Our Under 23’s go into this clash off the back of a narrow defeat to Westwood Wanderers, whilst Reading YMCA arrive following a five-goal thriller, in which they lost out 3-2 to Maidenhead Town. Previously, YMCA claimed a 2-0 victory against Tadley Calleva Reserves, and an impressive win versus Newbury in a 4-3 tie.
ABOUT THE OPPOSITION
Reading YMCA was founded in 1896, and first featured in the Reading League Division Two, finishing as runners-up in 1997/98. As a result of this, they gained promotion to the next tier, known as the Reading League Division One Thames. The 99/00 season saw the side become champions, subsequently promoting them up to the Premier Division.
Three years later, Reading YMCA were promoted to the Senior Division on goal difference. Over the next few seasons, they reached multiple top-half finishes, including fourth, third and second. They claimed the league title in 2009/10 and 2012/13, as well as claiming a runner-up spot in 2013/14, and narrowly missing out on the title in 2014/15 due to a points deduction.
Following a name change to the league, the “Reading League” became known as the Thames Valley Premier League. YMCA won the title once again in 2015/16, and defended this for 3 successive seasons until the 2018/19 campaign. A resignation mid-season saw the side re-join the level in Division One the next year, however they quickly reinstated themselves, gaining 57 points for promotion into the top tier.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
Their start of the campaign means Reading YMCA arrive off the back of a 2-0 victory over Tadley Calleva Reserves, and a thrilling 4-3 victory over Newbury on Opening Day. Additionally, their most recent tie ended in a 3-2 loss at their home ground against Maidenhead Town.
Currently, they sit in fifth place with six points from three fixtures so far.
LAST FIVE MEETINGS
3-2 Home Win – 16/12/2023
2-0 Away Win – 28/08/2023
1-0 Home Loss – 11/02/2023
1-0 Away Loss – 29/10/2022
2-1 Away Win – 30/04/2022
ADDRESS: The Atrium Health Club, Scours Ln, Tilehurst, Reading, RG30 6AY
KEY INFORMATION
There are no admission fees for this match.
GETTING HERE
By Car: Take the A4074 towards Reading.
Follow the Oxford Rd/A329 before turning right on to Scours Lane. Reading City Football Club will be signposted.
Once you’ve turned on to Scours Lane, continue straight on under the railway bridge and then take a right and keep going until you pass the Rivermoor. The Atrium will be signposted ahead, and the pitch will be opposite the car park.
Parking: Parking is available on site here at The Atrium at no extra cost on a first come first served basis.
Bus: The nearest bus stop to the ground is Norcot Junction and is served by the 16 and 17 Reading Bus service which travel between Central Reading and Tilehurst every 10 minutes. More details on the bus route/s here.
