On a chilly Autumn Saturday with a great atmosphere building thanks to our regular fans and international visitors from Norway it was set to be an exciting game here at the Rivermoor as we faced Berks County in a competitive fixture for the very first time.

Our visitors were equally excited and from the kick off it was evident they were well up for this Berkshire Derby with their combative style of play. The visitors very nearly took the lead in the opening ten minutes after a great cross from former Cityzen James Richardson into the box found one of his new team mates who headed it goalwards. Only for it to be ruled offside.

City’s first real chance came with nineteen minutes on the clock with a very well worked move starting with Bobbi Emery threading a sensational ball for Rob Gerrard to run onto in the box, who then slides the ball across for Ewan Lynch to take a shot, only to see his effort stopped.

As we approached the half hour mark, the Cityzens had another superb chance to take the lead as Josh Baines whipped an enticing corner kick to the back post where it was met by Ellis Cowd, who sees his knockdown cleared away from danger.

With thirty seven minutes on the clock there was a huge let off for City, following Liam Baker dispossessing former team mate James Richardson with one of the cleanest, yet hardest slide tackles you’ll ever see. City were unable to capitalise and couldn’t keep possession and with Charlie York rounded, County’s George Gould saw his effort hit the post.

It was disaster for our visitors deep in to added time at the end of the first half as Berks County’s Will Frank was sent off, having been shown a second yellow meaning his team would be down to ten for the next 45 minutes.

HALF TIME: Reading City 0 v Berks County 0 

Despite numerous chances for both sides in the first 45 minutes, they went in level at the break meaning this Berkshire Derby was still very much all to play for.

Despite being ten men down, Berks County hit the ground running in the second half and Sam Day scored the opening goal soon after the half kicked off.

Soon after our visitors scored the goal, they made their first change which saw Ebenezer Opoku-Ware replace former Cityzen James Richardson.

City found their way back into the game with fifty minutes on the clock after City youngster Bobbi Emery popped up with a header.

Simon Johnson made his first change of the afternoon with fifty five minutes on the clock as Archie Denton replaced Ellis Cowd. Ten minutes later our second substition was made as Lucas Wynn was introduced in place of Liam Baker.

It wasn’t long until Lucas was trying to Wynn us the game and moments after coming on had our second goal of the afternoon which gave us the lead.

As the game was coming to a close, Simon Johnson again called on his bench and introduced Dan Smith in place of Eddie Lazarczuk with ten minutes on the clock.

Shortly after that substition City were once again on the attack and a perfectly placed pass from Ewan Lynch found Josh Baines who made no mistake of firing it home to make the score 3-1.

Shortly after the goal Simon Johnson introduced two fresh pairs of legs in a double substition as City youngster Harlen Lewis was introduced in place of Josh Baines and Charlie Davies was introduced in place of Bobbi Emery.

FULL TIME: Reading City 3 v Berks County 1

This first ever competitive Berkshire Derby between the two sides sees City take the bragging rights in what is an important win at home and the celebrations that ensued highlight that.

We return to action on Tuesday evening when we host Risborough Rangers here at the Rivermoor.