WOODLEY United reached the final of the Berks & Bucks Intermediate Cup following a 4-2 penalty shoot-out victory at Risborough Rangers, the two sides locked together at 0-0 after 90 minutes.

The visitors played uphill in the first half and were soon on the back foot with Risborough’s leading scorer Lamar Mason-Williams hitting the side netting and post in the opening five minutes.

United recovered with Josh Drew enjoying space on the right wing, but the visitors were unable to put any pressure on home keeper Lee Parrick.

Mason-Williams again hit the side netting on 14 minutes and the scene for the first half was then set with United enjoying possession with little threat, while the hosts were dangerous when going forward and the more likely to score, but without testing Woodley’s Alex Reed.

With the match entering the last minute of the first half, Luke Turner demonstrated United’s desire not to be beaten when his stretch on the goal-line enabled him to clear Kevin Mealor’s goal-bound shot.

The second half was a more even affair and while both teams were able to get crosses into their opponent’s penalty area these were either put wide by a fellow team member or cleared by the defence, which in Woodley’s case saw centre-backs Idris Kamara and Joe Barley enjoying very good games. Substitute Carl Prestidge brought greater urgency to Woodley’s play but still they were unable to trouble Parrick.

Risborough left-back Justin Gordon scored the opening spot-kick in the shoot-out before Greg Beckett levelled for United.

Reed saved both Stephen Garbutt’s and Chris Davies’ kicks with Kamara and Drew scoring to put Woodley 3-1 up.

Gary Rymer scored with Rangers' fourth kick, but it was fitting after such a fine game that Barley held his nerve to knock the current cup holders out.

United also progressed in the Hellenic League Floodlit Cup after goals from Charlie Oakley and Jake Nicholls helped them stun Royal Wootton Bassett 2-1 to reach the third round last Wednesday.

In the league, a second-half Jake Nicholls strike earned Michael Herbert’s side a 1-1 draw against fellow Division One East promotion hopefuls Headington Amateurs on Monday.

Woodley travel to Wokingham & Emmbrook for a Reading Senior Cup derby on Saturday (2pm) before hosting Lydney Town in the Floodlit Cup on Tuesday (7.45pm).

  • HIGHMOOR Ibis were held to a 0-0 draw at Premier Division basement boys Henley Town on Saturday.

Marcus Richardson’s men host title-chasing Thame United on Saturday (3pm).

  • AFC Aldermaston travel to Chinnor in Division One East on Saturday (3pm).