THERE were mixed fortunes for Reading City last weekend, winning 3-1 at Tuffley Rovers on Saturday before losing 3-0 at Ardley United on Monday, their first Hellenic League Premier Division defeat of the season, writes Dave Wright.

The Tuffley trip saw a debut for Charlie Allen, a former Football League player who helped Gillingham win the League Two title in the 2012-13 season.

He is the son of Martin Allen, the Chesterfield boss and former Reading assistant manager.

“He’s a major addition to our midfield,” said City joint manager Andy Findlay.

“He will be available for a month and then we will work around his other commitments.”

City have also signed Chris Gerrard and are hoping to bring in more players, including a striker.

“The club are very ambitious and we cannot afford to stand still,” added Findlay.

“The league looks very open this season, so we want to ensure we can compete at the top of the table.”

City, with five players missing and able to name only two substitutes, made it four Premier Division wins out of four at Tuffley thanks to goals from Jamie Connor, Adam Cashin-Murray and a Mitchell Parker penalty.

Rovers were also awarded a spot-kick, but it was smartly saved by keeper Eddie Cavanagh.

City, however, lost their unbeaten tag on Monday, missing several early chances before conceding three second-half goals.

They are in FA Vase action this Saturday, playing Southall away with Uxbridge the likely venue.

City then visit Binfield for a league fixture on Monday.

Woodley United, without a game last weekend, are away to Combined Counties League side Chertsey Town in the FA Vase this coming Saturday, and then visit AFC Aldermaston in the Hellenic League Division One East next Tuesday (7.45pm).

Last weekend, Aldermaston collected all three points with a 3-2 win at Abingdon Town, Lemar Maycock (2) and Josh Blackwood scoring their goals in the first half after falling behind early on.

  • NEWBURY Ladies beat Kingsclere 3-2 in an exciting pre-season friendly on Sunday.

The home side took the lead courtesy of an own goal, only to allow their opponents the chance to equalise following a defensive mix-up and take a half-time lead through a penalty.

However, Newbury hit back strongly in the second period, and ultimately took the spoils thanks to goals from Bec Walker and Ayala Truelove, the latter hitting the winner 10 minutes from time from Walker's assist.