Flackwell Heath advance in county cup after shoot-out win over Reading City

Jethro Odumosu. Photo: Glenn Alcock

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Flackwell Heath 2, Reading City 2

(Flackwell advance 3-2 on penalties)

Flackwell Heath were made to sweat on their progress in the Berks & Bucks Senior Cup last night (Tuesday) as Reading City took them to penalties at Wilks Park.

After a topsy-turvy 2-2 draw which saw Flackwell come from behind to lead early in the second half, Reading City managed to get themselves back on level terms and take the tie to spot-kicks.

A shoot-out is always a lottery, but Flackwell managed to hold their nerve on their own patch to advance to the quarterfinals after a 3-2 win.

The reward for their efforts is a trip to Beaconsfield Town in the final eight.

Flackwell have been going well in the league of late, winning their last five games while conceding just one goal to move level on points with leaders Rayners Lane. But Reading City went toe-to-toe with them on their own patch to take the tie to penalties.

The visitors took a first half lead through James Richardson and held onto that advantage until the 47th minute when Jethro Odumosu dragged the home side level.

Matthew Ayres turned the tie on its head with a second for Flackwell six minutes later, but their lead was short-lived, with Edward Lee levelling matters once again in the 55th minute.

There were no more goals, so the tie was decided by penalties and the Heathens just about held their nerve to move through to the quarterfinals.

So far, Flackwell have overcome Holmer Green, Slough Town and Reading City to reach the final eight in the competition.

Flackwell are back in league action this Saturday when they host Wembley at Wilks Park. It is the first of four league games at home for the title-chasers who are looking to overhaul Rayners Lane at the top of the Combined Counties Premier Division North.