READING Under 23 winger Femi Azeez has joined Bracknell Town on loan, much to the delight of the Isthmian League club's manager Bobby Wilkinson.

"He was with me at Wealdstone when I sent him to Reading and was chuffed when he signed a pro contract," said the Tilehurst-based Wilkinson.

"Femi is a fantastic signing for us."

The teenager made his Bracknell debut on Tuesday when they defeated Maldon & Tiptree 4-1 on penalties following a goalless draw to reach the semi-finals of the Isthmian League's Velocity Trophy for the second year running.

Talking of the Reading U23s, a date for their Berks & Bucks Senior Cup quarter-final tie at Isthmian League side Marlow has still to be confirmed.

IAN Kirkwood, a Scot who played inside-forward for Reading in 1953-55, has died at the age of 87. He also played for the old Wokingham Town club and Winkfield.

His funeral service will take place at Easthampstead Crematorium next Friday, February 21.

ANDY Knapper, manager of Whiteknights indoor bowls club at Earley, is among 10 players selected for the England World Bowls squad.

And they, along with four team managers, are preparing for the competition on the Gold Coast in May, by walking 10,200 steps every single day for 30 days to raise money for Mental Health UK.

That is the same distance the Australian city is away from the UK.

Knapper says the physical challenge "will enable us to work together for this great cause and champion such an important charity."

Andy and his colleagues are hoping to raise at least £4,000 via their own Just Giving page.

THE digital race night held by the hockey fraternity to raise funds to support Claire Danson, the triathlete who is paralysed from the waist downwards, proved a real success.

Slough Hockey Club was packed out last Saturday and more than £3,500 was raised.

Her sister Alex, the former Reading goal ace, described it as an "epic night", adding: "thank you to everyone for buying a horse and supporting a great evening."