Berks & Bucks Senior Cup 4th Round

Beaconsfield Town vs. Thatcham Town

Ram of the match: Akiel Raffie

A Beaconsfield team full of young stars ran out 3-2 winners against Thatcham Town in the Berks and Bucks cup.

The opening 15 minutes was an even affair, with both teams cancelling each other out and neither team creating much in the way of scoring opportunities. Beaconsfield broke the deadlock in the 19th minute through new signing Cheyce Grant, after a great clipped pass from Eli Grant found Manu Oke – William who went round the Thatcham goalkeeper before squaring the ball for the new man to tap home.

It wasn’t long before the visitors found a way back into the game, as a quick move ended with Thatcham’s Harvey Flippance chesting home to square the game in the 31^st minute. Beaconsfield immediately came back when Akiel Raffie put Oke – William through for him to smash the ball home to restore Beaconsfield's lead. Beaconsfield keeper Tommy Dymott made a fine save to keep the hosts lead intact just before the game entered half time.

The second half gave Thatcham plenty of opportunities, penning Beaconsfield back on the edge of their penalty box several times. The visitors found a way back in the 75^th minute when they again levelled the game after a great cross was headed home by Mo Ceesay.

Beaconsfield appeared to be preparing for a penalty shootout as the game entered added time. Late pressure paid off however when Eli Grant showed great feet to get past defenders and play in Oke – William who made no mistake from close range smashing the ball into the back of the net to give Beaconsfield a late winner, and a place in the next round of the cup.

It will be a proud moment for Beaconsfield seeing off fellow step 4 opposition with a team that included 4 under 19’s, 1 under 18 and 2 under 17’s.

Beaconsfield return to league action on Saturday with a tough test at Holloways Park when they face Real Bedford.

 

By Arran White