In a tie played at Abingdon United’s Northcourt Road ground, Owen Jenner gave Thatcham a first-half lead but Jack Stone levelled 16 minutes from time to force a penalty shoot-out.

The Youth Team had defeated Walingford & Crowmarsh, Kintbury Rangers, Wokingham Town and Chalfont St Peter on their way to their first County Cup Final since 2019.

Huge credit goes to every single player for the effort, resilience and togetherness they’ve shown throughout the season. Taking a cup final all the way to penalties against such strong opposition says everything about the character and quality within this squad.

Just as much praise is deserved by the coaching and support staff. The hard work they put in behind the scenes, along with their preparation and belief in the group, has played a massive part in this run. Their influence is helping shape not just talented footballers, but excellent young people too.

Regardless of the outcome of the final, this still looks set to be a successful season for the Youth Team, who are fourth (with games in hand) in the Allied Counties North Division and are still going strong in the League Cup.

Team : Maciej Wieczorek, Owen Lobb, Tyrese Georcelin, Dylan Herbert, Charlie Gmiterek, Caelen Derman, Callum Piper, Owen Jenner, Dan Parry, Harvey Nash, Ryan Okemwa.
Subs : Thomas Phillips, Harry Meaden, Brandon Thornton, Luis Alexander, Jerome McIntyre, Connor Jordan.