READING YMCA booked their spot at Madejski Stadium with a hard-fought 2-1 victory against Marlow United in their Berkshire Trophy Centre Senior Cup semi final.

The Young Men shaded the first half in which chances were at a premium, with a Ryan Adams cross-come-shot hitting the bar.

Neither side were threatening from open play, but YMCA certainly looked more dangerous from set-pieces, but the goal when it arrived on 30 minutes came from a poor clearance from Marlow goal keeper Callum Akerman whose kick from hand failed to reach the centre circle.

It was immediately played down the United left, played back across the stretched Marlow defence and Adams struck the ball firmly past Akerman.

United were finding the Reading back line a tough nut to crack with Liam Bushay and Wes Sutherland unable to break free from the tight marking, thus nullifying their main threat.

With YMCA generally dominating the midfield the half ended with the Reading team deservedly ahead.

Marlow showed their intent within a minute of the start of the second half with Bushay at last finding space on the right, beating his marker and bringing a superb save from keeper Liam Froude.

Within seconds Marlow won a corner on their left and Qwamani Thomas’s kick sailed under the bar with Froude getting a hand to the ball only to see it end in the back of the net.

Marlow were now in the ascendency as they looked to take the lead, but the Young Men were able to stifle United’s danger men and despite having more of the possession, chances were few and far between.

The game settled down, but in truth neither side threatened to break the deadlock although Adams, who was clearly YMCA’s main threat, saw a header from a tight angle hit the crossbar.

Akerman produced a couple of excellent saves from goal-bound efforts, but was powerless when the eventual winner arrived on 80 minutes.

YMCA were awarded a free kick 20 yards from goal on the right of the Marlow area and with the wall lined up, Dan Donegan whipped the ball over the defenders and past a static keeper for what eventually proved the winning goal.

United responded with Sutherland placing the ball wide of the post from close range as Froude closed down the ball shortly after, but Reading YMCA held on to keep their dreams of a league and cup double alive.