On Sunday 25th February Berks & Bucks FA Under 18’s FA County Youth Cup run came to an end with a loss in the semi-final to Staffordshire FA. After a great cup run this season, beating London FA, Sussex FA, Cambridge FA and Liverpool FA, scoring a total of 19 goals in the process, hopes were high to make the first final for Berks & Bucks FA since the 1946-47 season. However, Staffordshire FA got off to a flying start, scoring twice in the first 10 minutes, but having had comeback wins against both London and Sussex, things looked like they were turning when Berks & Bucks were awarded, and scored, a penalty to make it 1-2 at half time.

Staffordshire started the 2nd half the way they did the 1st however, netting early to take a 1-3 lead. Berks & Bucks got it back to 2-3, but with Berks & Bucks chasing the game, Staffordshire hit on the break to make it 2-4, then scored in the last few seconds to progress to the final with a 2-5 win.

The players for Berks & Bucks can still be very proud of their cup run, the furthest the County have been since their victorious year in 1946-47, and there is still a chance for silverware in the South & West Counties Championship. Wins in the upcoming fixtures on the 11th March and 25th March against Oxfordshire & Wiltshire respectively could see them make the final of the U18 section, and the U16 team need a win against Wiltshire on the 18th March to secure their league title.