FA Cup memories are made of the ‘good stuff’ for Keith Moulden from Purley, who has a unique collection of memorabilia that dates back to the club’s previous semi-final appearance in the competition in 1927.

Postman Keith’s pride and joy is a replica of the iconic FA Cup trophy, made by local biscuit-making firm Huntley & Palmers.

Only a dozen were made. They were created as a shop-display item, standing proudly, at 18 inches high, in local newsagents’ windows and were filled with iced-gem sweets.

Although sadly Reading lost 3-0 to that season’s winners Cardiff City at Wolves’ Molineux ground, several relics survive from the day.

Keith, 59, has cuttings from the Football Chronicle and the official programme complete with a community song sheet. In those days it was the practice at big matches to have an uplifting sing-a-long before games.

By far the largest piece in his collection is a huge 1926/27 fixture card, which he has had framed, depicting Reading’s cup squad and manager at the time.

Talking exclusively to the Chronicle Keith said: “The community song sheet lists iconic tunes such as Rule Britannia,There is a Tavern in the Town and for the Cardiff fans they included Land of My Fathers and Men of Harlech”.

The loyal Royal points out: “There are some spooky similarities from that 1927 match as the Reading squad contained many internationally capped players, which they do today. Arsenal were also in the same league position as were the Royals at the time.”

Keith adds: “I would love to see the Royals in an FA Cup final, especially before I retire. This has always been a dream of mine.

“Arsenal are formidable opponents but they do have a record of losing dramatically to lesser teams in the past.”

As a fervent collector Keith has some other notable pieces such as a 1981/82 football-shaped teapot depicting a Reading player performing a throw-in.

But ‘the one that got away’ was the chance of collecting rare memorabilia of Reading’s legendary striker Robin Friday.

Sadly at the time Keith declined the offer of a life-sized photo cut-out of the ‘Best Player You Never Saw,’ which had been dedicated to the player’s then girlfriend.

Keith is also a member of the Reading FC Society of Collectors and Historians, who meet quarterly at Madejski Stadium.

If you fancy a trip down memory lane, contact secretary David Goss on 0118 9597020 before the group’s next meeting on May 7.