For the First Team, the trip to Didcot Town Reserves in the Bluefin Sports Challenge Cup was always going to be tricky, especially given our patchy form going into the match. It was David Richardson's first match in charge and the players responded brilliantly. Goals from Dan Hoskin, Calum Pryce and Howard Hawkins gave us a 3-1 win and set up a tie with Paul Bedwell's Milton in the next round.

Our young Reserve side also gave a great showing against high flying Abingdon United. They trailed 5-1 at half time against a side that hadn't dropped any points at all in Hellenic League Division Two West. The second half fight back was remarkable and they came so close to rescuing a point in a match that ended 5-4 to Abingdon.

We asked David Richardson to reflect on his first weekend in charge:

"I was delighted with the performance at the weekend, being it was my first game in charge. I couldn't have asked for anymore with the team responding to everything Steve and I asked for. In the first half I felt we controlled the game and took our chances fantastically well; which is something in previous weeks the team hadn't been doing. I am hoping the lads can take a real confidence boost from the fact we created 6 or 7 decent chances and managed to bury 3 of them.

In the second half, we knew Didcot would come out fast and try to get back into the game. We defended really well as a team from front to back and the work rate was again great. there was certainly no shame in the goal we conceded as it was a great strike, but it is obviously disappointing not to keep a clean sheet. Overall though I am glad to be in the draw for the next round and the performance gives us a good base for next Saturday.

In terms of the draw for the next round and a meeting with Milton United, given the fact that Richie Claydon, Sean Webb and Adam Bruce have all played for Letcombe in recent years, it certainly adds an edge to the game. Added to that the fact that myself and their Manager Paul Bedwell, have known each other for a number of years having played together both at College and Letcombe gives the tie a personal feel and something I am really looking forward to.

This coming weekend we return to League action with North Leigh visiting Bassett Road. Given the result a few weeks ago, this is clearly going to be a test for the lads and will allow us to see if we have taken a step forward in a short space of time. The lads are focussed though and we will have a decent session at training on Tuesday and start to think about the coming Saturday.

I should mention the reserves this weekend, their fight back against Abingdon United Reserves certainly shows how much spirit and quality we have in what is a very young squad, with a number of them pushing for a first team selection."

We'll be hearing from David Richardson on a regular basis here on the official website.