Fireworks in the first round of the Ascot & Fielden Charity Cup

Nick Parfitt

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THE Ascot & Fielden Charity Cup is celebrating its 100th anniversary year and there has been fireworks as early as the first round this season.

The competition got under way with three first round ties on Saturday and Southcote provided one of the shocks of the season when beating Iver Heath 2-0.

A Nick Parfitt brace was enough for the hosts to defeat Premier Division opponents and manager, Paul Reddington, believes his side’s superior fitness was key to the success.

He said: “We were really looking forward to this match. Drawn against a Premier Division side, we knew it would be a good test for our young squad. It proved to be a tough match against a strong and physical Iver Heath side on a really heavy pitch.

“On the balance of the game, we deserved to win with a penalty in the first half and a sweet free-kick in the second.

“The lads worked really hard and were over-joyed. Our superior fitness was key to the win.”

Southcote are new members to the East Berkshire Football League this season having previously competed in the East Berkshire Football Alliance (youth leagues) but are already target promotion from Division One, currently eight points behind the top two but with games in hand.

Reddington commented: “As this is our first season in men’s football, we really didn’t know what to expect. We have taken each game as it comes and we’ve had some good results and some poor results, this being the inconsistencies of youth.

“We’re thoroughly enjoying our first season and love how the League is being run. We look forward to continuing our football journey in the East Berkshire League.

“Hopefully we can push on and finish high enough up the League to gain promotion to the Premier Division, if not this season then hopefully next season.”

Southcote return to League action this Saturday with a visit from Eton Wick (2pm).

Frontline also caused an upset in the Ascot & Fielden Cup last weekend when thrashing Chalvey Sports Development from the Hellenic League whilst KS Gryf had little trouble in sweeping aside lower level Baylis United 8-0.

The competition continues on Saturday 29 January with two further first round ties as Old Windsor entertain Sandhurst Town and Singh Sabha travel to Cressex.