THE decision to rename the Scours Lane football ground in Tilehurst as Rivermoor appears to be proving very apt, albeit in an unfortunate way.

The River Thames at the top end of the ground is rising following recent heavy rain.

Moor (okay, that should be More) water is seeping onto the pitch.

As a result, Highmoor Ibis and their tenants, Woodley United, have been forced to postpone games and are facing a backlog of fixtures going into the final three months of the Hellenic League season.

Of their 11 remaining Premier Division fixtures, Highmoor have seven at home, while Woodley are scheduled to play eight successive home games. Both teams also have cup commitments.

In addition, Highmoor chairman Martin Law will be keen to host the Reading Invitation Cup semi finals and finals at Rivermoor in addition to Reading Saturday and Sunday leagues cup finals.

So it is going to be a very busy Springtime at Rivermoor and Martin will be praying for weeks of rain-free weather.

  • READING FC made their exit from the FA Cup last Friday, but hopes of seeing a Berkshire club at Wembley this year are very much alive with four involved in ties this coming Saturday.

With a place in the last eight at stake, Maidenhead United take on Stockport County in the FA Trophy at York Road, while three others are involved in the FA Vase.

Thatcham meet Bromsgrove Sporting at Waterside Park, Windsor host Hamble Club at Stag Meadow and Bracknell Town travel to the Birmingham area to play a Coleshill side who were beaten semi finalists last season.

Bracknell and Thatcham face sides who occupy the top two places in the Midland League.

New Hellenic League leaders Thatcham are riding the crest of the wave, having strung together 18 successive league and cup wins.

The reward for all Trophy and Vase winners this weekend is a place in the last eight – just three ties (the semi-finals are two-legged) away from a Wembley appearance in May.