Ascot looking to etch their names into Berks & Bucks Senior Cup history

Ascot United will be looking to etch their name into the history books on Saturday when they take on Reading FC's u23s Academy in the final of the Berks & Bucks Senior Cup.

Jamie Tompkins' (right) side have exceeded all expectations to reach the final at Slough Town’s Arbour Park but, having seen off League 1 side Wycombe Wanderers after a penalty shootout in the semifinal, they'll fancy their chances of lifting silverware against Noel Hunt’s u23s.

The game gets underway at 3pm on Saturday, with gates opening from 1.30pm.

This represents another David and Goliath clash for the Yellamen against a classy young Royals side who confidently swept aside MK Dons 4-0 in their semi-final.

A first half finish from Mamadi Camara was supplemented by the second half strikes of Kian Leavy,

Rashawn Scott, and Jahmari Clarke to send the Royals back to the final for the first time since 2019.

The Yellamen caused a huge upset in their semi-final, with captain Louis Bouwers scoring his side's decisive spot kick in front of a club record 1,267 attendance at the Racecourse Ground. Demand for tickets is once again expected to be high so supporters are strongly advised to book their tickets in advance online.

Ascot United were given a bye in their first round against Maidenhead United - due to COVID cases in the Magpies camp. They then dispatched Thatcham Town 3-0 in round two before producing a fine display to beat Didcot Town 3-1 away from home in the quarter finals.

Reading entered the competition at the quarter finals stage but needed penalty kicks to see off Chesham United after a 1-1 draw and then cruised past MK

Dons in their semi-final last month.

Whilst their squad comprises u23s players, they are still a professional outfit who compete in the Premier League Division 2 (South), and Ascot United will once again have to be on top of their game to stand a chance of causing an upset. Tompkins was on BBC Radio Berkshire talking about his side's chances this week and there is plenty of excitement building in the town ahead of what's being billed as the biggest game in Ascot United's history.