THE funeral service of former goalkeeper John Kirkwood, 87, took place at Caversham yesterday (Wednesday) – exactly 61 years to the day of probably the highlight of his playing career.

He joined Reading FC in 1949 from Scottish junior club Blairhall Colliery FC for a fee of £100, but club historian David Downs tells me John made only 32 first-team appearances in four years before moving to Dartford and then on to Worcester City.

It was there where the Scot became a hero – on January 15, 1959. He played a starring role as minnows Worcester knocked Liverpool, then in Division Two, out of the FA Cup in the third round. City triumphed 2-1 with John – beaten only by a late Geoff Twentyman penalty – being cheered off the field by jubilant supporters at the final whistle..

FORMER Reading cricketer Martin Andersson has signed a new deal with Middlesex until the end of the 2021 season.

The 23-year-old all-rounder was sidelined for much of last term whilst he recovered from a double stress fracture to his back suffered the previous winter.

As a result, he made only two Middlesex 1st XI appearances, purely as a batsman, towards the end of the season.

"I am delighted to have signed an extension to my contract with Middlesex and am excited and looking forward to the next couple of years," said the former Reading Bluecoat School pupil.

"The support I’ve received from the club has been fantastic and my thanks go to them for the faith they’ve shown in me.”

WRITING obituaries is part of my job which obviously I never like doing. This week was particularly upsetting as the person was a friend, Tony Drake. We worked together for Berkshire County Cricket Club, we were regulars at Finchampstead cricket matches and often saw each at local football games.

He was always keen to keep himself fit and ate healthy food – yet last Thursday he collapsed and died from a heart attack whilst out jogging. He was just 57.