Sheldon Baptiste’s side are in league action this Saturday, entering the tie off the back of a positive yet unfortunate 5-0 defeat to Burghfield. On the other hand, Woodcote will be hoping to return to form following a 1-0 loss away from home against YMCA last weekend down at the Cauldron.
ABOUT THE OPPOSITION: With reference to FCHD.info
Woodcote FC was initially formed 100 years ago, and following reformation after the Second World War, they have been in existence ever since.
Following the 1990/91 season, Woodcote gained promotion into Division One of the North Berks League, after finishing in runner-up position, with sixteen wins in twenty-four matches. They officially moved to Division Two of the Reading League Thames following around eight years in the North Berks League, but were soon promoted up to Division One Kennet after the 1999/00 campaign.
A year later, in 2001, Woodcote merged with Stoke Row, forming ‘Woodcote and Stoke Row’, which lasted for twenty years, before the name was ultimately reverted back to Woodcote FC. Alongside this change, The ‘Cote joined the Hellenic League in Division Two. Over the next two seasons, they finished first and second in the table respectively, and remained in the Hellenic League until rejoining the North Berks League in 2023/24.
This season, Woodcote entered the Premier Division of the Thames Valley Premier League for the first time, and currently sit in sixth position in the table.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
This will be our second meeting this campaign with Woodcote FC, with the reverse fixture held on Opening Day, in which Woodcote left the Rivermoor with three points after a comprehensive 5-0 victory.
Our other meetings with Woodcote were played in 2020/21, however the matches were subsequently voided due to the pandemic.
LAST THREE MEETINGS
28/08/24 – RCFC 0-5 Woodcote
02/03/19 – RCFC 1-5 Woodcote Stoke Row
08/12/18 – Woodcote Stoke Row 4-1 RCFC
ADDRESS: Woodcote Recreation Ground, Reading Road, Woodcote, Reading, Oxfordshire, RG8 0QY
KEY INFORMATION: There are no admission fees for this match – 2pm Kick-Off
GETTING HERE:
By Car: There are two main routes to reach Woodcote Recreation Ground, with one requiring payment at a toll bridge on Whitchurch Hill. The route below does not require usage of this, however please be aware it may be involved if you take an alternate route.
Head south on A329
Take the exit towards Newbury/A4/Oxford/Hexagon
At the roundabout, take the 4th exit onto the A329 slip road
Merge onto A329
At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto Caversham Rd/A4155
Turn left onto Church Rd/A4074
Continue to follow A4074
Turn left onto Reading Rd
Destination will be on the left
By Bus: Oxford Bus Services provide a direct route to Woodcote, with a minimal walking time. From Reading Station, opposite the MalMaison hotel, embark on the X40 River Rapids bus, which runs every half an hour. Disembark after a half-hour journey as it reaches the ‘War Memorial’ stop. The Woodcote Recreation Ground should be on the right.
