For the second consecutive week the opposition were reduced to 10 men in the first half which quickly became 9 in the second half and United were set the task of breaking down stern resistance, chances were created but United had to settle for a solitary Liam Bushay goal minutes from full time. Whether it be 1-0 or 10-0 the outcome is still the same and United can be happy with a solid if unspectacular performance.

One major thing that came out of yesterday’s game, for me at least, was Manager Letts instructing his players to get off the referees back during several skirmishes yesterday, the players listened and importantly acted on this instruction, it would be good to see more of the same as there are several new referees on the scene and we should only ever want to encourage them to continue.

The match itself was somewhat clouded by perceived controversy as this round of 16 tie was actually a replay from the original fixture which Highmoor won 4-3 but the winners were guilty of fielding an unnamed substitute and were held to book by the league, a decision that was upheld on appeal by the Berks & Bucks FA.

This issue got me to thinking about my time being responsible for secretarial duties at the club, a position I held for around 30 years. 25 of those years was spent chasing paper trails on a Sunday morning always aware that one stroke of the pen could undo 90 minutes of effort the previous day, while scrutinising the opposition and ensuring United’s house was in order at the same time. I’m quite proud, or at least pleased with the fact that in my time United never experienced a points deduction or cup exit due to an error on my part but at the same time I intentionally mentioned 25 years as my final 5 years was so different as the FA Full time system was introduced and the Hellenic League became all electronic and everything became transparent, roll forward 10 years to today and everything is even more open to scrutiny, including photographs of registered players so much so that anyone can check yesterday’s team and if it doesn't match the team sheet handed in prior to the match then expect consequences, as indeed Highmoor suffered yesterday.

The Secretaries position is hugely integral to the success, or failure, of any club and while many will never notice the work that goes into fulfilling this position, the importance shouldn't be underestimated although a good secretary does his duties unnoticed, unless it all goes wrong.

Back to the football and United will now travel to Woodley United TVPL for the quarter final looking for revenge over the recent shock league defeat at the hands of the same which makes the Berks & Bucks FA Cup Final even more intriguing against Woodley United HL!

United also received a timely boost in the league yesterday as Reading YMCA dropped two points at Woodcote in a 2-2 draw, YMCA remain firm favourites for the title but their task just became a little harder. Cookham trounced basement club Hurst 7-0 while Mortimer overcame Taplow 3-0 as Woodley United TVPL edged it against Unity by 1-0.

Next week United entertain Wraysbury Village in what should be a good open encounter at Gossmore Lane in the TVPL.