Mixed fortunes for our local football sides in opening games

It was the first ever meeting between the two clubs (pictured), as the Zamaretto Central division kicked off in extreme temperatures.
Elsewhere, Newbury started life in the Hellenic Premier Division with a 2-2 draw away at Flackwell Heat, while Hungerford celebrated a 2-1 away win against Bridgwater Town thanks to a late goal by Ben Pugh.
In the Premier League, Reading salvaged a 1-1 draw against Stoke in their first game back in England’s top flight for four years.
This time last year Adam Le Fondre was playing League Two football with Rotherham United, but on Saturday he capped his Premier League debut with a last minute equalising goal for Reading.
Stoke took the lead in the 34th minute when Royals keeper Adam Federici let Michael Kightly’s tame shot go underneath his body. It was a rare mistake by the Australian goalkeeper, who kept twenty clean sheets for the Royal’s last season.
Reading will be satisfied with a draw but know they will come up against better sides at the Madejski Stadium this season, however they won’t play a more physical side than Stoke, who notched up one red card and three yellow cards during the match.
See Thursday’s Newbury Weekly News for more full reports, results and other local sport’s news.