott said: “Both sides could legitimately argue that they should have taken all three points, but in an intriguing encounter that kept you guessing the outcome until the very end, a draw was probably the fairest outcome.

“Windsor & Eton, not used to dropping points, might also bemoan Windsor’s access to Beaconsfield Town players, but that would be harsh on this young Windsor side, none of which has so far broken into the Beaconsfield team on a regular basis.”

Windsor & Eton return to action at home to Oxhey Jets on Saturday, one of only two sides to have beaten them in the league this season. After losing to the Jets in early August, Angell’s side went on an incredible 19 game winning run in all competitions.

Sixteenth placed Windsor visit PFC Victoria London on Saturday.