As kick off approached there was a feeling of excitement as our youngsters were in the hunt for more silverware this season, but there was also a sense of sadness knowing that this would be the last time this group would run out on the hallowed turf here at the Rivermoor but as one door closes they’ll embark on new exciting adventures this summer.

City had a brilliant chance to take the lead with just three minutes on the clock, after a brilliant cross from Taplin switched the ball to Norton, who unleashes a strike from distance, but his shot was dragged just wide.

With seven minutes played, City were knocking on the door again as top goalscorer Lucas Taplin tried to poke the ball past the ‘keeper, but the Risborough shot-stopper tracked back and stopped him in the six yard box.

With nine minutes gone, A long throw for Risborough was sent into the box but Louis Eade headed the ball out and away. A counter attack followed with Eade attempting a strike, but the Risborough ‘keeper comfortably pushed it out.

With eleven minutes played and against the run of play, Risborough took the lead with an effort from near distance on the break.

With quarter of an hour played, City were looking for a way back into the game and both sides had a shot on target, which ironically were both flagged for offside.

With the half hour mark approaching and the scores still locked at 0-0, Lucas Taplin headed a close effort over the crossbar as the forward, Louis Eade and Joe Corker built an attack.

City then had another chance for a near equaliser as a shot went agonisingly close, only to bounce off of the crossbar and out to be caught by the visiting keeper.

With thirty three minutes on the clock, Risborough extended their lead to two goals, after a low effort skimming the ground found its way past Leo Wilkinson.

With seven minutes to the break, City found the back of the net but any celebrations were shortly subdued as the linesman had his flag raised.

On the cusp of half time, Adam Goodwin had a shot from just inside the box but the visiting keeper sprinted off his line to claim. A follow-up attempt was kicked up and out wide by a Risborough defender, and a City set piece was cleared.

In added time at the end of the half-time following an earlier break where Lucas Taplin required treatment, Will Norton had a chance to half the deficit but his effort was well defended and cleared.

The referee then called time on the first half and Johno’s side would go in at the breaks scratching their heads as to how they were trailing.

HALF TIME: Reading City 0 v Risborough Rangers 2

The referee got us back underway for a big forty five minutes and City had opted to introduce a fresh pair of legs with Charlie Gmiterek entering in place of Will Norton.

City started the second half brightly and with forty seven minutes on the clock, there was a brilliant effort from Frankie Fulbrook, but with his short-ranged shot taking a deflection it was out for a set piece. Skipper Jay Herbert then attempted a volley, but couldn’t quite make the connection and the attack was cleared.

With the hour mark approaching, there was once again a strong City effort, but it was palmed away by the visiting keeper.

City continued to apply the pressure and a header by Sam Waller in the area whistles just wide, that was followed by an effort from distance by Lucas Taplin which stung the palms of the opposing goalkeeper.

A powerful effort was sent down the middle from City, only to be claimed by the visiting shot-stopper. Down the other end, a low shot unleashed by Risborough dragged just wide of Wilkinson’s right post.

City then made a second swap, with Frankie Fulbrook exits in place of Reiss Baker.

With eighteen minutes on the clock, a third change for City saw Finley Meikle exit for Charlie Johnson.

With ten minutes remaining, a double change for City saw Lucas Taplin and Joe Corker exit the fray for Harlen Lewis and Archie Friday.

With eighty one minutes played, Charlie Johnson with the support of Reiss Baker made an instant impact by halving the deficit with a free-kick, which was a  sublime effort from eighteen yards out.

With the clock counting down,  City were desperately searching for that well-deserved equaliser and Sam Waller almost brought it level through a keeper slip-up, but the Risborough shot-stopper unfortunately recovered at the back post.

With eighty-nine minutes on the clock, there was a break in play as a Risborough Rangers player went to ground and was forced to exit the pitch for injury reasons, we wish them a speedy recovery. This gave City the chance to gather their thoughts in the final minutes of the game.

With the game back underway and now in added time, A quality cross from Adam Goodwin on the right just missed Sam Waller, but Louis Eade picked up the loose ball and took a touch but his effort sadly didn’t amount to a strike.

In the fourth minute of added time, Louis Eade found an equaliser and the City faithful took the roof off after the youngsters volley at the near post after some brilliant build-up, a real team goal!

The referee called time on proceedings and with City having rescued the game at the death, a penalty shootout ensued to decide who would progress.

Risborough were up first and slotted their first attempt home.

Archie Simpson was up first for City and sent it down the middle.

Risborough then made it two from two.

Harlen Lewis was up next for City and also made it two from two.

Risborough converted their third penalty, knocking it in off of the left post.

Charlie Johnson was up for City and calmly kept us level.

Risborough poked their fourth penalty home.

Skipper, Jay Herbert comfortably made it four.

With City piling on the pressure, Risborough saw their fifth effort fly over the bar.

Adam Goodwin stepped up for City, but his low-effort was saved.

Wilkinson was able to deny Risborough by palming away their sixth penalty.

Reiss Baker was up next and unfortunately his effort clattered off the corner of the crossbar.

Risborough converted their seventh penalty.

Charlie Gmiterek was up next for City and his penalty was sadly saved and Risborough progress to the Final of the Allied Counties Youth Football League Subsidiary Cup Final.

We’d like to wish them all the very best for the remainder of their cup campaign.

FULL TIME: Reading City 2 v Risborough Rangers 2 (4-5 After Penalties)

It wasn’t the result we were hoping for but what a game our youngsters treated us to for the final time in West Reading.

Our youngsters aren’t done yet as they head to Camberley Town on Thursday evening in the Semi-Final of the Allied Counties Youth Football League Champions Cup having been crowned Champions of the Central Division.

Your support in Surrey would be much appreciated, please keep an eye on our social media and website for our official match preview.