The Sheers ended their season at the quarter final stage of the competition to Reading
City from the North Division of the Combined Counties League in the sunshine on a
difficult pitch at the Rivermoor Stadium.
Reading almost took the lead on 12 minutes after a free kick was chipped into the
Sheers box that produced a double save from the Sheers keeper Roberto Silva.
Sheers had a good chance on 17 minutes with George Sellick breaking into the
Reading area after he delayed in shooting but still his shot deflected off a defender
and was cleared off the line by a defender. On 23 minutes Reading’s in swinging
corner needed to be punched clear after being put under pressure. On 27 minutes the
Sheers were denied a goal from George Sellick’s corner to the far side was met by
Tom Gardner who’s headed goal wards and was convinced the ball crossed the line
before a defender cleared the ball away. On 35 minutes Reading missed a good
chance with Stefen Brown hitting the ball over the Sheers target. Joel valentine had
his on target volley blocked by the Sheers defender on 43 minutes. Reading received
yet another soft free kick that Valentin delivered to Sam Tanner who headed over the
Sheers bar. The half ended with Sheers Harvey Valter getting an elbow in the face
that sparked fury in the Sheers side with no action taken by referee Steve Saunders.
Reading were prevented an opening goal in the first minute of the half with George
Mackie’s quick action to block the strikers certain goal attempt. Sheers make an early
substitution with Matt Bryant being replaced by Dan Boyden. On 55 minutes Harvey
Valter shimmied past the Reading defence to shoot past the far post. The Sheers take
the lead on 64 minutes with a sweeping move with Dan Boyden & Harvey Valter
combining to set up George Sellick who rifles the ball into the top of the Reading
goal. Yet another soft free kick given to Reading City produces a great strike from
Joel Valentin to equalise on 66 minutes finding the far roof of the Sheers goal. On 68
minutes Reading make it 2-1 with a headed goal from a corner A succession of 3
yellow cards were given to Sheers players in the next 10 minutes. Sheers had a chance
from a corner with Razza Ajibola not directing his header on target. Sheers make
another substitution 70 minutes with Ethan Leeks replacing Kareem Foster. On 74
minutes Sheers Dan Boyden long cross field pass to George Sellick who then shot
past the wrong side of the Reading post. On 75 the unfortunate Ethan Leeks turned his
ankle on the bone hard pitch and was substituted by George Walker. Sheers have a
chance after a long ball was not dealt with by the Reading centre half that Harvey
Valter is in a race with the Reading keeper who can only knocks the ball away to Dan
Boyden who is 40 yards away and with the keeper stranded in no mans land takes a
punt that sails over the Reading bar. Sheers push forward in the hunt for an equaliser
on 86 minutes they get a free kick that is delivered straight into the Sheers George
Walker who is free in space but hits his shot well over the Reading bar. Sheers
continued to press but could not get the equaliser needed for a penalty shoot out.