READING TOWN F C NEWS

Youth Player Selected - 3 February

Jack Mew, one of Reading Town's promising youth players, has been named in the squad for their Hellenic League clash with Bracknell at Scours Lane tomorrow.

Manager Mark Bartley says the defender could make his debut. Right-back Jamaal Whight is serving a one-match ban, while left-back Alex Rolland is not available.

Matty David, who missed last Saturday's 1-1 home draw with Shortwood United, returns to the squad. Midfielder Chris Hatton is hoping to shake off an ankle injury to play, while there is also a slight injury doubt concerning Ben Gladwin. Definitely out is Richard Witt, who is serving the second of his two-match suspension. Ray Spence, who was on the sub's bench last Saturday after rejoining the club from Hungerford, could be in the starting line-up. The striker gave the team a lift, but it was another sub, Marcus Richardson, who set up the last-minute equaliser for Danny Lingwood. It was a hard-earned point for Town, but Bartley will be looking for more consistency from his team. "Our trouble is we are playing well for only 60 minutes or so and then switching off," said the manager. "We are also being punished for mistakes and we need to cut them out."

Town will be seeking a double over Bracknell, having won 3-2 at Larges Lane last month thanks to a late winner from Richardson. Robins remain bottom of the table, but have shown improved form in recent weeks and hammered fellow strugglers Fairford 4-1 in their last game.

Depleted But Determined - 26 January

Reading Town will be forced to field a depleted side for their tough Uhlsport Hellenic LeaguePremier Division game with title-chasing Shortwood United at Scours Lane on Saturday (ko 3pm).

Richard Witt and Matty David are both suspended, while player-manager Mark Bartley (back) and Chris Hatton (ankle) are extremely doubtful due to injury. Assistant manager Marcus Richardson (hamstring) and Jamie Piercy (shoulder) face late fitness checks. Youth team player Jack Mew could receive a senior call-up in defence, while Jamaal Whight, Tom Williams, James Knight, Scott Dewar, Kaser Chowdhary and recent signing Ben Gladwin are also likely to feature.

Town will be looking for a return to winning ways after losing their last three home games. The latest came on Saturday when they went down 3-2 to Larkhall Athletic in the fourth round of the FA Vase after missing a penalty. But, with Alex Salmon and Phillip John returning from injury, it was a much improved performance and Town deserved a replay at least.

With their Wembley dream over, Bartley is now looking for his side to improve on their current league placing of eighth. "We're good enough to make the top six," he said. "But we need to become more consistent, get a run of (good) results together and show what we can do against the better sides. We can't start to feel sorry for ourselves. If we play as well as we did for most of last Saturday's game and stop giving away goals we are capable of giving any side a good game."

Shortwood will be seeking a double, having defeated Town 2-1 at home early in the season. The Gloucestershire side face two trips to the county town of Berkshire in quick succession. On Monday they take on Division 1 East leaders Highmoor Ibis in the quarter-finals of the AM Print & Copy Cup

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Lingwood's Biggest Match - 20 January

Reading Town skipper Danny Lingwood says the FA Vase 4th round tie with Larkhall Athletic at Scours Lane on Saturday (3pm) is the biggest match of his career.

"It is a massive game for me, for the fans and for the rest of the team. It's also a very important game for the club as there is £2,000 awaiting the winners which is quite a lot of money for the club."

Lingwood is hoping that Alex Salmon will be back to partner him at the heart of the defence. Salmon has been out injured for a month, but trained this week. "We have a good understanding and it would be nice to see Alex back alongside me," said Lingwood. There could be another boost for Town as they bid to reach the last 16 of the Vase for the first time.

Mark Bartley has worked his players hard in training this week following the disappointment of losing 4-1 at home to Hellenic League leaders Ardley last Saturday. And he could make four or five changes for the visit of Larkhall, who are well placed to retain the Toolstation Western League title. Chris Hatton and Graham Lewis, who were both unavailable for the Ardley game, return to the squad, along with Ashley Watkins, who has been out injured. Young defender Jack Mew could be a surprise addition, having impressed in training, and Bartley may also include himself. "I have some big selections to make," added the Town manager. "It's going to be battle and I want 11 battlers on the field. This is an important game, in fact massive, for the club and massive for the players." Town have seen Larkhall play twice since the draw was made and Bartley said: "They are a very good side with a couple of strong forwards, but there is no club I fear at this level."

Vase Brings Changes - 18 January

Town manager Mark Bartley has promised he will make changes for the weekend's home FA Vase 4th round tie with Larkhall Athletic after seeing his side crash to their heaviest defeat of the season last Saturday.

"I think we have seen the league champions here today." added Bartley after the match at on Saturday.

"Our defending was terrible," he said after Ardley centre-back Ben Thomas had scored a first-half hat-trick. "They (Ardley) kept playing the ball into our area asking the same questions and we didn't have the answer. We played some good stuff for the first 25 minutes or so, but if you can't take responsibility and head those balls away then you are going to end up on wrong end of the score-line. We just couldn't defend against set pieces. It was very disappointing and I have to make sure it doesn't happen again."

It's possible Bartley could make as many as four changes as his side bid to reach the last 16 of the Vase and he added: "I will probably include myself in the squad."
 

Graham Lewis and Chris Hatton, who were both unavailable for the Ardley game, return for Larkhall's visit, while Phillip John could also be back in the reckoning.

John has been out with a back problem and was also under a sine die ban issued by the Southern League on December 20 following the non-payment of a fine levied for registration irregularities when he joined Southern League club Redditch whilst still being signed for Didcot Town. Apparently the matter has now been resolved and his suspension has been lifted

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Defender Returns - 13 January

Town's Injured defender Alex Salmon has returned to training, but is unlikely to be in the starting line-up against Premier Division leaders Ardley United at Scours Lane tomorrow (3pm kick-off) with manager Mark Bartley preferring to wait for next Saturday's home FA Vase fourth-round tie with Larkhall Athletic.

Cup-tied trio James Knight, Scott Dewar and Tom Williams, who all missed Tuesday's 2-1 defeat by Binfield in the quarter-finals of the Berks and Bucks Senior Trophy, return to the squad.

But striker Graham Lewis, who didn't play midweek due to work commitments, will again be absent as he is attending a wedding at St Paul's Cathedral. Ben Gladwin, a new signing from Hayes and Yeading, is set to keep his place, having scored Town's equaliser against Binfield.

Despite a crippling injury list, they are doing reasonably well in the Uhlsport Hellenic League Premier Division and are still in the FA Vase. But what success Town have enjoyed this season can be largely contributed to their form in away games. Most of their best performances have come on their travels. For some reason, they often struggle at home and, partly because of that, they become frustrated and lose some of their discipline. That was again the case on Tuesday when they lost to Binfield.

They played for 50 minutes with 10 men after having Jamal Whight sent off by Robbie Hey. The teenage defender was shown two yellow cards in the space of 20 minutes for fouls. Whight became the sixth Town player to be shown the red card this season and all but one have come in home games. Town also had six players booked, against Binfield's two.

Mark Bartley said: "Our bookings come out of frustration, as we don't get anything. All I ask for is for referees to be fair. I feel it is worse when we are at home. If they give it both ways, then that's fine with us. It is hard to feel that officials are not out to get you. Binfield were putting it about, but if we are not allowed to put it about as well what chance have we got. It is impossible to beat Binfield without getting amongst them. But if every time we go into a challenge we are going to be penalised, then we cannot beat them with that sort of officiating."

Selection Problems - 5 January 2012

Not for the first time Reading Town manager Mark Bartley faces plenty of selection problems as he prepares for the Hellenic Premier Division match against Bracknell at Larges Lane on Saturday.

At least 13 players – six of whom can play at centre-back – are carrying injuries. Bartley will probably be forced to play a few who are not fully fit and he may even turn out himself for the second successive week. "There is a big risk factor concerning my team," he said. "Some players are going to struggle to get through 90 minutes and then we also have concerns over the Bracknell pitch. It is usually a heavy surface at the best of times and all this week's rain isn't going to help. We have some tough decisions to make as far as team selection. We want to win every game, but then we don't want to risk players who are not 100-per-cent fit."

Among the many doubts is the in-form Jamie Piercy, who scored in the 2-1 defeat at Cheltenham Saracens last Saturday and then two in the first half of Monday's 4-1 win over Fairford. Piercy came off at half-time with a slight hamstring strain and was replaced by Graham Lewis. He, too, was nursing a knock, but still managed to score twice to secure Town's first Hellenic League win at Scours Lane for more than three months. Skipper Danny Lingwood, who had missed four games with a shoulder problem, was also forced off in the second half, followed shortly afterwards by Marcus Richardson, who had been filling in for Lingwood at centre-back. Richardson is nursing a hamstring injury. He had started the game up front in place of Michael Bartley, who was ruled out with groin trouble. "We are having to deal with so many injuries, it is unbelievable and making team selection difficult," added Mark Bartley. "We are so limited to what we can do."

He has a number of inexperienced youngsters at his disposal, but there is a limit as to how many he can field at one go. The manager played himself at centre-back at Cheltenham, but said: "You might even see me in the attack (against Bracknell). I have been known to lead a line before."

Although Bracknell are rock bottom of the table, Bartley knows they are a side who won't roll over easily. "They have brought in several players to strengthen their team," he added.

Magic Potions? - 23 December

Reading Town boss Mark Bartley would put a 'miracle treatment for injuries' on his Christmas wish-list if such a potion existed.

His side are badly depleted with several key players currently sidelined. Skipper Danny Lingwood, his centre-back partner Alex Salmon, Pedro De Barros, Oneal Garnes, Ben Spence and Phillip John are among those all currently sidelined.

Influential midfielder Richard Witt joined them last Saturday when he limped off during Town's 2-1 defeat at Flackwell Heath. Most of them will missing when Town take on Wantage at Scours Lane next Tuesday (3pm kick-off).

Jamie Piercy, who was suspended last Saturday, will return to the squad, as should Chris Hatton, who missed last week's two games due to work commitments. Tom Williams, who missed a penalty in the defeat at Flackwell, and another recent signing, Scott Dewar, are set to make their home debuts. In Dewar's case it will be against his previous club, the player transferred from Wantage to Reading earlier this month.

Town go into Tuesday's football game seeking their first league win at home since September 20, when they defeated Binfield 3-1. Wantage have not enjoyed the best of fortunes since winning the title last year. They are hovering in the bottom six after picking up only one point from their last five games.

Positive Away Form - 16 December

Reading Town will be looking to extend their impressive away form at Flackwell Heath tomorrow.

Their 2-1 win at Ascot on Tuesday was their sixth in 11 away games. The last time they lost an away league match was at Shortwood in August.

Third-in-the-table Flackwell boast a good record of eight wins from 10 matches at Wilks Park, but they have gone off the boil in recent weeks and last Saturday crashed 5-2 at Shrivenham. "This could be a good time to be playing them," said Town manager Mark Bartley. "We are on a bit of run ourselves and will go there full of confidence."

Bartley is awaiting several fitness reports before naming his side. Among the latest casualties is Alex Salmon, who missed the Ascot match due to an ankle injury, while his usual centre-back partner, Danny Lingwood (shoulder), is also ruled out. Marcus Richardson, switching from centre-forward, and Matt Spence proved capable deputies at Ascot. Salmon could be back for Saturday, along with Phillip John, who has been sidelined with a back problem. Jamie Piercy, who scored Town's equaliser at Ascot, is ruled out due to a one-match suspension. Piercy scored in the 67th minute to cancel out Ian Brooks' 10th-minute opener for United. The goal gave Town a lift and they looked the more likely side to grab the winner. It came on 84 minutes from the best move of the match engineered by Alex Rolland down their left flank. Rolland, on the overlap, moved into the Ascot area and his cross was turned home by Michael Bartley. New signings Tom Williams and Scott Dewar both came off the bench to make their first league appearances

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Skipper Sidelined - 9 December

Town skipper Danny Lingwood is likely to be sidelined for at least two weeks after dislocating his shoulder.

He damaged his left shoulder during the 3-0 away win against Cirencester Development in the Hellenic League's Supplementary Cup on Tuesday. The central defender slid into a challenge, his arm went down under him and he was left in considerable pain. "As I walked off the field I put my arm down and it popped back in," said Lingwood. "But I went to the hospital on Wednesday and they said I need to rest up for two weeks. It is very sore and tender. I am back at the hospital next week and so should know more then. At the moment I think I will be lucky to play again before Christmas, but you never know."

Lingwood's injury came late in Tuesday's game which saw his side ease through to the last 16. Michael Bartley put them ahead in the 28th minute and Graham Lewis, following up his goal in last Saturday's 1-0 Vase win over Cowes Sports, doubled the lead on 80 minutes. Dave Stevens added a third five minutes from time. "I never thought we looked in any danger at all," said boss Mark Bartley. "We always looked comfortable." At least, Lingwood will be fit to lead his side out in the 4th round of the FA Vase on January 21. Their visitors will be Larkhall Athletic, who defeated Western League rivals Ilfracombe 1-0 in their home replay on Wednesday. Mark Bartley was at the game and said: "They were two very good sides. We will have to be at our best to progress to the last 16. But we have home advantage and I am confident we can get the right result on the day." Larkhall are currently lying second in the table, eight points adrift of Willand Rovers, but with three matches in hand.

Town are without a game this Saturday, but return to Premier Division action next Tuesday (7.45pm) when they take on Ascot United at the Racecourse Ground. New signings Tom Williams from Wokingham & Emmbrook and Scott Dewar (Wantage) could make their debuts

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Quick Reaction - 2 December

Mark Bartley has reacted quickly to losing leading scorer Ray Spence to Hungerford by swooping for two new players.

He has made official approaches for Tom Williams (left), a pacy wide player with Hellenic League rivals Wokingham & Emmbrook and Wantage midfielder Scott Dewar (right). And Bartley added: "I am hopeful of making another signing in the next week." None of the new boys are included in the squad for the FA Vase third-round tie against Cowes Sports at Scours Lane tomorrow (3pm kick-off).

Bartley, a life-long friend of Spence, said he didn't want to lose the striker, but Town cannot compete with the money being offered by the Evo-Stik Southern League Division 1 South and West club. "They made him a good offer and it is a great opportunity for him," added Bartley

Spence, however, wasn't in Bartley's plans this side of Christmas, as the striker is serving a three-match ban following a sending off while playing for South Reading in the Reading League. The Town boss welcomes back his brother Michael, Jamaal Whight, Matt Spence and Ashley Watkins, all from injury, while skipper Danny Lingwood returns after missing last Saturday's goalless draw with Cheltenham Saracens due to a one-match suspension. Midfielder Pedro De Barros was injured in that game and is unlikely to play on Saturday, while Phillip John is nursing a back injury and has only a 50-50 chance of playing. James Knight misses out as he is cup tied. If Town beat the Isle of Wight side it will equal their best ever run in the competition. They played five ties in the 1996-97 season before losing 2-0 at home to Banstead in the fourth round. Town, who have knocked Harefield, Aylesbury, Ardley and Erith Town out of the competition this season, will start slight favourites to reach the last 32, as Cowes play at one level lower than them, Division 1 of the Wessex League.

But as Bartley said: "Cowes are no mugs. In the last round they put out Egham, who are one of the top sides in the Combined Counties League. "To get to the third round shows they are not a bad side. But we have home advantage and I have enough confidence in my squad to believe we are capable of winning the tie."

Fog Grounds Lingwood - 26 November

Reading Town skipper Danny Lingwood is out of the match with Cheltenham Saracens at Scours Lane today.

A one-match suspension for accumulating five bookings ruled him out of Tuesday's football game with Henley, but that was abandoned due to fog after 65 minutes and re-arranged for March 6. So unlucky centre back Lingwood (pictured) must now also sit out the visit of struggling Saracens. Matt Spence could replace him after making his return from injury as a substitute against Henley. Richard Witt, who also took over the captain's armband, started the game in defence before being switched to his usual midfield role early in the second half as manager Mark Bartley looked to liven up his side's tepid display.

Leading scorer Ray Spence is set to play before starting a three-match suspension a week later, forcing him out of Town's home FA Vase third-round tie with Cowes Sports.

Spence was sent off playing for South Reading and is unavailable for Town until he has sat out three of the Reading Football League side's matches. The Reading League don't have many fixtures planned for December and Town fear it could be after Christmas before Spence is available again. Spence scored his 15th goal for Town against Henley from the penalty spot after Chris Ovenden had handled. It came in the 42nd minute, just after the visitors had taken the lead through Paolo Cierco, although Town felt the goal should not have stood as they claimed goalkeeper Oneal Garnes was fouled, forcing him to drop the ball. Garnes had earlier pulled out an outstanding save from Matt Jacobs. Visibility was a problem from the start with fog swirling down one side of the pitch. The match officials conferred in the 39th minute, but allowed the game to continue and the two goals quickly followed. But conditions got worse in the second half and, with one of the assistans unable to see the far side of the pitch, referee Ernie Moore had no option to call a halt to the proceedings. It was a decision that delighted manager Bartley, who was far from happy with the way his side were playing. "I am the happiest man in Reading," he said. "I was very disappointed with the way we applied ourselves and I hope we won't ever play that badly again. "So I am chuffed it was called off."

Tough Decisions - 18 November

Reading Town manager Mark Bartley admits he has some tough decisions to make before naming his side for the FA Vase second-round tie with Erith Town at Scours Lane on Saturday (3pm kick-off).

He wasn't happy last Saturday after Town had thrown away the lead and lost 2-1 at home to Wokingham and Emmbrook in the Hellenic League. But he was smiling again on Tuesday when, with a much-changed line-up, they beat the same club 1-0 at Larges Lane to reach the quarter-finals of the Berks and Bucks Senior Trophy.

Bartley has now to decide which 11 to start with against the Kent League side managed by former Royals youth player Tony Russell. Centre-back Alex Salmon is hoping to return from injury, as is right-back Ben Spence.

In Salmon's absence, striker Marcus Richardson (on Saturday) and midfielder Richard Witt (on Tuesday) played alongside skipper Danny Lingwood in the Wokingham games. Goalkeeper Oneal Garnes will also come into consideration. He has played in the last two cup ties, at Binfield and at Larges Lane, conceding only one goal in the process and Garnes is putting pressure on Garry Aulsberry,

"I have probably got to make at least two big decisions when I choose my side," said Bartley as he looked forward to the tie.
"It is going to be a tough match for us and it is important I pick the right side who I think are capable of getting us through to the next round. All the boys want to play, but some are going to be left disappointed."

Phillip John, who last week rejoined the club from AFC Telford on a short-term loan, is set to play tomorrow, along with Ray Spence, who missed last Saturday's game through suspension.

John and Spence played either side of Michael Bartley in the Senior Trophy and it was John who set up the 20th-minute winner for Bartley. Leading scorer Spence was among several players who went close to increasing Town's lead in a game where they created the more chances. But, as he had on Saturday, Wokingham keeper Stuart Harris pulled off several fine saves.

Magical Mystery Tour - 11 November

Mark Bartley is considering taking his Reading Town players for a ride on Saturday. Town are at home to Wokingham & Emmbrook, and that's where the problems start.

For these days they are playing a great deal better away than at Scours Lane. Town have amazingly won on their travels on each of the last five Saturdays and another victory came at Shrivenham on Tuesday of last week.

However, their home form is patchy to say the least, and Bartley is becoming concerned. "It's hard to say why we are doing far better away than at home," he said. "The players are talking about it and badly want to re-address the situation. We have a bit of work to do to improve our home form. The lads are hurting about that and I think you will see a big reaction on Saturday. We will be ready to put things right. We are not happy with that (home form) I don't like getting beat at the best of times and I don't like teams coming to my ground and beating me. Going to away games in our mini-bus seems to give them a lift in more ways than one so for on Saturday I may even put the lads in the bus and take them for a ride around town before coming back to Scours Lane."

Bartley has also to decide who will be taking their seats on the bus as Town look to follow up their 2-1 win over Wokingham & Emmbrook at Larges Lane two weeks ago. Apart from skipper Danny Lingwood and Graham Lewis, the Town boss fielded different teams in their last two games, which saw them win 2-1 at Slimbridge in the league on Saturday and lose 1-0 at Binfield in the AM Print & Copy Floodlit Cup on Monday.

It is more likely to resemble the one that came from behind to beat Slimbridge with goals from Michael Bartley and Dave Stevens.
However, central defender Alex Salmon limped off injured in that game and is doubtful for tomorrow, as are striker Marcus Richardson and Ben Spence. Definitely out are leading scorer Ray Spence and midfielder Pedro De Barros, who are both suspended following the red cards against Highworth last month.

But manager Bartley has ready-made replacements. Bevis Colquhoun made his debut at Binfield alongside Lingwood at the heart of the defence and could keep his place. There were also good performances from full-backs Matty David and Frenchman Alex Rolland, while another debutant, Kaser Chowdhary, didn't let himself down in midfield.

Bartley admitted: "I have got some hard thinking to do before naming my team. "It will be tough to change the side who played last Saturday as they did so well, but the lads who played at Binfield showed me how well they can play. So if I make changes it won't weaken my side. Several of those who came in on Monday are in consideration. It was a good performance against one of the top sides in our league."

Changes Possible - 27 October

Reading Town manager Mark Bartley could make several changes for their Hellenic League match against Wokingham and Emmbrook at Larges Lane, Bracknell, on Saturday.

Definitely out are midfielder Richard Witt, due to a one-match ban, and striker Michael Bartley, who is attending a wedding.
But there are likely to be other changes, as boss Bartley was far from happy with Town's performance on Tuesday when they were held to a 3-3 draw at home by Thame, only managing to salvage a point thanks to a last-gasp goal from Michael Bartley.

"It just wasn't good enough," said manager Bartley. "When our defence has done well this season I have praised them. But (on Tuesday) our back five were just not good enough. I wasn't happy with our performance. I was proud of the way we fought back (from 3-1 down) to earn a point, but we shouldn't have been in that position in the first place. We conceded three soft goals."

Mark may even play himself on Saturday, while there could be a debut for James Knight, their new signing from Oxford City.
Ray Spence, who scored twice in the 3-1 FA Vase win at Ardley last Saturday, is available after missing the Thame game due to suspension, but he is nursing a hamstring injury.

Town will miss Michael Bartley, who is beginning to find his form as he returns to match fitness. The big striker scored twice against Thame, although the first of them was a total gift. Keeper Nick Bennion miskicked an attempted clearance to leave Bartley with a simple tap-in.

Mark Bartley added: "Fair play to Thame, they came, worked hard and found themselves two goals to the good. When they went two goals up they found an extra yard of pace. But I still expect to beat teams like that. We will have to show a lot more effort if we are to get something out of Saturday's game, as Wokingham have been going well of late."

Town have been drawn at home to Erith Town in the second round of the FA Vase and Tony Russell, manager of the Kent League side, was at Scours Lane on Tuesday. He must gone home happy.

Manager Embarrassed - 21 October

Reading Town manager Mark Bartley has pledged to improve his side's poor disciplinary record after another disastrous night.

Pedro De Barros and Ray Spence were both sent off in the 2-1 defeat by Highworth at Scours Lane on Tuesday. Town were down to nine men when the visitors scored both their goals, with the winner coming deep into stoppage time. "Since the first time I took over here I am embarrassed and I told the players that," said Bartley after the game. "They let me down with regards to their discipline. It was not good and it is down to me and the management to deal with that. We have got to make some big decisions. I feel sorry for the lads who put in a good shift out there. All I can say to them is that it won't happen again."

Bartley added: "I can accept losing a game if it is just down to football reasons, but to lose a game through lack of discipline is just not good enough."

The two red cards almost certainly cost Town all three points.Leading through Phillip John's 21st-minute goal, they were soaking up a lot of pressure from Highworth without any alarm bells ringing. But it all changed when De Barros was red carded in the 64th minute and Spence 15 minutes later. Highworth equalised through Tyler Sheppard in the 81st minute and, after Town had gone close to regaining the lead, Terence Bohane grabbed the winner four minutes into stoppage time.

It was the second time in successive matches that Highworth had been involved in red-card mayhem as their meeting with Wantage had ended with both sides having nine men on the pitch. For Spence, it was his second dismissal this month and for the previous offence against Oxford City Nomads he is banned from next Tuesday's home game with Thame. Town skipper Danny Lingwood and Richard Witt also face a one-game suspension as both have accumulated five cautions this season.
Most of Town's problems are self-inflicted with players showing dissent or using foul and abusive language. And most of the trouble comes at Scours Lane. They look a different side away from home.

the previous two away games, at Witney and Abingdon Town, there were no problems at all and Town were able to produce excellent 4-0 wins in both. They are on the road again on Saturday, this time to Ardley for an FA Vase first-round proper tie.
Town were unlucky not to have won there in the league last month, going two up before Ardley grabbed a point with the equaliser coming in stoppage time.

Bartley said: "We know we should have come away with all three points that day, so we have got a score to settle tomorrow."
If the game ends in a draw, the replay will be at Scours Lane next Tuesday, replacing the league fixture with Thame.
James Knight, a new signing from Oxford City, could make his debut next week.

Selection Problems - 14 October

Reading Town manager Mark Bartley faces selection problems ahead of their Hellenic League match at Abingdon Town on Saturday (ko 3pm).

Town enjoyed an outstanding 4-0 win at Witney last Saturday and, with a much-changed team, defeated Wootton Bassett 3-0 in the AM Print & Copy Floodlit Cup on Tuesday. Bartley left himself out in midweek, while Pedro De Barros missed out due to the head injury he suffered at Witney. "Players have come in tonight and done a good job," said Bartley after knocking out the Wiltshire side. Chris Hatton, Dave Stevens and Austin Best all came in and showed they can do a good job for us, while it was good to see Jamie Piercy and Graham Lewis getting on the scoresheet. Players have performed well tonight and put pressure on the management team. Although we have been winning games I think there are one or two areas where I feel we can do a bit better and players have made claims tonight. So we have a selection problem ahead of going to Abingdon, but for a manager it is a good position to be in."

Bartley expects De Barros to be fit despite seeing the midfielder carried off with a nasty gashed head at Witney. "He's made of steel," said Town's boss. "Even when he was being carried off he was complaining as he wanted to stay on." De Barros later went to hospital to have the wound glued. Bartley's brother Michael made his return from injury against Wootton Bassett, but the big striker stayed off at half-time with a groin problem. New signing, French defender Alex Bolland, made his debut at left-back in the game. Garry Aulsberry is likely to be in goal at Abingdon even though his deputy, Oneal Garnes, played well against Wootton Bassett, brilliantly saving a penalty when the second-round tie was goalless. Soon afterwards, Richard Witt gave Town a 26th-minute lead when he lobbed the keeper from 25 yards and 12 minutes later Lewis doubled the lead with a neatly-executed overhead kick. The only sour note was Jordan Cousineau lasting only 20 minutes in his comeback game after a lengthy lay-off through injury. Bartley said: "I am distressed. In the short time he was on the pitch he looked class. He showed his quality. We will have to reassess him, but he may well have suffered a re-occurrence of the same injury, which is very unfortunate." Stevens took over from Cousineau and set up a 74th-minute third goal for Piercy. While Town finished comfortable winners in the end, Division 1 West side Wootton Bassett still had several chances to get back in the game. Reading will be away to Binfield in the third round on Monday November 7.

Spence Enjoying Football - 23 September

Ray Spence is in no doubt he can continue to bag goals for Reading Town. After scoring twice in their 3-1 Hellenic League win over Binfield on Tuesday, he said: "I am enjoying my football and I will score more goals."

Like he has been in most games this season, Spence (pictured) was a constant threat with his pace, power and trickery. Even the match referee's assessor could be heard praising Spence. On occasions, Spence can allow his temperament to get the better of him, but that is largely down to his passion and the fact that opponents often have to resort to fouls to stop him. But he remains one of the most gifted and exciting players in non-league football in the Reading area and he is playing a big part in Town's good run, which sees them unbeaten in six league and cup games. "People can say what they want about his attitude and other stuff, but he has been first class for us," said manager Mark Bartley. "I've known Ray for 25 years and I have no qualms about putting him in there. He puts teams to the sword and takes his chances. He is a constant threat." Spence scored once in the 3-0 win over Kidlington last Saturday and another two against Binfield.

Town will be hoping that run continues when they take on Aylesbury United in the FA Vase second qualifying round at Scours Lane on Saturday (3pm kick-off). Bartley has added even more experience to their squad by signing Phillip John who was released by Didcot Town last week and has played in the past for numerous clubs including Conference side AFC Telford. According to Bartley, the midfielder is not fully match fit, but John was still able to produce an electrifying run from deep to set up Spence for the first of his two goals against Binfield.

"We deserved our win," said Bartley. "Tactically we got it right, having learned from playing them twice in the FA Cup, though it was hard work for us in midfield. "We are prepared to scrap and battle and we have now beaten two good sides in Binfield and Kidlington in the past week. "I told the players they must have the confidence and belief they can win every time they go out there. We are on a bit of a roll and we want to continue that."

Another of Town's new signings, Jamie Connor from Camberley, could be included in tomorrow's squad, while midfielders Chris Hatton and Dave Stevens are both available again.
 

The Gladiator Strikes- 19 August

Michael Bartley scored twice on his home debut as Town produced an impressive performance on Tuesday. The ex Didcot Town first team front man scored his first goal for new club Reading Town within 20 seconds of the start.

"I was delighted with the performance. We scored four and could easily have had more," said manager Mark Bartley. Dave Stevens and substitute Jamie Piercy added to the tally to give Town their first Hellenic League win of the season."

"We looked very good going forward," said boss Bartley. "I would fancy our forwards against any defence in the league." "All the four forwards we used played an important part. "Michael (pictured) scored twice, Graham (Lewis) caused them problems and both subs did well. Marcus Richardson was influential and Jamie Piercy came on and scored. We have the strength in depth which we didn't have last season." Bartley was also satisfied with his midfielders, but is still expecting more from his defence."

"We switched off for a time in the second half and allowed Witney to come back in the game," added the Town manager. "We must also stop conceding free-kicks just outside the area. We did it three times and got punished once. That is something we will be working on in training."

Bartley made two changes from the side beaten at Kidlington, with Lewis and Jerome Coutltress replacing Piercy and Austin Best respectively. And it was Lewis who set up the opening goal for Michael Bartley with just 20 seconds on the clock. Bartley was denied by a brilliant save from keeper Richard Barrett and skipper Danny Lingwood also went close as Town dominated the first half. But in the 51st minute Barrett couldn't prevent Bartley doubling his side's lead. Witney's pace up front started to cause problems and three times Town were forced into conceding free-kicks just outside their area.

They were punished just once, when Lewis Colwell curled the ball past keeper Graham Sims in the 58th minute. For a short time Witney came more into the game, but their good spell ended when Town netted their third goal on 70 minutes. Substitute Richardson found Stevens out on the left and his lob deceived Barrett, dropping over his head into the net. "I was well pleased for Dave as he has worked exceptionally hard in training," said Bartley. Piercy came off the bench to fire in an 88th-minute fourth goal, while young midfielder Jordan Cousineau twice went close to putting his name on the goal chart."

Former Reading Town stalwart Michael Hancock can expect a warm welcome when he returns to Scours Lane with Binfield on tomorrow for an FA Cup extra preliminary round tie. The big centre-back spent many seasons with Town, but he wasn't included in new manager Mark Bartley's plans for the new campaign. But Bartley says: "I am expecting him (Hancock) to play the game of his life. He will certainly be up for it." Bartley, however, believes Hancock and Binfield will be in for a tough afternoon. "We have some very good forwards and midfielders capable of causing any defence problems"

Bartley is still looking to add to his squad and he is hoping to dual register a defender from Evo-Stik Central Division 1 club Barton Rovers. "I am happy with the forwards we have, there is depth in midfield, but I think we could do with more cover in defence," added Bartley. Town will be facing a Binfield side who expect to have eight regulars missing. The bulk of them will be at the wedding of midfielder James Suarez, a former Reading Town player, while Jack Tallentire is nursing a groin injury.

Bartley Takes Reading 'Hot Seat' - 18th May

Mark Bartley (pictured) has been appointed as Reading Town's new manager. And it's a case of as you were at Scours Lane, with Marcus Richardson being appointed assistant manager with Roy Hanley and Lawrence Kingsbury the coaches.

The four took charge of the team earlier this year when Roddy Slater was forced to give up the manager's role for personal reasons, although he did not officially resign until the final Hellenic League game of the season last month.

Town secretary Richard Grey said: "They did a reasonable job at the end of last season, halting a slump that was taking us towards the relegation zone. "They won four of the last five games and we are hoping they can carry that form into next season. Mark is very positive about the future and plans to bring in more experienced players." Bartley said: "I am really pleased to be given the opportunity. I see it as us carrying on from where he left off last season at a difficult time. We want to move the club forward and we plan to keep the core of the squad we had last season, but we will be bringing in new players – at least three or four." Town's late surge away from the relegation zone was largely due to the brilliance of Ray Spence, who switched to Scours Lane once South Reading had completed their Reading Football League fixtures. Bartley is hoping to persuade Spence to play permanently for Town.

The Scours Lane club are also to form a reserve team, who will play in the restructured Hellenic League set up. The second string – to be managed by youth team boss Pete Collins – will be a mixture of players not selected for the first team and youth team players. Bartley and Richardson will sign on as players, but the manager says that, with the calibre of footballers they hope to sign, they are not expecting to play regularly. "We are both experienced players and can fit in if we get a run of injuries at the same time," said Bartley.