All systems go for Reading

Reading Football League 4-1 Middlesex County League
FA Carlsberg National League System Cup
Preliminary Round
7.30pm, Wednesday, 15 April 2009
At The Warren, Yeading

The Reading Football League, with their new management team of Andy Abraham and Martin Law, recovered from the shock of going a goal down after just two minutes to record a win that takes them into the First Round of The FA National League System Cup.

Two goals in seven minutes by right-winger Russell Benham, who plays his club football for Frilsham & Yattendon, made it 3-1 and allowed the RFL to play a more relaxed passing game in the last half-hour.

The Middlesex County League were busy from the kick-off, pouring forward in numbers. A long throw from the right was flicked on at the near post for midfielder Chris Theodore to rush in and place a downward header wide of the 'keeper, the ball brushing the inside of the right-hand post before crossing the line. The RFL made little headway in attack in the first ten minutes but a free-kick that thudded against the bar gave them confidence.

RFL left-back Diak John showed expertise with his dead-ball kicks throughout the first half and his corner from the right on 17 minutes, curled in with his left foot, ended up in the net despite the best efforts of 'keeper Nicky Mitchell and two leaping defenders on the line. It was 1-1 at the break, with the RFL generally attacking with more venom than their opponents.

Benham, who had been relatively quiet in that first period, made a huge impact with goals on 52 and 59 minutes that effectively put the tie out of the MCL's reach. On both occasions he kept his cool on the edge of the box before drilling low shots into the corner that gave Mitchell little chance. Then Ashley Baynham fired in a couple of shots as they continued to hold the upper hand.

Carl Davies of Woodley Town, a late substitute, made some good runs from deep and sealed the win with a fourth goal on 81 minutes. The ball was played over an advancing defence, leaving Davies and two team-mates in the clear, and the No.15 lashed it high into the net. The Preliminary Round has now been completed, the RFL having achieved the second best home win of all the ties.

Attendance: 30