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                               Wokingham & Emmbrook U18's 2, Bracknell Town U18's 0, 

                                                        Sunday 26th April 2009

Wokingham & Emmbrook collected their first piece of silverware when the clubs youth team lifted the Berks & Bucks County Youth Cup at Abingdon Utd's Northcourt Road on Sunday. Both side included players with first team experience so it promised to be an entertaining encounter between the two local sides.Both teams took time to settle on a hard bumpy surface. If anything it was Wokingham who looked the more nervous in the early stages. In only the 3rd minute Wokingham keeper Sean Woodward was called into action conceding a corner at full stretch from an Andy Brint header. At the other end good work by David Bellis along the byline almost set up Shane Cooper Clark. Bracknell's Alex Bruce almost stole in behind the Wokingham defence but a timely challenge by Alex Luis saved the day. Gradually Wokingham got back into the game, with Bellis and Jack Broome pulling the strings in midfield. A good Wokingham move ended with Cooper Clark combining with Charlie Oakley who fired just wide. Wokingham almost took the lead in the 21st minute when Bellis again got along the byline this time his cross picked out Oakley who saw his header rebound of the post with Bracknell keeper Ben Murphy doing well to claim the ball as it bounced out. As the half progresses Wokingham looked to be carrying the greater threat although Bracknell still looked dangerous on the break. Wokingham Manager

Roger Herridge was forced to make a change during the interval with Will Day replacing Captain Alex Walton, who has been carrying an ankle injury over the past couple of weeks.

The second half started with Bellis releasing Luis down the left but the resulting cross was easily claimed by Murphy. With the first half being played at 90 miles an hour it needed someone to put their foot on the ball and slow things down. Bracknell had the best chance of the game so far to take a 50th minute lead. A long ball out of defence glanced off a Wokingham defender for Luke Walsh to latch on, it looked odds on a goal, but Woodward stood big and a poor lob by Walsh let Wokingham off the hook. Bracknell were causing a few problems with their dead ball situations and Woodward had to be alert coming to collect the crosses or punch to safety. A Bellis effort from 30 yards out was easily dealt with by Murphy. The deadlock was finally broken in the 63rd minute when Bellis for the third time got along the byline out on the right his time he managed to pick out Shane Cooper Clark

and his finish was clinical beating Murphy down to his left. The goal seemed to settle Wokingham and four minutes later it was 2 nil. There looked little danger when Jack Broome

picked the ball up in midfield some 30 yards out. The midfielder looked up before firing in an unstoppable effort low down. Bracknell tried to respond with Walsh heading inches over the bar and then Brint released Mark Hayward on the left but his cross shot went just wide of the far post. Wokingham were now at last in the comfort zone with the defence being well marshalled by Josh Smith and James Donaldson. The final minutes were seen out with little trouble and it was Wokingham & Emmbrook who deservedly lifted the trophy. It now back to league action for Wokingham, who need only one win to finish at least runners up in the Allied Counties Premier Division. They have five games left to to do it . A tremendous achievement after their promotion last season. Manager Herridge's comments after the game were. " I thought we looked nervous at the start but gradually grow into the game". " Bracknell certainly made us work hard for the victory and had a couple of good chances themselves". " I thought Sean Woodward made a couple of crucial saves and the two goals were excellently taken, in the end I thought we deserved the win".

Team: Woodward, Walton ( Day ), Luis, Donaldson ( Cooper-Southward), Smith, O'Connll, Broome, Bellis, Cooper Clark, Oakley, Reakes. Subs: Morgan, Simmonds, Gibbs, Cooper Southward.

Bracknell: Murphy, Humphrey, Hayward, Staines, Rakowski, Walsh, Bruce, Jones, Brint, Nugent, Clisby. Subs: Archer, Nicholas, Giggs, Kirk.  

            Under 18's Captian Alex Walton, along with Manager Roger Herridge and Coach Dan Bateman

                                                            Saturday 25th April 2009

                                                              Tuesday 21st April 2009

                                               Henley Town 1 Wokingham & Emmbrook 1,

                                                            Saturday 18th April 2009

A goal four minutes into time added on robbed Wokingham of what would have been three well deserved points against an over aggressive Henley side. The home side were reduced to 10 men a minute before the interval when Tommy Boyland was dismissed for a second bookable offence after a late challenge. Earlier he was lucky to be shown only yellow after a stamp on Ben Rice. The home side applied some early pressure without really troubling Wokingham keeper Kane Roberts. A sweeping move by Wokingham

ended with Billy Elgar's cross being deflected out for a throw on, that eventually won a corner for the visitors. The cross from Nicky Bateman was wel dealt with by home keeper Stuart Gosby, who had an excellent afternoon keeping his side in the game on numerous occasions. Richard Bland's pace again was a telling factor, getting to the byline he looked up and there was no support in sight. Wokingham had now settled and were beginning to dominate in midfield. Wokingham were awarded a free kick that was knocked high into the box by Bateman, Darren Thorne rose to head down and James Wise just failed to get the required touch. Bland then nearly turned provider, his inch perfect through ball released Wise deep into the home sides half only to see his effort clear the bar by some distance. This was the best chance of the half so far. Henley keeper Gosby then denied Bateman  after the midfielder had been set up by Bland, Gosby producing a great save low down. Then came the Boyland incident and the deserved dismissal. With the game there for the taking, Wokingam set off to dominate and were rewarded in the 49th minute. Rice's ball out from the back picked out Bateman who cleverly released Bland down the left. Wokingham's leading scorer cut back inside the area to fire low into the far corner of the net. For the deserved lead. Minutes later it should have been 2 - 0 when again Bland raced clear, but with Bateman unmarked in the centre, Bland elected to take the shot on himself, this proved to be the wrong choice. One rare Henley threat ended with John Donegan heading high over the bar. Henley's Jarvis Catlyn broke and only a great challenge from Grant Lewin denied him a shot on goal. Wokingham won a corner on the hour, Bateman's cross picked out Elgar who saw his well directed header cleared off the line by Stuart McLaughlin by the post. Wokingham then had a series of one against one's with Gosby but the outstanding keeper was equal to all of them. Three times Bland was in on goal but failed to take advantage. a Wise, Bland move ended with Gosby getting down quickly to cut out a pass that was destine to give Bateman a simple tap in. With four minutes remaining Wokingham were awarded a penalty when David Bellis's free kick picked out Bland, as he cut into the area he was tripped. Wise stepped forward only to see his shot saved by Gosby. Minutes later Bland rounded the keeper but took the ball to wide to take advantage. Were Wokingham going to pay the price for all their missed chances. The answer was yes. Four minutes into time added on, and I must question where the six minutes of stoppage time came from. Henley substitute Riccardo Riccio nipped in to score an undeserved leveller much to the displeasure of the travelling Wokingham fans. Even after this body blow Wokingham had won final chance to take maximum points, but guess what Gosby again denied Bland in a one against one situation. Wokingham had certainly thrown it away. This was echoed by Manager Wayne Wanklyn. " I can't believe we have not come away with all three points, we had countless one against one's and not taken one of them". " I counted at least seven, we certainly fell to the sucker punch in the end". " Although there keeper played well we should still have punished them, it could and should have been double figures". Next Saturday Wokingham & Emmbrook face Penn & Tylers Green at Cantley Park in their last league game of the season, Kick off 3  00pm.

This brings an end to a fabulous season for Wanklyn's young side who will finish no lower than 4th in a competitive division. I am sure Wayne would have accepted this before the start of the season. After this game Wokingham still have The Reading Evening Post Senior Cup Final, that will be played at the Madejeski Stadium against Woodley Town on Thursday 14th May. Kick off 7 00pm. What a wonderful climax for the youngsters to enjoy.

Team: Roberts, Lewin, Elgar, Chapman, Thorne, Bellis, Lee, Bateman, Wise, Bland, Rice. Subs not used: Tranter, Hanson, Harris.

Neil White and his squad looked forward to this fixture against near neighbours Wokingham with the intention of putting disappointment behind them having lost to Woodley Town in the local Cup semi-finals on Saturday last and are now minus Joe Warner broken leg.

                    The game started with the visitors probing the Finchampstead defence but Kevin Prentice made short work of the opening gambit by clearing only to find Wokingham returning to the area but Luke Lee wound his way into a point blank shooting position although Nick Rumsby dealt with the save. This prompted the hosts to get behind the Wokingham defence and Bob Yorke-Goldney took a long shot. Getting into gear, Finchampstead quickly worked into the Wokingham penalty area where Danny Isaiew netted the ball before anyone could draw breath.

This 8^th minute goal was to remain the sole goal for all but the last 2 minutes of the entire game.

                    The Satsumas battled with some tradesman-like work but every time they approached the opposite end of the pitch, they either lost possession or were blocked or the ball was cleared away from the danger zone. Nick Rumsby had to save an attempt by James Wise and other approach work was nullified by Scott Bursill’s solid defence. After a pass had been intercepted, Wokingham worked their way upfield along the flank until a corner was awarded. Matt Wright prevented a couple of attacks with timely blocks then as, Finches took strides forward, Stuart Harris was

equal to the high shot and tipped the ball behind for a corner. Bobby Hogg of Finchampstead missed a header by a fraction when the opportunity presented itself to him but Wokingham then missed out on creating a chance of an equaliser with a counter attack.

As half-time approached, Danny Isaiew gambled with a long shot which was easy for Stuart Harris to collect.

Luke Lee sent a threatening cross into the area and Tom Hopper headed out for a corner. Nick Bateman also decided to have a strike at goal for Wokingham but again Nick Rumsby was not troubled.

After the interval, Wokingham continued to find an opening for that all elusive equaliser and an early equaliser went wide and a subsequent attack fizzled out. Finchampstead took over domination for a while and Bobby Hogg took a 40 yard run and eventually the ball ended up with Stuart Harris as did a long shot in an ensuing phase of play.

                    Wokingham then drove into the Finchampstead half with more determination and the ball was cleared off the line somewhat fortuitously.

Bob Yorke-Goldney then had a free header from a Dean Thomas cross yet Finchampstead could not add to their tally. After Neal Hanson was fouled by Bob Yorke-Goldney, Wokingham took the free kick and began to pile on the pressure. Richard Bland took a pot-shot but the ball went well wide.

The visitors continued battling towards the target but to no avail; even a further two phases wound up fading into oblivion and Nick Rumsby plucked the ball out of the air somehow to deny the Satsumas once more. Escaping out of their own half, Finches supplied Dean Thomas with the ball and were unlucky to miss out as the shot went just outside the far post. With some end to end play as full time drew near, Kevin Prentice missed a chance for Finchampstead then Nick Rumsby saved a scorcher from the Wokingham attack when play switched ends again. With 2 minutes left on the clock, the ball landed at Bob Yorke-Goldney’s feet and he had time and space to select his spot with a well taken shot beating Stuart Harris.

After the game, Roger Herridge said that it reminded him of the game last year when Wokingham had dominated a large session of play and produced nothing from it. Bobby Langridge for Finchampstead said that it was an enjoyable game, 3 points again.

The attendance was estimated at 160.

 Finchampstead:

Rumsby, Wright, Carter, Prentice,

Bursill,(c), Hogg, Yorke-Goldney,

Hopper, Thomas, Wyatt, Isaiew.

Subs: Levey, Ryan, Gurney.

Wokingham:

Harris, Lewin, Broome, Rice, Elgar,

Bland, Bellis, Lee, Bateman, Wise.

Hanson, (c), Chapman ,Cain, Roberts.

                                              Wokingham & Emmbrook 3, Sandhurst Devils 1, 

                                                            Saturday 11th April 2009

A Richard Bland hatrick secured Wokingham & Emmbrook's place in the Reading Evening Post Senior Cup final at the Madejeski Stadium at the end of the season. After a nervy

start the pace of Bland was always going to be a problem for the visitors. On several occasions he had the visitors defence at full stretch. However it was the visitors who threatened early on. Their enterprise was rewarded in only the 10th minute. A clinical move undid the Wokingham defence. The ball was played out wide right to Adam Steel his cross picked out the incoming Mark Farrell who fired high into the net from close in. Sloppy defending almost gifted the visitors a second but Farrell lobbed inches wide. Farrell who was the main threat early on then rose to head a Nick Phillips free kick just wide. Gradually Wokingham settled down and started to look dangerous themselves. It was a mistake by Sandhurst's Chris Basher who let Wokingham back. Richard Bland latched on to race clear before firing past the advancing keeper Craig Wilkins. Wilkins then became his sides savior, twice saving with Bland one against one, spreading at the strikers feet. With half time approaching David Bellis just failed to release Bland through the centre. The last

chance of the half fell to the visitors when Farrell's cross picked out Adam Steel who headed wide. The second half started with Billy Elgar breaking down the right before crossing into Nicky Bateman on the edge of the area, the midfielders effort went just wide of the post. Sandhurst keeper Wilkins again denied Bland after Bateman had released him with a great ball out of defence. The visitors were having a good spell without really threatening. Suddenly Wokingham hit them on the break in the 70th minute when Luke Lee's inch perfect through ball saw Bland race away from his marker, keeping his composure he coolly slotted home. You felt Wokingham needed another to give then a cushion, and this they did in the 76th minute the visitors clearance was meet by the head of Bellis midway in the Sandhurst half, the ball fell to Bland who again showed blistering pace before brilliantly drilling his shot low past Wilkins into the corner of the net from the tightest of angles. The visitors who had used all of their substitutes kept going until the end but couldn't break down the Wokingham defence which improved as the game progressed after their nervous start. It was Lee who twice nearly undone the visitors defence in the final minutes. Firstly he broke into the area only to be denied by a great challenge and then after getting round the back out on the right he just failed to pick out Bateman. So all roads lead to the Madejeski Stadium possibly in May. Just reward for an excellent season so far.

Team: Roberts, Lewin, Elgar ( Luis ) , Rice, Hanson, Broome, Lee, Bateman ( Chapman ), Wise, Bland ( Thorne ), Bellis.

Atten: 82.     

                                          Wokingham & Emmbrook 6, Prestwood 0 

                                                            Tuesday 4th April 2009

Wokingham & Emmbrook made it 11 goals in two games on Tuesday evening against lowly Prestwood at Cantley Park. It could certainly have been a lot worse for the visitors had Wokingham taken the numerous chances they created. Their finishing certainly didn't match up to their approach work during the first forty five minutes. In the opening ten minutes they squandered four excellent chances. They eventually broke the deadlock in the 19th minute when Darren Thorne was released through the middle to slot past Prestwood keeper

Dan Little. Two minutes later it was 2 - 0 when a good five man build up ended with Nick Bateman picking out Luke Lee who finished impressively from an acute angle. Good keeping by Little kept the score down producing a fine double save to deny Neal Hanson. It was Hanson who nearly presented the visitors a life line minutes earlier but Shaun Wanklyn covering behind Stuart Harris cleared the danger. The second half was only five minutes old when Sam Whiting was picked out on the left, cutting in Whiting looked up

before curling in from the angle of the area, beating Little high up at the far post. Four minutes later it was 4 - 0. The ball was played up to Thorne who controlled instantly before rolling it to James Wise some 25 yards out. The strikers powerfully hit shot gave Little no chance, the ball hitting the net before Little could blink. On the hour Richard Bland returning from injury replaced James Wise and within a minute had the ball in the net, but his effort was ruled out for offside. Bland was then released down the middle but Little denied him

saving with his feet. Little then produced the save of the evening to deny Bland again. Bland did however get on the score sheet in the 72nd minute when Tommy Chapman released Wanklyn into the area, again Little saved but in doing so could only palm the ball into the feet of Bland who made no mistake from 12 yards. Two minutes later Bland scored his second of the evening with a good finish. This result should set Wokingham & Emmbrook up for this Saturdays Reading Evening Post cup Semi final against Sandhurst

Devils at Lowther Road. Kick off 2 00pm.

Team; Harris, Lewin, Elgar. Rice ( Bellis ), Wanklyn, Hanson, Lee, Bateman ( Chapman ), Wise ( Bland ), Thorne, Whiting.

Atten: 79.

                                                South Kilburn 1 Wokingham & Emmbrook 5,

                                                            Saturday 4th April 2009

As for a contest the game was over by the interval with Wokingham & Emmbrook impressively leading 1 - 5. A part from the opening ten minutes the visitors dominated throughout and the home side who had caused a few upsets during the season were truly put in their place by a very efficient Wokingham performance. On a hard difficult surface, Wokingham adapted well keeping the home side down to just a few chances. A good Wokingham build up ended with Darren Thorne's effort lacking the power to trouble home keeper Chris Christie. Wokingham then won three corners in succession, the first punch away for a second, which James Wise saw his glancing header palmed away for the third this time the ball was cleared to safety. Wokingham with Ben Rice pulling the strings in midfield had now settled. Sharp play around the box ended with Nicky Bateman forcing Christie to save low down. Wokingham eventually took the lead in the 17th minute when the impressive Shaun Wanklyn just in his own half fed the ball into James Wise, Wise took the ball down before firing low past Christie into the far corner. From this point the visitors never looked back. Four minutes later it was two nil. Wokingham won a corner out on the right which Bateman curled in, the ball fell to Darren Thorne who applied the finishing touch from close in. The visitors reply was almost instant.Charlie Helm gained possession wide out on the right, his cross into the area was met by Abdi Yassin who's header beat Kane Roberts just inside his left hand post. Wokingham were forced to defend for a few minutes and Dain Booth jinked into the area before firing low across the face of the Wokingham goal. However it was normal service resumed as Wokingham regained control.Wokingham's Billy Elgar picked up the first yellow card of the afternoon for his challenge on Joe Starkey. The visitors deservedly restored their two goal cushion in the 33rd minute when Sam Whiting cleverly controlled before slipping the ball into Nicky Bateman, the young midfielder made no mistake. The home side were now looking a well beaten side as Wokingham cruised into a 1 - 4 lead in the 43rd minute. A Bateman corner was flicked on at the near post by Thorne, the ball fell to Wise who turned the ball home from close in. The scoring was wrapped up right on half time. After a good build up Ben Rice played the ball forward into Wise, Wise's touch was sublime, bring the ball under instant control the striker crossed to Sam Whiting who fired high into the net, giving Christie no chance.

As the second period kicked off you wondered what the final score was going to be. But with the job done and games a plenty coming up, Wokingham took their foot off the peddle much to the relief of the home side. Neither keeper was really troubled during the second forty five minutes. Sam Whiting controlled cleverly in the box and won a corner for his side that was eventually scrambled away. Now in complete control Manager Wayne Wanklyn made the first of his two changes introducing Jose Gomez for the limping Shaun Wanklyn, Gomez who is returning from surgery has missed most of the season. Whiting on the turn saw Christie forced into action low down. Good work out on the right by Luke Lee ended with Bateman just being crowded out in the area. Tommy Chapman then replaced Elger. A nasty challenge by Scott Gerrard earned the midfielder a booking. From the free kick taken by Bateman, Wise got the faintest of touches allowing Christie to claim without to much trouble. The home side were awarded a free kick in the 80th minute right on the byline. From the free kick Lee Ives cross was headed away to safety. The remaining minutes firstly saw Ben Rice just fail to release Whiting in on goal and them South Kilburn's

Yassin fired high over the bar from just outside the box. With Newbury dropping a point against Thame, these three points were vital to Wokingham keeping them in third spot in the table. Manager Wanklyn delighted with the result, " I thought it was a workman like display in difficult conditions, the surface was very poor and we adapted well to the conditions ". " The game was over by the interval and it allowed us to cruise in, I thought Ben Rice was outstanding in midfield and James Wise led the line well ". " This result sets us up nicely for thru run in and we also have our cup semi final next Saturday ". Its important we get a result next Saturday as the final is at the Madejeski Stadium against the winners of the Finchamstead or Woodley Town semi final ". So next Saturday 11th April, Wokingham & Emmbrook entertain Sandhurst Devils in the Semi final of the Reading Evening Post Cup 

at Lowther Road. Kick off 2 00pm. The reason for the Lowther Road venue is that the game has to be played on a neutral ground. Wokingham are then in league action again on Easter Monday when they visit Finchampstead in a local derby. Kick Off 3 00pm.

Team: Roberts, Lewin, Elgar ( Chapman ), Rice, Wanklyn ( Gomez ) , Hanson, Lee, Bateman, Wise, Thorne, Whiting. Not used Bellis.

                                                        Saturday 21st March 2009

A goal from substitute Billy Elgar in the 77th minute was enough to inflict defeat for the first time this season in the league on Binfield at Cantley Park last Saturday, and leap frog the Cantley Park side back into second place in the table. A crowd of 230 witnessed a tense and tight affair between the second and third in the table. All thought Wokingham took the points,the visitors still have six games in hand and remain favorites to possibly win the title. Over the ninety minutes there was no doubt that Wokingham deserved their win.

Playing into a strong breeze in the opening half, Wokingham opted to pass the ball around on the floor while Binfield went the more direct route. The only real danger to Wokingham came from set pieces, and Stuart Harris did well under pressure to take the ball high up in his six yard box as the visitors had a distinct advantage in height. It was the visitors who threatened first when from a free kick taken by Carl Withers, Ryan Millward rose to head wide from a good position. Wokingham who had settled well were soon on the front foot although the outstanding Shaun Wanklyn had to tidy up after a mistake by Harris. The visitors had a let off in only the 5th minute when good work by Richard Bland saw him cut along the byline before hitting the outside of the upright from the acutest of angles. David Bellis and Nicky Bateman combined to set up Sam Whiting, the wide layer cut in before firing wide of the target. A long throw from Binfield's Millward into the area caused panic but cool heads in the Wokingham defence thwarted any danger. There was certainly a good tempo to the game as Binfield had a period of possession without really threatening. A mistake by Justin McClurg, giving the ball away to Whiting ended with Gary Callaway having to make a good tackle to deny Whiting a run at goal. A searching ball from Bland picked out Whiting who was upended by Whithers along the byline, however Bateman's free kick failed to clear the first defender and the ball was cleared to safety. James Wise who lead the line well for Wokingham almost released Bland but a timely intervention from Dave Fenton saved the day. Bland then lost his footing at a crucial time in the area and the chance went. A challenge by Callaway on the half hour left Bland clutching his ankle on the sideline, after treatment Bland limped back on but after only three minutes had to be brought off and replaced by the talented Sam Duffelen, Duffelen normally a defender / midfield player slotted in up front along side Wise. Binfield's Scott Williams was the first into the book in the 36th minute for a late challenge on Keeper Harris. Just before the interval Wokingham were awarded a free kick, the ball was played in by Duffelen and the outstretched leg of Wise directed the ball high and wide. In the final minute of the half David Bellis after a good Wokingham build up saw his effort from close in cleared off the line to keep the two sides level at the interval.

Wokingham again started brightly and won an early corner. The corner was taken quickly to Bateman but his cross was to deep to trouble Binfield keeper Chris Adams. Clever play

out on the right involving Grant Lewin and Duffelen ended with Jason Day's desperate tackle coming to the visitors rescue. At this stage Wokingham still looked the more threatening going forward although Williams fired high from 25 yards out. At the other end good work by Wise set up Whiting but his effort lacked the  power and direction to trouble

Adam's. Wokingham made there first change in the 65th minute with Billy Elgar replacing the hard working Bellis in midfield. Two minutes later the visitors made there change bring on Danny Wing for Williams. Gary Sargeant had a good chance for the visitors in the 69th minute when he shrugged aside Steve Tranter's challenge, he shot hopelessly high from a good position. Sargeant then saw his effort cleared from just in front of the line by the solid Jack Broome after Harris had come for a high cross and failed to get there. Steve Tranter then limped off in the 71st minute his replacement being Neal Hanson. Joel Havermans then latched onto a ball that was only half cleared but again the ball sailed high over the bar. Duffelens runs and good close control was a constant threat to the visitors and it was no surprise that he was involved in the only goal of the game in the 77th minute. After a good build up the ball was picked up by Deffelen just outside the box. he cleverly made space before firing in a low effort that Adams could only parry away, the loose ball ran invitingly to the incoming Billy Elgar who fired into a empty net from 12 yards out much to the delight of the home supporters. The visitors tried to respond and Harris made a great save low down to deny Tim Walsh cutting in from the right. Binfield's last throw of the dice came when Jack Tallentire came on for Withers and Callum Whitty replaced Sargeant. The remaining minutes were played out with neither side threatening, although Justin McClurg who had a fine game for the visitor carried a major treat to the home side , his touch throughout was outstanding.  With the game well into time added on Dave Fenton and Shaun Wanklyn clashed by the dugouts. Both seemed to throw punches and Mr. B. Proffitt had no option but to produce his red card and send both players to the Dressing Room. Minutes later the final whistle went and it was Wokingham & Emmbrook who deservedly claimed the points. Although Wokingham won the points the visitors lifted the Martin Joyce Memorial Trophy. The trophy is played for every season in memory of Martin, the aggregate scores of the two league encounters see's the victors lift the trophy. This season Binfield won it  4 - 3 on aggregate. So the visitors first defeat in the league saw Manager Wayne Wanklyn very upbeat. " It was a shame about the sending off's at the end but I have no problems with the outcome as both players threw punches and got what they deserved". " As for the game I thought we did excellently against a well organized side and defended well throughout". " There were not many chances for either side and I thought who ever scored first would probably win it ". " I thought Shaun had his best game for the club but that was spoilt by the sending off but overall it was an excellent team performance". For me Tommy Chapman worked his socks off in midfield but I do agree it was a great team effort. Next Saturday Wokingham & Emmbrook tavel to Kintbury Rangers. Kick off 3 00pm.

Teams: Wokingham: Harris, Lewin, Broome, Chapman, Wanklyn, Tranter ( Hanson ), Bland ( Duffelen ), Bateman, Wise, Bellis ( Elgar ), Whiting.

Binfield: Adams, Callaway, Fenton, Millward, Day, Havermans, Walsh, Withers ( Tallentire ), McClurg, Sargeant ( Whitty ), Williams ( Wing ).  

                                         Wokingham & Emmbrook 1 Chinnor 2,

                                                         Saturday 7th March 2009 

Wokingham & Emmbrook embarked on a tricky looking period with four difficult looking fixtures starting with this game against much improved Chinnor. This game is followed by an away game at Holyport, and then title favourites Binfield at home ending with a visit to Kintbury Rangers. Although Wokingham were expected to collect the points against Chinnor, they disappointed with a lack luster display as they struggled to find the net against a five man defence that rarely looked troubled. It was the home side who threatened first but nobody was on hand to finish Richard Bland's inch perfect cross. At the other end the visitors nearly punished Wokingham when they caught them three against two but Keeper Stuart Harris saved with his legs from Stuart Braun. Chinnor keeper Ben Marshall struggled to deal with an Alex Walton cross claiming at the second attempt. Wokingham were struggling to put anything together, normally they look impressive in their build up play but this was sadly missing. Andre Stairmand and Nicky Bateman almost combined to release Bland but the final ball was just over hit. However Wokingham did manage to take the lead in the 21st minute when good work by David Bellis set up Sam Whiting, the wide player cleverly cut inside before scoring from the angle of the penalty area via the inside of the post. Manager Wayne Wanklyn would now have expected his side to kick on, but still they failed to break the visitors well marshalled defence down. The first card of their afternoon was shown to visiting skipper Richard Carr for a crude challenge on David Bellis. Harris was again called upon to take a high cross under pressure from Adam Stallwood. The visitors best chance of the half fell to Stallwood in the 38th minute but from close in he headed high over the bar from a free kick played in high. Bland then forced Marshall to save with his legs. The visitors lost defender Colin Bird in the 42nd minute with a dislocated shoulder after a tussle with Bland, the defender falling awkwardly after being turned by the striker. It was hoped that Wokingham would improve on their first half display after the interval team talk. In fact their general play did improve but their ability to create chances didn't. The visitors hit back in the 52nd minute when I thought Stuart Harris could have done better when a free kick from the right was played in high, instead of coming to claim he stayed on his line, the ball wasn't cleared and fell to Stuart Braun who turned unchallenged to fire home from close in. Chinnor's Lewis Craker was put into the book for another crude challenge this time on Stairmand. Wokingham certainly needed freshening up and Wanklyn made a double change with Sam Duffelen and James Wise replacing Stairmand and Tommy Chapman. At last Wokingham started to dominate possession in midfield. Wokingham looked to have an excellent shout for a penalty in the 73rd minute when Whiting cut into the area only to be blocked off and bundled to the ground however Referee Mr. C. Boyles didn't agree and amazingly waved play on. A neat build up in midfield ended with Bellis's well struck effort from 25 yards clearing the bar. Chinnor's Braun nearly gave the visitors the lead but Harris again saved well with his feet. Wokingham broke through Wise who played the ball into Bateman, but from a good position the midfielder, who had a quite game fired straight into the keepers arms. A period of pressure saw Shaun Wanklyn's cross pick out Wise but the striker who has just returned from suspension headed high.

With four minutes remaining Luke Lee came on for Shaun Wanklyn. Whiting and Duffelen combined in the 89th minute but the latter's effort lacked power. With the game well into injury time, Wokingham were caught at the back when Stallwood gained possession just inside the area, he cleverly made space for himself before slipping his marker. The resulting shot beat Harris low down. This was Wokingham's first defeat in six games but they still remain in 2nd place in the table, but Binfield who won at Thame are now only a point behind them but with six games in hand. Realistically Wokingham are looking to secure third spot, which could still be good enough for promotion as the top three go up if ground requirements are meet. With Manager Wanklyn still fuming at the penalty decision that was not given and questioning the Referee as they left the pitch, Assistant boss Roger Herridge commented. " It was a disappointing performance that lacked guile at times, we just couldn't break them down ". " From the outset you could see that they had come for the point stringing five across the back, despite our possession at times we failed to create that many chances we were totally predictable". " Then we got caught by the sucker punch, we will have to learn from this and take it on board ". Next Saturday Wokingham travel to nearby Holyport , Kick off 3 00pm.

Team: Harris, Walton, Broome, Chapman ( Duffelen ), Wanklyn ( Lee ), Tranter, Stairmand ( Wise ), Bateman, Bland, Bellis, Whiting.

Atten: 77.

                                                          Thame Utd 0 Wokingham & Emmbrook 1

                                                         Tuesday 3rd March 2009

Richard Bland carried on where he left off Saturday. After finding the net on four occasions Saturday it took him only three minutes to open his account and secure three points for Wokingham at Thame on Tuesday. In wet and windy conditions, Wokingham had to dig in to secure the win that narrows Ascot Utd's lead at the top of the table to 5 points, although the "Yellowmen" do have a couple of games in hand. A poor kick from home keeper Paul Searl gifted the points to the visitors. The clearance fell straight to Sam Whiting who looked up before releasing Bland in on goal. The strikers pace was always making him favorite against his marker and the resulting shot gave Searl no chance at all. Wokingham who like to get the ball down and play were forced to change tactics with water standing on the sodden surface. Bland was soon threatening again but Searle produced a fine save. At the other end Stuart Harris was forced to make a fine save from Sam Cowan and then deny Tom Hoskin by forcing him wide. Nicky Bateman again was denied when his effort from outside the area hit the foot of the post. Just before the interval, Wokingham won a corner out on the left, Bateman's cross picked out Bland who headed wide from a good position. The second half saw the home side with the driving rain and wind at their backs and Wokingham were forced to defend for periods. Bland on the turn saw a shot blocked and at the other end Harris tipped the ball onto the bar and Hoskin looked favorite to tap in from close in, but Harris recovered to punch the ball to safety. minutes later Theme's  

Mark Jones hit the woodwork from distance. Bateman's luck remained out when from fully 35 yards out his powerfully struck free kick thumped against the bar with Searle well beaten. The closing minutes saw Wokingham defending stoutly to collect three deserved points. You hear Managers say that sometimes you have to win " ugly " and this was one of those occasions. With Wayne Wanklyn away on business I am Sure his assistant Roger Herridge would agree. This Saturday Wokingham & Emmbrook entertain 5th in the table Chinnor at Cantley Park. Kick off 3 - 00pm.

Team: Harris, Walton, Broome, Chapman ( Duffelen ), Tranter, Hanson, Stairmand ( Lewin ), Bateman, Bland ( Wise ), Bellis, Whiting.

                                    Wokingham & Emmbrook 6 Launton Sports 0

                                                  Saturday 28th February 2009

A first half hatrick from Richard Bland and a David Bellis header put Wokingham & Emmbrook into the comfort zone after the opening forty five minutes. Launton Sports who currently occupy bottom pace in the division have just appointed a new manager and several players new players have been drafted in. Last week the visitors collected their first win of the season beating Thame Utd 3 - 2, so they were obviously looking to carry on the good work. However they came up against a determined Wokingham side who were

discribed as awful after last weeks win in the cup. From the kick off the home side dominated putting the visitors under extreme pressure. The pace of Bland was far to much of a handful for the Launton defence. However it was the visitors who threatened first with Neal Hanson having to concede a corner from a free kick given away by Jack Broome. It took Wokingham only seven minutes to open their account. Bland was released by Nicky Bateman out on the right, the striker left James Lisseter trailing in his wake. Cutting in Bland fired home from the acutest of angles. Launton keeper Danny Clifford, who was outstanding throughout pulled off a fine save to deny Bland a quick second. Bland however did increase the lead in the 16th minute when Broome broke along the left touchline before picking out Bland who made space before drilling the ball home from just inside the area. An effortless build up ended with Clifford this time denying Bateman. Bateman could have increased the lead in the 21st minute when Bland almost turned provider. Bateman at the near post guided his effort the wrong side of there upright. Wokingham keeper Stuart Harris was forced to make his first save in the 24th minute from a Lee Parrack free kick. Andre Stairmand should have scored in the 29th minute but fired high from a good position after Bland had picked him out. However two minutes later Wokingham did go further ahead when David Bellis timed his run into the area to perfection, stooping low to direct a deft header just inside the far post from Bland's cross. With the visitors looking a well beaten side you could see a total rout on the cards when Bland completed his hatrick a minute before the interval. Bellis this time returned the complement releasing the striker

in on goal, Clifford advanced but Bland slotted low under the diving keeper. Two minutes into the second period it was 5 - 0 when again Bland was involved heavily in the build up.

A neat interchange with Sam Whiting allowed the wide player a simple tap in from close in. Clifford again came to his side rescue deny Bateman a chance of getting on the score sheet. Another day Bateman could easily have bagged himself a hatrick. Wokingham then made three changes introducing Alex Walton, Ben Rice and Luke Lee for Grant Lewin, David Bellis and Andre Stairmand, this in the 55th minute. The visitors were well and truly on the back foot as Clifford produced a fine double save to deny both Bland and Rice.

The visitors had a brief spell when Matthew Printers effort deflected off his own teammate Adam Woodfine, forcing Harris to save at full stretch. The scoring was wrapped up in the 79th minute when Bland raced clear, Cliford advanced as Bland rounded him just outside the area, the striker looked to have gone too wide, but keeping his composure he cut back in to fire low into the net. There was one final chance in the 85th minute but Rice headed over the bar from 15 yards. So Wokingham remain second in the division, with the top four now pulling away from the team in fifth place. Manager Wayne Wanklyn looked far more at peace with the world after this impressive performance. " We went about our work in the right manner this afternoon, all be it against a poor side". " We looked comfortable throughout and kept a clean sheet, it was a good all-round performance with Blandy

outstanding, not only scoring four but assisting with the other two". After the midweek trip to face Thame Utd, Wokingham & Emmbrook are at home again this coming Saturday

when the much improved Chinnor are the visitors to Cantley Park. Kick off 3 - 00pm.

Team: Harris, Lewin ( Walton ), Broome, Chapman, Hanson, Tranter, Stairmand ( Lee ), Bateman, Bland, Bellis ( Rice ), Whiting.

Atten: 71.  

                                Wokingham & Emmbrook 4  Rayners Lane 2

                                               Saturday 14th Febraury 2009

Wokingham & Emmbrook turned in one of their best performances of the season to complete the double over their Middlesex opponents and to keep in touch with leaders Ascot Utd who beat Eton Wick 3 - 1. With Binfield also recording a victory it was an important result for the Cantley Park side. Manager Wayne Wanklyn was forced to make changes with

several players unavailable. Into the side came Andre Stairmand, Billy Elgar and Jack Broome. Both sides settled quite quickly with both teams creating early chances. A good eight man move resulted in Jack Broome seeing his effort deflected straight into visiting keeper Dominic Cassells hands while at the other end sloppy defending allowed Neil Elyfiod a free run at goal but the striker fired wide of the target with only Kane Roberts to beat. once again the home side opened up the visiting defence but Nicky Bateman's

effort lacked power. It was the visitors who took the lead against the run of play in the 13th minute when Jack Broome's attempted back pass came up short allowing Neil Elyfiod to

latch on to score with ease. This stung Wokingham into action and good work by the impressive Stairmand set up Billy Elgar who wasted the chance from close in. Wokingham then won a corner out on the right, the ball fell to Broome who almost made up for his earlier error but Mark Middleton cleared off the line with Cassells beaten. Some of Wokingham's play was a sheer joy to watch, finding plenty of space they constantly had the visitors at full stretch although the visitors played their part in this entertaining encounter by trying to play their football on the ground. Wokingham were rewarded in the 19th minute when Richard Bland and Sam Whiting combined brilliantly to open up the visitors defence out on the right. Referee Mr.C. Browning allowed play to continue when Bland appeared to be fouled out on the right after being released by Whiting, cutting in Bland slotted past the advancing Cassells to level. With Bateman, Elgar and Tommy Chapman bossing midfield, the visitors were struggling to exert any kind of pressure. Broome's cross picked out Bateman who headed just wide. With four minutes of the half remaining Wokingham eventually took the lead with a stunning Sam Whiting finish. Stairmand one again did well to pick out the wide player. Whiting at least 25 yards out looked up to spot Cassells only just off his line, and with perfect execution Whiting lobbed the ball in with precision just under the bar. The perfect time to take the lead just before the interval. However the second half was only five minutes old when the visitors were awarded a penalty when Grant Lewin and Broome were adjudged to have upended Carlos Cambeiro in the area, possibly a little harsh with Cambeiro going down far to easily. However the same player stepped forward to score with ease. Again the Wokingham response was good when within three minutes they were deservedly in front again. A peach of a pass from Bateman released Bland inon goal, with Cassells advancing Bland kept his composure to slip the ball under the body of Cassells. At this stage Wokingham were now finding plenty of space wide out on the flanks and with Broome, over his earlier mistake making inlets out on the right, Wokingham looked more than capable of increasing their lead. Bland's searing pace was a big concern for the visitors and on several occasions he could have completed what would have been a deserved hatrick. The game was finally put to bed on the hour when the visitors gave the ball away deep in the Wokingham half. The home side broke with pace through Bland on the right and this time the striker turned provider getting to the byline before crossing nto the path of Sam Whiting who fired high into the net from close in. With the game now won, Manager Wanklyn made a couple of changes introducing Steve Tranter and Ben Rice for Lewin and Chapman. Sill chances were created by Wokingham, Cassells made a great save from Bland while at the other end Anthony Barker fired inches over the bar with Roberts at full stretch. Wokingham did have one final let off when a cross deflected off Tranter onto his own crossbar but the danger was cleared. Both Whiting and Bland had chances in the final seconds to complete their hatricks but both failed to take advantage. Manager Wayne Wanklyn was more than satisfied with the overall performance although tongue in cheek he did say, " We do like to make thing interesting for ourselves giving away silly goals instead of killing sides off ". " Seriously I thought we played some great football especially in the first half, I thought both Bateman and Stairmand did well and Elgar did the simple things well and Bland's pace was always going to be a telling factor ". " It was also good to see Sam get back on the score sheet he needed those goals just to lift his confidence". " We were always a threat out in wide area's so overall I was pleased". Next Saturday it is back to cup action when Reading YMCA are the visitors to Cantley Park for a Reading Senior Cup Quarter Final tie. Kick off 2 -30pm. The final of this competition is at The Madejski Stadium, the home of Reading F.C.

Team: Roberts, Broome, Duffelen, Chapman ( Rice ), Wanklyn, Lewin ( Tranter ), Stairmand, Bateman, Bland, Elgar, Whiting. Sub not used Hanson.

                                              Wokingham & Emmbrook 1  Ascot Utd 4

                                      Saturday 24th January 2009

Naive defending and total lack of composure in front of goal cost Wokingham & Emmbrook dearly in last Saturdays top of the table clash at Cantley Park. Looking at the final score line you would think that the visitors had everything their own way, but in fact it was Wokingham who had the better chances over the 90 minutes. The difference between the two sides was that the visitors were more composed than the home side and more clinical in front of goal. A disappointed Wayne Wanklyn commented at the final whistle, " Ascot

never had to work hard for their win, as our poor defending at set pieces gifted them the perfect start ". " Being 0-2 down after only 23 minutes meant we were always chasing the game ". Another good crowd of 148 witnessed an entertaining encounter on a wet surface. Both sides had early chances with Richard Bland just failing to get on the end of a through ball, Ascot keeper Dave Lyons just denied, and at the other end Tim Standing's effort from the edge of the area was just to high and wide. Poor defending from a free kick

almost gifted the visitors the lead but a couple of desperate blocks saved he day. Wokingham didn't learn from this as the visitors took the lead in the 10th minute. A free kick out on the right was played in high, nobody attacked the ball and as the ball was flicked on for Sam McIntyre who was in oceans of space fire home with ease. Just the start Wokingham could have done without. Wokingham tried to hit back with James Wise having an effort blocked. From a corner at the other end a header rebounded off the home crossbar. On several occasions Wokingham just failed to break the Ascot offside trap in an effort to get back into it. Both Nick Bateman and Richard Bland saw efforts fail to trouble keeper Lyons. It was another free kick in the 23rd minute that undid Wokingham again. This time Wokingham had time to clear the danger but they didn't and like the first

goal the ball was played into Sam McIntyre who repeated the dose. Wokingham had a great chance to claw a goal back 3 minutes later when Richard Bland was played in one against one with keeper Lyons, but Bland's effort hit the keeper and went out for a corner. Wokingham were forced to make a change in the 40th minute when Tommy Chapman

limped out of the action to be replaced by David Bellis. A good move out on the right involving Luke Lee and Jack Broome almost set up Sam Whiting, but the laters effort went just wide of the near post. The second half got under way with Wokingham creating a couple of early chances. Firstly Nicky Bateman coming in at the near post saw his effort blocked and then Bland and Wise combined, before Wise cutting in from the right saw his effort saved from an acute angle by Lyons. Wokingham who had started the second half with promise were have their share of midfield possession but one always felt Ascot could punish them on the break. Bland had the ball in the net in the 50th minute but the goal was rightly ruled out for offside. A promising run by Whiting fizzled out when the wide player ran into trouble and was crowded out. Ascot's leading scorer Jon Bennett turned on a sixpence but his well struck effort just cleared the bar. Another change on the hour saw Billy Elgar replace Luke Lee in the Wokingham midfield and Elger's first involvement was to

concede a penalty for hand ball after the ball had broken kindly in the area after Harris had saved low down on the edge of the box. The ball rebounded goalwards and Elgar on the ground handled. Jon Bennett stepped forward to score from the spot, this in the 61st minute. Surely that was game, set and match to the visitors. Wokingham tried to respond and a Shaun Wanklyn header from a free kick cleared the bar. The final substitution was made in the 70th minute when Alex Walton replaced Grant Lewin. Wokingham were given a slight lifeline in the 74th minute when Richard Bland who had looked offside raced clear and this time slotted past the advancing Lyons. Could Wokingham produce the improbable and get something out of the game. Things certainly got a little feisty as tackles began to bite and tempers began to fray. Wokingham looked to be denied a perfectly good claim for a penalty when Referee Mr. M . Fernandez failed spot handball in the area in the 81st minute. Any chance Wokingham had of salvaging at least a point disappeared in the 83rd minute when keeper Stuart Harris was caught in possession trying to dribble the ball out, Bennett gained possession and raced goalwards, unselfishly the striker stopped just short of the line to allow Sam McIntyre to follow him in to complete his hat rick and the scoring from close in. Now well beaten Wokingham still managed to create another three chances

before the final whistle. Bland raced into the box before rounding Lyons, his effort from an acute angle was cleared off the line, the ball rebounded into the path of Whiting who had followed up but his shot went straight into the arms of Lyons who had recovered. From a free kick just outside the area Wise fired straight at the keeper and then a Wise flick header almost picked out the advancing Bateman who at full stretch just failed to slide the ball in. So the victory now puts Ascot five points clear at the top of the table, possibly

just enough to deny Wokingham the chance of lifting the title come May. " A win would put us in good shape for the remainder of the season, but defeat isn't the end of the world but it certainly makes things that little bit harder ". That was Manager Wanklyns thoughts before the start. " Again we missed too many chances and as I said last week if you don't take them the better sides will punish you, and this proved to be the point today ". However Wokingham must take this defeat as part of a learning curve, remembering they are playing in a decent standard of non league football with seven players most weeks in their starting line up still under the age of 21. They still have it all to come.

Team: Harris, Broome, Duffelen, Chapman ( Bellis 40 ), Wanklyn, Lewin ( Walton 70 ), Lee ( Elgar 60 ), Bateman, Wise, Bateman, Whiting.

Fixture: Hellenic Supplementary Cup 1 Round.    Sat 7th February    Wantage Town  Kick off  2 30pm  Cantley Park. Wantage Town are Hellenic Premier Division.

                                  Wokingham & Emmbrook 4 Bisley Sports 1

                                            Saturday 17th January 2008

After a two week break due to the frozen conditions, Wokingham & Emmbrook got back to winning ways completing the league double over Bisley Sports at Cantley Park last

Saturday watched by a healthy crowd of 95. The final score really flattered the visitors as the chances Wokingham racked up could quite easily gone into double figures. Wokingham welcomed back Richard Bland from Camberley Town, Bland who started the season scoring 7 goals in the opening 4 games for the Cantley based side could quite

easily have returned with a hat rick on Saturday. His pace was always a worry for the visitors defence. All Wokingham's good early work was coming down the right with Jack Broome and Luke Lee combining well with both James Wise and Bland. Bland almost got on the score sheet in the opening minute but headed just the wrong side of the post.

Lee and Broome then combined to pick out Sam Duffelen who was fouled by Jonny Sim. The resulting free kick taken by Duffelen picked out Wise but his glancing header was easily held by Bisley keeper Ashley Scott, who despite conceding four goals looked quite impressive. Bland and Wise were then one on one but Wise's ball in lacked quality.

The visitors who at times played some neat football played five across midfield, with only Greg Alexander up front so there was no real threat for Stuart Harris to deal with. The deadlock was finally broken in 29th minute when Wokingham deservedly took the lead. Luke Lee raced away down the left before slipping the bal into Bland, cutting in the striker

squared to James Wise who slid the ball home from close in. The visitors tried to respond and Harris had to be alert tipping Sim's free kick round the post. Apart from this the home side ended the half well on top. The midfield of Nick Bateman, Luke Lee, Tommy Chapman and Sam Whiting were always in control and it was Bateman who nearly increased the lead right on the interval but his effort just cleared the bar. The second half started with the visitors creating a chance out of nothing. Mickey McDonnell worked space in the area but from a good position fired into the side netting. Apart from this scare it was business as usually from Wokingham creating chance after chance but failing to take them, either

poor finishing, or good goalkeeping denying them. Tommy Chapman who had an impressive afternoon fed the ball into Wise who in turned picked out Sam Whiting who just failed to connect. Lee should have increased the lead in the 63rd minute when a mistake in the visitors defence allowed Lee to race clear, keeper Scott advanced but Lee shot straight at him. The ball rebounded quickly into the path of the incoming Blan who fired over the bar. It certainly looked as though Wokingham were going to pay for their many missed chances when the visitors leveled in the 67th minute. Poor defending allowed Peter Hebert to gain possession just outside the area, cutting in he scored via the inside of Harris's right hand post.  Minutes later a great Grant Lewin tackle possibly denied the visitors an undeserved lead, the timing of the challenge was spot on as it was just inside the area. Briefly the visitors were lifted but a fine goal from Tommy Chapman restored the home sides lead, this in the 73rd minute. The goal was one of complete simplicity. Stuart Harris rolled the ball out to Broome, who helped it on to Lee, Lee in turn released Chapman first time. The midfielder raced clear and as Scott advanced he placed the ball wide of the keeper, scoring

off the inside of the post. The game was finally put beyond the visitors in the 80th minute when Duffelen broke forward only to be tripped from behind. Duffelen got up to take the free kick himself. The ball was played into James Wise on the angle of the area, he turned cleverly before firing low into the far corner of the net. The chances were now again coming thick and fast with Scott making a string of fine saves. With only five minutes remaining Sam Duffelen got onto the score sheet with the goal of the game. Wokingham were awarded a corner out on the left. The ball was crossed in high and cleared to the edge of the area by Ben Bartlett, as the ball dropped Duffelen's first time volley gave Scott no chance. This win keeps Wokingham & Emmbrook a point behind leaders Ascot Utd who are the visitors to Cantley Park next Saturday for what promises to be a real cracker.

Kick Off 2 - 15m.  Although pleased with the win Manager Wayne Wanklyn thought as many others did, his side made hard work of a game they should have won more convincingly. " I lost count of the number of one on ones we had with their keeper, against the top sides we have to start taking them or we will be punished". " Saying that we did play some good football at times and we could quite easily have reached double figures " " We can at least go into next weeks top of the table clash in good heart". 

Team: Harris, Broome, Duffelen, Chapman, Wanklyn, Lewin ( Tranter 82 ), Lee ( Elgar 84 ), Bateman, Wise, Bland, Whiting ( Stairmand 76 ).    

                                             Prestwood 1 Wokingham & Emmbrook 6

                                                           Saturday 25th October 2008

Wokingham & Emmbrook moved back to within a point of leaders Ascot Utd with a resounding victory in Buckinghamshire on Saturday. This was the response Manager Wayne Wanklyn was looking for after the previous weeks defeat against Newbury. "  This is a difficult place to come, the surface is far from perfect and you know you will have to earn everything you get " , commented Wanklyn.  With the opening exchanges even, Wokingham soon stepped up a gear to dominate and completely outclass their opponents in every department. The midfield of David Bellis, Nick Bateman and Tommy Chapman gave their counterparts a torrid time moving the ball around at will. Supported in the wide area by Alex Walton and Sam Duffelen, the visitors could have been out of site by the interval. A good build up involving Luke Lee, James Wise and Bateman ended with the latters shot lacking power. Once again Bateman failed to take advantage after Wise had flicked on a clearance by Keeper Kane Roberts. Wokingham had a let off in the 15th minute when from a corner out on the right Karl Lewis saw his effort rebound off the post with Roberts beaten. However from this Wokingham broke impressively, Wise got into the area only to be brought down by Damien Donaghue. Wise stepped forward to beat home keeper Adam Slattery from the spot. From this point the visitors never looked back , as Wise went on to complete an impressive hatrick. Ten Minutes later Wokingham increased their lead when Alex Walton, raiding on the right got behind the home defence before crossing low into the area where skipper Neil Hanson had the simplest of tap ins from 6 yards. Wokingham, out passing their opponents continued to create chances it seemed at will. Good work by the hard working Lee ended with both Wise and Bateman missing from close in, Lack of communication between the pair denied their tam a third. Lee and Wise combined, only to see Wise's effort rebound off the face of the bar. With only five minutes remaining in the half, Wise put the game beyond the home side with a fine individual from 

fully 30 yards out, receiving the ball with his back to goal he turned to make space and his well struck effort beat Slattery low down to his left. With the points now relatively safe, Billy Elgar back from injury replaced Tommy Chapman in midfield. Now with the strong wind in their faces, Wokingham carried on where they ended the first half. Within three minutes of the restart it was  0 - 4. Wokingham won a corner out on the right, Sam Duffelen curled the cross in towards the near post where Wise stooped to glance his header in at the near post. With the hatrick completed Wise made way for Darren Thorne, this in the 52nd minute. A strong run by Elgar from deep in his own half ended with the midfielder just failing to release Thorne. Bateman then brilliantly freed Elgar in the area but Elgar slid the ball wide on the stretch. Minutes later Wokingham scored number five. Walton again was involved in the build up, this time releasing Lee out on the right. Lee' s dangerous cross could only be turned into his own net by Kevin Riley. The visitors, who to their credit never gave up pulled a consolation goal back on 70 minutes.  Roberts was called into action tipping over a Karl Lewis header. From the corner, Roberts seemed to have the ball firmly in his grasp until bundled into by Lewis, the ball fell to Lewis who fired home from close in. The visitors then had a spell in the Wokingham half but without really threatening. The rout was completed in the 77th minute when from another good build up involving Bateman, Sam Duffelen got possession out on the left. Cutting in from the left he drilled an unstoppable shot across Slattery from the acutest of angle's. Manager Wanly was delighted with the overall performance. " A big pitch seems to suit us, it allows us to pass the ball around and we tend to use every inch of it ". " The home side struggled all afternoon to deal with this and they were always being stretched at the back , we could quite easily have reached double figure's but a 1 - 6 win away will do us nicely " . " To Prestwood's credit they tried to get the ball down and play and never gave up " . It back to cup action next Saturday when Wokingham & Emmbrook travel to Hellenic Premier League side Milton Utd in the league cup. The game has been changed to Milton because of the Firework Display in the evening at Cantley Park. The game at Milton will kick off at 3 00pm, as Milton have floodlights.

Team : Roberts , Walton, Duffelen, Lewin, Hanson ( Rushe ) , Tranter, Lee, Bellis, Wise ( Thorne ), Bateman, Chapman ( Elgar ). 

                                           Wokingham & Emmbrook 2 Westwood Utd 4

                                                         Saturday 4th October 2008

                                       Wokingham & Emmbrook 3 Easington Sports 0

                                                 Saturday 27th September 2008

Wokingham & Emmbrook eased comfortably into the next round of The SBJ Insurance Brokers Challenge Cup with a convincing victory over their Division West opponents Easington Sports at Cantley Park on Saturday. It was a game that Wokingham dominated from start to finish, bar a couple of early scares. In an incident filled first half that saw both

sides reduced to ten men. Visiting Keeper John Okole was dismissed in the 14th minute for a handling offence outside his area and then in the 35th minute Shaun Wanklyn was shown a straight Red card for a wreckless challenge on Easington's Tom Mudge, Wanklyn going in high. This was capped by probably the most ludicrious decision I have ever witnessed in my 35 years of reporting. The ball was angled into the area from midway in the visitors half, Sam Whiting who went on to bag himself a brace, got between his markers to arrow his header towards substitute goalkeeper Danny Cockles right hand post, Cockle got down but could only manage to palm the ball onto the inside of the post before the ball crossed the line and ending up in the back of the net. Amazingly Referee's Assistant Tom Walton raised his flag. Referee Mr Simon Parbury ran across and after a lenghthy

discussion awarded a corner kick to Wokingham. How on earth can officials get a such a decision so wrong. If Mr Walton had got it wrong, surely the Referee who was in a perfect position could and should have overruled the decision. Surely if the ball enters the net it is a goal, not a corner. There is no chance for football if the officials can't define the difference between a goal and corner. However back to the game. Wokingham again started out brightly although the visitors tested Stuart Harris, back in goal after his recent illness. The visitors Danny Green was denied a strike after good defending from Neil Hanson.  Wokingham then had two excellent chances within two minutes both failing to James Wise. Firstly after good work by Andre Stairmand and Whiting, Wise raced clear but shot straight at Okole and then Billy Elgar's through ball picked out the striker again but this time fired wide of the target. Then came the sending off of Okole. Danny Cockle then took over between the posts and looked extremely vunerable with was understandable.

As stated Wokingham should have gone ahead but for the farcical situation involving the official's. The decision seemed to unsettle the home side although chances were plentiful.

Sam Whiting was causing mayhem in the visitors half , they just couldn't handle him. He tormented them with his excellent control and silky skills. However it was Wise again who

was put free. With the keeper advancing Whiting had got up along side him, a square pass would have given Whiting a simple tap in, but Wise went for power and fired high over the bar. With less than a minute left to the interval, Whiting's skill gave Wokingham the interval lead they deserved. Turning one way and then the other he left three defenders for dead, racing into the area he unleashed a left foot shot that Cockle could only push up into the roof of the net. The home side tried to respond in the minutes remaining and Harris had to tip over from Paul Wright and David Bellis cleared off the line again from Wright.

The second half was all Wokingham as they seemed to open up the Easington defence at will. Wise again fired wide of the target and Whiting just failed to add to his tally. Wokingham's pressure payed off in the 53rd minute when Bellis threaded through an inch perfect pass into Whiting, he raced clear but again the keeper got his hand to it but couldn't keep it out. Bellis, Whiting and Wise all had chances to increase the lead. Shaun Watson replaced the hard working Wise in the 63rd minute, Watson another player was pace. Darren Thorne came on in the 71st minute for Stairmand and saw his effort just squirm past the upright. Thorne then after being set up by Nicky Bateman again just failed to convert. The final goal of the game came six minutes from time. Billy Elgar, who along with Whiting and Bellis impressed all afternoon fed the ball out to Watson, his pace got him to the byline, crossing low towards the near post Darren Thorne coming in squeezed the ball in at the foot of the post. So a good afternoon's work by the home side was rewarded with a victory that gives Wokingham a home tie in the next round against Hellenic Premier side Milton Utd, who beat Thame Utd 2 - 1. Assistant Roger Herridge

commented after the game. " This was a great result for us as Easington came here with an excellent reputation, laying 4th in their division and scoring plenty of goals in the proccess ". " I thought we started well but the disallowed goal upset us slightly, I have no complaints about Shaun's sending off, it was wreck less and he must learn from this ".

" I have said this many times to the players that we must start taking our chances, against good sides you might only get two or three and if you don't convert them the chances are you will get beaten, today we could quite easily approached double figures ". " But for the second week running we have kept a clean sheet and are in the next round ". " Finally I thought Sam Whiting was outstanding and their defence just couldn't handle him, and with a bit of luck could have bagged himself a hat trick, but the poor decision denied him ".

It's cup action again next Saturday when Wokingham start out in the Berks & Bucks Intermediate Cup with a home tie against Westwood Utd. Cantley Park Kick off 2 - 30pm.

Team: Harris, Walton, Stairmand ( Thorne ), Lewin, Wanklyn, Hanson ( Rushe ), Elgar, Bateman, Wise ( Watson ), Bellis, Whiting.

                                    Launton Sports 0 Wokingham & Emmbrook 1

                                                 Saturday 20th September 2008

                            Wokingham & Emmbrook 2 Finchampstead 2

                                                        Saturday 6th September 2008

                                        Wokingham & Emmbrook 4, South Kilburn 2

Sat 23rd August 2008                                        

                                      Penn & Tylers Green 3 Wokingham & Emmbrook 4

Tue 19th August 2008  

Wokingham & Emmbrook had to come from behind twice to maintain their 100% start to the new season at Penn on Tuesday evening. Both sides hit the woodwork during the opening exchanges. The home side were gifted the lead in the 8th minute when poor defending allowed Gavin Groves to score from close in. Things got worse for the visitors

on the half hour mark when Reno Sepede cut in on goal, keeper Doug Bond hesitated allowing the Penn striker to beat him low down. Two minutes later Wokingham pulled a goal back when from Sam Duffelen's corner James Wise headed powerfully home. Wokingham finished the half strongly but could conjure an equalizer. Wokingham started the second half on the front foot with Wise forcing home keeper John Harding to tip over the bar. The hard working Billy Elgar seemed to be everywhere breaking up attacks and using the ball intelligently. Wokingham eventually leveled in the 57th minute when from another Duffelen corner the ball fell to Shaun Wanklyn in the area. the central defender lashed the ball in from 15 yards out. The inexperience showed in Wokingham's young ranks when they allowed the home side to take a quick free kick. Reno Sepede again applied the finish. Wokingham had it all to do again. Looking the better side the visitors began to push forward relentlessly and were rewarded with a second leveler in the 75th minute. Elgar won possession deep in his own half before picking out Sam Whiting who in turn threaded the ball through to Richard Bland. Bland raced clear to round Harding to slot home.

It now looked as though Wokingham would have to settle for a point despite looking the better side and then with only seconds remaining Duffelen again swung in a corner that the home side failed to clear the ball eventually ended up at the feet of Richard Bland outside the area. Making space Bland fired in a powerfully struck shot low down, keeper Hading should possibly done better but the ball beat him low down, for Bland's sixth goal in three matches. Manager Wanklyn commented " I thought we deserved the victory over the 90 minutes, I thought Penn were really up for this game ". "  I was disappointed by the way we conceded the opening two goal we should have defended the situation a lot better, but saying that I thought we showed great Spirit, which evident in the side at the moment". I thought Deffelen, Elgar and Wanklyn in the second half were outstanding. Wokingham now have four home games coming up with the first at Cantley this coming Saturday,when league newcomers South Kilburn are the visitors and then on Bank Holiday Monday Wokingham play hosts to Thame Utd again at Cantley. Both games kick off at 3 00pm.

                                                               

Team: Bond, Lewin( Stairmand 67 ), Rushe, Wise ( Thorne 80 ), Hanson, Wanklyn, Lee ( Atkinson 67 ), Elgar, Bland, Whiting, Duffelen , 

 

Report from John Ansell

                                 Rayners Lane 1  Wokingham & Emmbrook 4

Sat 16th August 2008

 Goal Action

Wokingham & Emmbrook  2  Frimley Green  1

With the new season only four weeks away, Wokingham & Emmbrook set out on their five game preseason

programme against Combine Counties Division One side Frimley Green. With Manager Wayne Wanklyn and 

several players unavailable through holidays. Assistant Roger Herridge picked a young squad of 18 players to

contest this first friendly at Cantley last Saturday. It was agreed before kick off that the game would consist of

three 30 minute periods thus allowing both sides to make changes. It was Wokingham who started the better

playing some neat controlled football with the visitors finding it hard to push forward themselves. On more than

one occasion Wokingham’s neat interchanges in and around the penalty area had the visitors struggling. However 

a two shots a piece were the nearest we came to a goal. Firstly Frimley’s Sam Matthews tried his luck from

25 yards and Wokingham’s Richard Bland tested Matt Burton low down from and acute angle. So after the

opening 30 minutes it was still goalless but with Wokinham looking the more threatening. Herridge then made six

changes for the second period and the fluency went out of Wokingham’s play. Although a well weighted through

 ball released Luke Lee in on goal but Keeper Burton did enough to deny Lee a strike on goal. Lee then broke

away out on the right and had the ball been played in early Grant Lewin would have had a tap in. The delayed

cross was however well saved by Burton. A corner from the left saw Darren Thorne head just wide of the target.

 Again changes were made by both sides for the final thirty minutes. Bland cleverly skipped past three challenges

before firing low across the face of goal but nobody had gambled and the chance went begging. 15 minutes into

the last period the visitors took the lead when poor defending allowed Sam Matthews to pick his spot from close

 in. The visitors could have had a second minutes later but Paul Barzey shot hopelessly wide from a good position

. Ex Thatcham player Kylo Atkinson making his debut for Wokingham released Bland through the middle, but the

 young strikers well struck effort cannoned off the bar before being scrambled away. With visitors looking like

stealing the game Wokingham struck twice in the final five minutes. Firstly Ex youth player Ben Dearlove picked

out Atkinson on the right and the resulting cross fell into the path of Richard Bland who side footed home from

six yards. With only seconds remaining Wokingham won a corner that wasn’t dealt with by the Frimley defence.

The ball fell invitingly to James Wise who volleyed home from inside the area. With that the final whistle went.

Speaking to Roger Herridge afterwards. “ I was pleased with the performance considering it was our first

outing”. “ Its always nice to gain a win but at this stage it all about putting mileage into the players legs, I thought

 we looked sharp at times and our fitness was good considering we only returned to training on the 1 July”. The

only slight disappointment was the quality of our final pass at times, but I am sure that will improve as the fitness

 gets better.

Next up for Wokingham & Emmbrook is the visit from Bedfont at Cantley next Saturday 19 July.

Kick off 4 00pm.

Squad: Bryan, Walton, Hanson, Wanklyn, Duffelen, Bland, Bateman, Chapman, Atkinson, Lee, Wise, Stairmand, Lewin, Dearlove, Thorne, Mortimer, Needham.

Report by ... John Ansell