Simon Johnson’s Cityzens saw their unbeaten record come to an end on Tuesday night against Surrey based Virginia Water who beat us 2-5 at the Rivermoor Stadium, in Combined Counties Football League Premier Division North action.
With two Berkshire derbies in four days as we face Holyport on the road tomorrow and then again at home on Tuesday, Johnson’s side will be looking to bounce back.
ABOUT THE OPPOSITION
Holyport Football Club, founded on September 1, 1897, began its journey in the Maidenhead and District League, playing at Windsor Road, Bray. Over the years, the club advanced to various leagues, eventually moving to Summerleaze Park in 2004, marking a new era of growth. The ground saw continuous improvements, including fencing, floodlights, grandstands, and more, enabling the club to compete at higher levels like the FA Vase and FA Cup.
The 2010/11 season was particularly successful, with Holyport winning four cups, including the Hellenic Division 1 East title. The club’s development continued, with the addition of youth and junior teams, culminating in their 125th anniversary year in 2022, which featured significant successes, including historic FA Cup and Vase runs. In 2023/24, Holyport achieved their highest-ever league finish and points total at Step 5, although they lost in the playoffs.
Preparations for the 2024/25 season have seen new management and infrastructure improvements, like a new teabar. Coupled with the Spencer’s Farm Housing Development getting the greenlight, it promises to be an exciting future for the club.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
Despite Tuesday night’s defeat to Virginia Water here at the Rivermoor Stadium, which finished 2-5. Johnson’s Cityzens are still in very good form with only two defeats in twelve matches, across all competitions.
In comparison, Holyport have only recorded two victories in twelve matches. The most recent of which was last Saturday in which they narrowly beat North Greenford United 2-3 away from home. Unlike the Cityzens, Holyport weren’t in midweek action and will therefore be well rested coming into this game.
Our last outing to Summerleaze ended in a 2-0 defeat last season, Johnson will therefore be looking to come away with three points this weekend.
In our last five meetings against Holyport, we have secured two wins and suffered three defeats.
TICKETS
Prices are:
Adults: £8
Concessions: £5
Under 16s: FREE
Pay at the gate, cash and contactless payments accepted.
REDSQUID ARENA
Address: Redsquid Arena, Holyport Football Club, Summerleaze Road, Maidenhead,Berkshire, SL6 8SP
GETTING HERE
By Car: From Reading take the M4.
Continue eastbound on the M4 until you reach junctions 8 & 9.
Use the left 2 lanes to take the exit towards Holyport Interchange
In 0.2 miles continue straight onto Holyport Interchange
In 276 ft use any lane to turn slightly left onto A308(M) (signs for Maidenhead Central)
In 0.6 miles continue on A308 to your destination
In 1.0 miles at the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto Windsor Rd/A308
In 0.5 miles at the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Braywick Rd/A308
In 0.3 miles at the roundabout, take the 3rd exit onto Bad Godesberg Way/A4
In 0.3 miles at the roundabout at the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto Cookham Road/B4447
In 0.3 miles at the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Ray Mill Road West
In 0.3 miles turn left onto Blackamoor Lane
Continue along Blackamoor Lane until you see Summerleaze Road on your right, continue straight on.
Access to the ground is then via the electric gate (to the left as you turn in off the road), it will be signposted as ‘Private Road – Access to Cricket and Football Clubs Only.
Approach the electric gate, follow the track over a few speed bumps, over a bridge, past the cricket club and then you’ll find Holyport FC.
By Train: The nearest station to Redsquid Arena is Furze Platt. Furze Platt is not connected to the Great Western Mainline so from Reading you will need to take either Elizabeth Line or Great Western Railway Services towards London Paddington, before boarding please ensure the service calls at Maidenhead as this is where you will need to disembark.
Once at Maidenhead you will need to take the Marlow Branch Line to Furze Platt. This will be from Platform 5 and the journey should take 4 minutes.
Once you’ve left Furze Platt Station, Redsquid Arena is only a 12 minute walk away. Just head for SL6 7HH via google maps and you will then see the ground – you need to hop over the stile in the field, then follow the lane right for 50 yards.
By Bus: Alternatively from Furze Platt Railway Station you can board the 37a operated by Carsouel towards High Wycombe and disembark at Spencers Bridge, this journey has three stops and will last approximately one minute.
Once you’ve disembarked at Spencers Bridge, use SL6 7HH for Lutman Road and you’ll find the Redsquid Arena.
