On behalf of everyone at Milton United FC, I would like to extend a warm welcome to Reading City and their supporters. After the disappointment of last weekend’s cancellation against Wembley FC, the home games keep coming and todays will be our fourth league match in a row.
Today’s opposition currently sit eleventh in the league; however, this is due to having played more cup than league games so far this season. Impressive runs in both the FA Cup and Vase have come to an end, which will allow the ‘Cityzens’ to now concentrate on their league form. Impressive wins against Flackwell and Hilltop, have been matched by disappointing results against Bedfont and Wallingford & Crowmarsh, so I am sure our opponents will be looking to improve their league form and start climbing the table.
The last time todays teams ‘faced off’, was in last season’s FA Vase and for those of us that witnessed the game, when the team sheet was released naming Josh Grant between the sticks, we all feared for the worst. Joycey scored just after half-time, only for Reading to equalise in time added on and take the tie straight to penalties. When we found ourselves 3-1 down in the shootout, most of us thought we were on our way out of the cup and even the City lads were starting to celebrate! Step up the boy ‘Beano’ and after two amazing fingertip saves and a third with his legs, Milton ran out 4-3 winners and we had found ourselves a new keeper!
For the travelling supporters amongst us, ten days after today’s first encounter of the season we will travel to the Rivermoor Stadium to play each other again, but this time in the Combined Counties Premier League Cup.
The Miltonians last game coincided with paying our respects to ‘The Fallen’ on Armistice Day and I’d like to personally thank Tim for organising the bugler, who rang out the ‘Last Post’ prior to our top end of the table clash with Flackwell Heath.
It was the Heathens that came out of the blocks running and after only six minutes Milton found themselves 1-0 down. Eight minutes later the deficit was doubled and although I wasn’t there to witness the first two going in, the consensus was that both goals were avoidable. Regardless of a very heavy pitch, that only just passed its inspection earlier in the day, Milton controlled the ball well, however found it difficult to break down a solid Flackwell back four. Two nil down at half-time and possibly all to play for! The old cliché, “the next goal is important” didn’t go in our favour and another defensive error on the 51st minute saw us 3-0 down and pretty much game over. Milton continued to press, and fresh legs threatened the opponents back-line, but when you concede a penalty straight from your own corner, you know it’s not going to be your day. Joycey did manage to bag a consolation goal and maybe we did deserve a little more, however we must brush ourselves down and go again.
As I mentioned in my previous programme notes, remember we will now face Aylesbury United at home on the 28th of November, after they requested the fixture be reversed and played at The Heights.
This will only be our second home game under the lights so far this season, so put the word out and let’s make it a night to remember. The ‘Ducks’ continue to struggle this season and now sit third from bottom of the Southern League Div One Central, so a 4th tier scalp could be there for the taking!
As ever, a big thank you to all our Club and Team Sponsors, our Volunteers, and today’s supporters.
All the best and enjoy the game.

UP THE MILTONIANS

Gareth Woodward
Chairman Milton United FC