Many lean years have intervened despite reaching two semi finals of the Berks & Bucks Senior Trophy and Berks & Bucks Intermediate Cup respectively and four quarter final appearances within the last ten years.

For a club that has won just about every major honour at its level this simply isn't good enough although this elusive trophy is a tough nut to crack, United could and should have done better to replicate the 2-0 triumph over Steventon Sports at Wallingford back in 1980.

Yesterday’s performance provided hope and optimism and while there are still two major hurdles to clear United can be confident that they are not a team that others will wish to play.

The match itself was a hard but fairly fought contest. Chalvey unbeaten in all competitions up to yesterday provided formidable opposition but simply couldn't cope with United’s free running forward line, equally United’s defence held firm when under pressure.
I have nothing but admiration for the Slough based team who have moved successfully from the East Berks League to the Hellenic League and are clearly enjoying the transition. Such games are usually heated affairs but not yesterday, Chalvey came with the clear intention of playing their game with some ferocity but without stepping over the line as indeed credit can be given to United for reciprocating. I think it fair to say the visitors were well beaten on the day but they took it on the chin and deserve respect for their attitude both on and off the pitch as they embark on what I'm sure will ultimately be a successful season.

For United, Bushay, Sutherland and Nicol is a devastating combination going forward as was witnessed yesterday and this was supported by the central defensive pairing of Mckie and Hardie who hardly put a foot or head wrong. However much could have been said of the team’s performance which for me scored an 8.

So into the quarter final we go as the last flag bearer of the TVPL as Westwood fell 4-2 at Didcot Town, Reading YMCA losing 3-2 at home to Kintbury Rangers and Winnersh Rangers receiving a 5-1 thumping at local rivals Penn & Tyler’s Green. Other ties saw holders Risborough Rangers beat New Bradwell 3-1 while Great Horwood won on penalties against Aylesbury Dynamos. Remaining ties are to be played next Saturday.

While United and YMCA were playing in the county cup Newbury Town took full advantage with a crushing 6-1 win over Woodley United in the TVPL to consolidate third spot just 3 points behind leaders United with same games played.

Elsewhere Cookham got back on the winning track with a solid 5-1 win over Highmoor and Wraysbury picked up 3 points on the road at Hurst. Mortimer squeezed a 3-2 win over Berks County while Taplow were held at home 2-2 against Rotherfield United. Woodcote ran out 3-1 winners over Unity.

Next Saturday United embark on the road to the Madejski as they visit Highmoor Ibis TVPL. Having already dispatched the hosts twice United could be thinking this represents a clear path to the next round, not so, Highmoor have a vast resource they can call upon and United will need to produce a top performance if they are to advance in achieving a tenth appearance at the Madejski Stadium.

In the Reading Senior Cup United have been drawn at home to Hellenic League Finchampstead on a date yet to be determined.