Lee Simpson relishing cup semi final with Berks County FC

Lee Simpson.
Lee Simpson.

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Thames Valley Premier League side Berks County are 90 minutes from a Madejski Stadium Final with division rivals Cookham Dean standing in their way.

County – who are managed by Lee Simpson face holder Cookham in the BTC Senior Cup semi final at Scours Lane on Wednesday 18th April (ko 7.45pm).

Simpson took over at the Swords in January and reached the semi’s in his first fixture when County beat Finchampstead 4-3.

It’s been tougher in the league though with the greens trying to pull away from the bottom of the table – their cause not helped by recent defeats to leaders Woodcote Stoke Row and strugglers Highmoor Ibis.

Simpson said: “It’s been a tough transition. We have brought in a few players to try and strengthen the squad. We had some key injury’s early on who are now coming back into full fitness.

“We haven’t really had a chance to settle, player availability has been a factor in some weeks but it seems everyone is now back for the remainder of the season and we look a lot stronger. We are making positive steps. Things wont happen over night but we are seeing progress in our performances we just now need to turn them performances into wins which I’m very confident we will.

The Madejski Stadium in Reading. Photo: Colin Byers.
The Madejski Stadium in Reading. Photo: Colin Byers.

The cup offers a first opportunity for silverware for Simpson in his first senior managerial role and has masterminded a draw against his sides opponents already this season.

“We have a great opportunity in the cup but we see ourselves come up against the team who have been finalist in the competition the last two years so it’s going to be a tough challenge but one we are relishing.” he said of the last four clash.

“There’s a big reward if we can progress with the chance to play at Madejski Stadium and we will be doing our very best to give us the best possible chance to get into the final. We would welcome any support from the local community next Wednesday evening in the semi final.”

County currently have a number of players with Hellenic League Premier Division experience on their books including Dan Money, Dan Sleet and Dan Roberts.

The other semi final was due to be played at Scours Lane on the 11th April between Reading YMCA and Woodcote, but has now been rearranged for 2nd May.

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