Wokingham & Emmbrook commenced their pre-season programme with a visit from Combined Counties side Sandhurst Town. It was Wokingham who carried the greater threat during the first half without really testing visiting keeper Asen Agou. The opening corner went to the home side in the 10th minute, but Agou collected with ease. Minutes later Andre
Stairmand's free kick just failed to pick out Luke Lee. Stuart Harris then had to be alert to save from Sandhurst's David Blake. Having made slightly the better start Wokingham's
Billy Elgar fired just over the bar from 25 yards out. A good build up involving Steve Tranter, just failed to release Richard Bland in on goal. Darren Thorne then combined with Bland and the latter fired inches over. Harris then made the save of the half to deny Dan Simmonds from point blank range. Both sides made changed during the interval with Matt Davis, Alex Walton, Jack Broome, Alex Luis, James Wise and Neal Hanson coming on for the home side and Jon Underwood making three changes. The only goal of the game came in the 58th minute when from a free kick the Wokingham defence failed to clear the danger, the ball fell to David Blake who made no mistake from inside the area. Manager Wayne Wanklyn then made another three chances in the 58th minute, while Jon Underwood made his final two changes. The goal seemed to give the visitors confidence and Matt Davis Wokingham's trialist keeper made a great save at the foot of his post to keep the score at 1 nil. At the other end Jack Broome came close twice to releasing James Wise and Shane Cooper- Clarke in on goal. The nearest the home side came to leveling was when Broome curled a free kick inches wide of the post. With pre-season being about fitness levels I am sure both sides will benefit from this workout.
Next up for Wokingham & Emmbrook are last season's F.A. Vase semi finalists Chalfont St Peter, Kick off 1 - 00pm at Cantley Park.