Away from home once again, and our young Cityzens travel to RG31 to visit near neighbours Westwood, in a bid for all the points. Last time out, our Under 23s suffered a 3-0 defeat to Henley Town at the Atrium, whilst the opposition enter this tie following a short absence from the league due to their involvement within the Charles Twelftree County Cup. However, their last Thames Valley Premier League clash ended one apiece, aptly against Henley Town.

The two sides were set to have played respective fixtures last Saturday, however both were called off due to bad weather conditions.

ABOUT THE OPPOSITION

Westwood Wanderers were established in 1972, first participating in Division Two Kennet of the Reading League during the 1993-94 campaign as ‘Westwood United’, in which they emerged as runners up. This subsequently brought about their promotion to Division One, and inevitably promotion to the Senior Division in 1997/98.

They were also runners-up in the league during the 1999/00 season, and were crowned champions of the Reading League in the 2007/08 season. Across the next few years, Westwood would see a three point deduction and a missed attempt to place as runners-up due to goal difference. In 2013, they were relegated to the Premier Division, but finished as runners-up again the following year.

The “Reading League” was soon renamed the “Thames Valley Premier League” in 2014. Back-to-back victories as Division One league champions in 14/15, 15/16 and 16/17 saw them travel up the ranks and Westwood were promoted back into the Premier Division.

In 2019, ‘Westwood United’ became known as Westwood Wanderers, and have since spent four active seasons in the Premier Division under this name, finishing tenth, fourth, sixth and first respectively.

Currently, with six wins in nine, and a total of 19 points, the Wanderers sit in fourth position.

HEAD-TO-HEAD

In our most recent ties, Westwood has finished on top, winning the last five in five. Our most recent meeting against ‘The Wood’ took place on Opening Day of this season, with the visitors clinching the victory after a penalty was slotted home by Sid Gbla in the 65th minute.

LAST FIVE MEETINGS

1-0 Home Loss – 04/09/2024

6-0 Home Loss – 10/02/2024

7-0 Away Loss – 21/10/2023

1-0 Away Loss – 22/04/2023

4-2 Home Loss – 01/04/2023

ADDRESS: Denefield School, Long Ln, Tilehurst, Reading, RG31 6XY

KEY INFORMATION: There are no admission fees for this match – 2pm Kick-Off

GETTING HERE

By Car: Take Tilehurst Rd and The Meadway to St Michael’s Rd

Head south on A329

Take the exit towards Newbury/A4/Oxford/Hexagon

At the roundabout, take the 3rd exit onto Castle St/A4155

Turn right onto Russell St

Russell St turns slightly left and becomes Tilehurst Rd

At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit and stay on Tilehurst Rd

Continue onto The Meadway

At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto St Michael’s Rd

Drive along Westwood Rd, Dark Ln and Long Ln

At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto School Rd

At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto Westwood Rd

Turn left onto Pierces Hill

Turn right onto Overdown Rd

At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto Dark Ln

At the roundabout, take the 3rd exit onto Long Ln

Turn left – the destination will be on the left.

By Bus: The nearest bus stop to Denefield School is stationed outside of the building. Take the ‘Reading Buses’ service ‘Sky Blue 16’, which runs regularly every twenty minutes, towards Purley, starting at Friar Street. Disembark when you reach ‘Denefield School’ and this weekend’s ground will be a short walk away.