CHALVEY Sports reached the quarter-finals of the Berks & Bucks Senior Trophy after a 4-3 win against Sandhurst Town on Saturday.

Goals from Jason Marney and Liam Nash gave Chalvey a clear lead in the third round tie, but Sandhurst pulled one back before the half-time interval.

The visitors to Arbour Park levelled the scores before Bryan Taylor restored the advantage with a fine volley from the edge of the box.

Higher-league Sandhurst equalised again to set up a grandstand finish, but Sports progressed thanks to a late winner from Ryan Hazell.

Chalvey chairman Scott Young told the Observer: “It was a tough game and we expected it to be. We had a good match against Sandhurst at the same stage of this competition last season, but it was a lot closer this time.

“We were two goals ahead and looked reasonably comfortable until Sandhurst scored just before half time. They went into the break with their tails up but we started to doubt ourselves.

“When Sandhurst came out and equalised our heads went down a little but then Bryan scored with a cracking volley.

“Sandhurst came back at us and credit to them, they never stopped. At 3-3 they looked the more likely to go on and win, so to come back and get the victory was great.

“In the last six or seven minutes Sandhurst threw everything at us but we managed to keep possession and run down the clock.

“It’s always a challenge to get through against higher-league opposition and that was no exception on Saturday.

“Both clubs had chances at critical parts of the game. Our third goal was critical to the win but Sandhurst looked dangerous when going forward.”

Their reward is a home draw in the quarter-finals against Newport Pagnell Town Reserves with the tie to be played in the New Year.

Young said: “Newport Pagnell first and reserves teams are both having excellent seasons. They’re both top of their respective divisions so it’s a strong club.

“A home draw is great for us but we expect a battle. Whoever you meet at this stage in the competition is going to be a decent side.

“But to get this far is a major achievement for us, to go this deep in a county competition.”

Chalvey return to the defence of their Hellenic Division Two East title with a trip to Stokenchurch this Saturday (3pm).

Young said: “We enjoyed two comfortable wins against them last year and they have struggled and the beginning of this season, but since then they’ve improved and are now in the top four.”