Intriguing possibilities thrown up by Berks & Bucks Cup quarter-final draw

Photo: Darren Woolley

--

The draw for the quarter finals of the Berks & Bucks Senior Cup has thrown up some intriguing possibilities, however, most of the competition's fourth round ties are still to be resolved.

The quarterfinals bring the EFL big boys into play, with Reading FC, and Milton Keynes entering the competition for the first time.

However, Wycombe Wanderers have opted not to field a team in the competition this season, therefore, Marlow will have a bye into the semi-finals if they manage to overcome either Risborough Rangers or Winslow United in the fourth round.

Those two teams are set to play their third-round clash on January 30.

Maidenhead United could set up an interesting home game with Milton Keynes in the quarterfinals should they overcome another Milton - Milton United of the Combined Counties Premier Division North - in their re-arranged fourth round clash on Monday, January 29 (7.45pm kick-off).

The winners of Reading City vs Flackwell Heath will also visit Beaconsfield Town in the final eight.

The Heathens' fourth-round trip to Reading had been scheduled for Tuesday evening (January 23), but the tie was postponed following a pitch inspection. Only one of the quarter-final ties has been finalised, with Ben Murray's step five side Burnham to host League 1 side Reading FC. Both teams have yet to fix up a date.

In previous seasons, the EFL clubs have used their u23s squads to compete for silverware against their non-league rivals, and that usually levels the playing field, as it did last season, when Marlow beat Reading on penalties to progress to the final against Bracknell. The Robins then edged them out 1-0 in a tight encounter at Ascot United's Racecourse Ground.