Match Reports

All Captains...

...have been asked to either write a match report or nominate someone to do so. All match reports should be written using the only template and also sent to our External Relations officer - Sheuli, (ext_relations [ at ] wokingham-hc.co.uk) so they can then be sent onto the local paper.

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Reports

05/04/2008 - Mens 2 (4) - (3) Gerrard's Cross

29/03/2008 - Ladies 2nd (1) - (3) Gerrards Cross 2nd XI

Scorers: Beccy Slater
Man of the match: Fiona Gray

The game began strongly for Wokingham with deep sweeper Jenny Cave confidently controlling a sturdy Wokingham defence. Play in the first half was mostly in midfield with player of the match Fiona Gray making leading runs and linking well with Hayley Buckland; however, Wokingham didn’t manage to score. Gerrards Cross also made attaching moves which Wokingham defended strongly with two particularly good saves from goal keeper Nic Palmer and consistent defending by Helena Badger. Gerrards Cross nearly scored in the first half with a with a strike which found the post rather than the net and Wokingham cleared the ball on the rebound to go into half time level at 0-0.

In the second half Gerrards Cross scored after a period of pressure. Wokingham soon retaliated with more attacking play with runs from Sarah Foster on the left wing. Wokingham scored from a short corner set piece between Captain Beccy Slater and Hayley Buckland with Slater deflecting the ball to pass the keeper and hit the backboard, bringing the score to 1-1. However, Gerrards Cross scored their second from a cross into the D and a deflection past the keeper. Despite strong attacking and a further short corner, Wokingham were unable to find the goal and Gerrards Cross scored again to make the final score 3-1.

29/03/2008 - Mens 2 (4) - (1) Ashford 3s

Scorers: Peter “Tina” Tailby, Mark “Fergy” Ferguson, Matt Taylor, Rob Bennett
Man of the match: Mark “Fergy” Ferguson
Donkey of the day: Mark Peel

After a disappointing run in to the end of the season and having to concede the game against Gerrards Cross, Wokingham were hoping to reverse their poor form facing a good Ashford side at Cantley. Wokingham had come away with a tight 4-3 win earlier in the season so knew this would be a tough game.

Ashford lived up to that expectation almost straight away as quick attack down the left hand side resulted in a goal within minutes of push back. Wokingham were caught on the counter attack and poor marking in the D allowed an Ashford midfielder to easily deflect the cross into the net. Determined to hit back straight away, Wokingham pushed forward but were unable to find any clear opening in the Ashford defence. However, Wokingham maintained their pressure and kept possession well and eventually got the breakthrough when Peter “Tina” Tailby was denied a clear chance at goal by a stick tackle resulting in a penalty flick. In spite of Matt Taylor’s protest (he just couldn’t handle Bushy being top scorer this season) Tina stepped up to take the flick and duly converted low to the keeper’s right.

With the game tied at half-time, Wokingham knew they would have to raise the tempo to pull in front. Mainly through the forceful running of Mark “Fergy” Ferguson and the return of Alex Hemley, Wokingham controlled the midfield and were able to exert increasing amounts of pressure on the Ashford defence. Following good work by Hemley and Rob Bennett on the right, the ball fell to Ferguson who controlled it and, with his back to goal, audaciously smashed the ball through his legs and beyond the Ashford keeper.

Wokingham soon doubled their lead through Matt Taylor from a penalty corner. Although his initial shot was blocked, the ball fell kindly on the p spot and Taylor was able to flick the ball over the keeper for his eighth of the season. Don’t listen if he tells you it was a drag flick top corner. Wokingham’s fourth came from another period of pressure when a slick move down the left fed in Justin Brown whose fierce shot (yes he shot) was well saved by the Ashford keeper. However, he could only parry the shot to Rob Bennett who glanced the ball in at the far post for his “first goal in ten years”. Overall it was a good performance by Wokingham despite the foul weather and hopefully means they can end a largely positive season on a high.

15/03/2008 - Mens 3 (0) - (3) Rover Oxford 4

Man of the match: Harry Weald
Donkey of the day: Mark Peel

The game was meaningless, due to a higher team's game being called off earlier in the day, though Wokingham came into the game with a strong team, and played quick, good hockey right from the outset. Rover, though, matched them from the off, and two similar goals against came in quick succession, both powered into the bottom corner from the right of the Wokingham 'D'. The game played out until near the end of the half, when a shot hit a Wokingham stick and flew in the corner.

After half time, Wokingham visibly tired despite their 3 subs, and the game was fairly end to end, with Mark 'ASBO' Thorpe especially missing a few good chances to get back in the game. Steve Bearpark in holding midfield was regularly called upon to defend, which Wokingham did well in the 2nd half, but the season's penultimate game finished at 3-0, though the official result will be a walkover.

15/03/2008 - Ladies 1st (2) - (0) Windsor Ladies 1st XI

Scorers: Alison Longfield, Sanda Dodington

Wokingham Ladies 1's beat Windsor Ladies 1st XI 2-0 in a well fought game. Wokingham Ladies 1's had a full squad of players which the coach Steve Simpson played to their advantage right from the start. The game 'kicked off' with some strong chances down the right hand side with Anna Weald and Victoria Sauven making some good early runs.. Emily Randall and Keely Haynes also maintained good order at the back when early breaks were attempted by Windsor, thwarting any attack from a strong Windsor front line. The substitution of Ellie Brooks ensured Wokingham's first goal; Brooks out-ran and out-played three opposition players to smartly drive the ball to the back line and deftly drop the ball back to the penalty spot for Alison 'Chitty' Longfield to put the chance away and take Wokingham into the lead. Play continued at a strong pace until half time where it was obvious that Wokingham had the upper hand particularly with the strength of players such as Catherine Coombs and Tash Sweeney.

The second half was a lively start by both teams but Wokingham had the edge and kept the ball firmly in the Windsor half. Frustratingly the opportunities did not arise and Wokingham did not capitalise on their short corners. A few breaks from Windsor meant that goalkeeper Linda Lennard had to do some work but, supported by a strong defense, successfully kept a clean sheet. The final goal came after a tenacious attack from Wokingham with some excellent passing play. The ball finally fell to Fiona Kelly on the back line who reverse stick pushed the ball through the goalkeeper for Sandra Dodington to come in for one of her signature goals and put Wokingam 2-0 ahead. Wokingham have now firmed up their 8th place in the Trysports three counties Premier 2 league with one remaining match on March 29th against top of the table Slough 2's.

15/03/2008 - Vets (3) - (4) Winchester Wanderers

Scorers: Roland Mear, Alan Baines x2

Wokingham Vets travelled to Winchester with 10 men and no umpire. Winchester kindly supplied both umpires and 1 player in each half to balance numbers. In the first quarter Wokingham dominated but it was Wanderers who took the lead after a defensive error. Wokingham squared matters with a strike on goal from Roland Mear which was deflected into the net, but by half-time Wanderers were ahead 2 – 1. In the second half both sides had chances but it was Wanderers who capitalised on their chances to better effect; Wokingham were lucky with a half-hearted pass towards the goal by Alan Baines which was also deflected in to make the score 2 – 3. Then with 2 minutes to go Wanderers took the ball down the right wing, crossed and it was 2 – 4; Wokingham retaliated with a well struck goal from Baines, making the score 3 – 4 – but Wokingham ran out of time and energy, the whistle blew and Wanderers emerged the victors.

15/03/2008 - Mens 1 (1) - (2) South Bucks

Scorers: Martin Lenney
Man of the match: Martin Lenney
Donkey of the day: Adam Taylor

With Wokingham teetering on the edge of the relegation zone it was imperative to claim all three points in this clash at Cantley Park.
The game started at a fast pace with both sides having good spells of possession but it was the away side who scored first with a breakaway goal which was put away with a cool backhand finish past the despairing Dave Baines.
The rest of the first half was fairly uneventful with both sides lacking cutting edge up front to create any meaningful chances.

After the break Wokingham piled the pressure on South Bucks with good hold up play from Dom ‘the talent’ Tallent allowing the midfield to surge forward and manifest some interesting moves. After good stick work from John Barlow on the left, Wokingham finally managed to draw level as the ball bobbled across to Martin Lenney to slot home. Soon after the goal Adam Taylor was sent to the bin after a classic Taylor tackle resulted in a short corner for the opposition. Laughing at his own mistake, the umpire took the comment the wrong way and was duly sent on his way for 10.

Bucks then scrambled another goal with five minutes to the end of the game after an excellent save from Baines the ball was flicked into the net from close range. Despite the home sides best effort to score again it was not to be and Wokingham’s unbeaten home record was broken.

08/03/2008 - Mens 2 (0) - (2) British Airways 2s

Scorers: -
Man of the match: Steve “Bear cage” Bearpark – good performance as holding midfielder
Donkey of the day: Harry Weald

Wokingham came into this game knowing that it would be a tough one against strong opposition. Their cause was not helped by a number of absences which resulted in a somewhat makeshift side assembled to take on British Airways.

From the outset it was clear that Wokingham would have to defend well to repel BA’s attacks. However, tight marking and a number of good tackles prevented the away side from troubling Steve Bennett – making his second team debut in goal. Yet Wokingham had themselves to blame for BA’s increasing pressure and possession as the home side too often carelessly gave the ball away in midfield. A lack of movement and an inability to move the ball quickly put added pressure on the Wokingham defence and BA finally got the breakthrough when a quick shot by a BA midfielder from the top of the D evaded Bennett’s dive – the keeper having misread the shot.

After this, however, Wokingham’s play began to improve and they created a few chances with which to test the BA keeper – Harry Weald unfortunately shooting wide with a reverse stick shot following a strong run.

As the second half began, the home side knew that if they kept the game tight and defended well they could snatch a goal to equalise. Yet chances proved to be few and far between as Wokingham struggled to hold the ball up or test the BA keeper enough to warrant scoring, despite impressive performances from both Steve Bearpark and Terry Pollard in midfield. At the other end Wokingham held firm – Mark Peel performing especially well, moonlighting at right-back. However – in their attempts to get forward and force the game – Wokingham were caught on the counter-attack and BA doubled their lead with just minutes to go following a neat bit of skill and powerful strike in the D by a BA forward.

08/03/2008 - Mens 1 (2) - (5) Tring

Scorers: John Barlow, Lacky
Man of the match: Bainsey
Donkey of the day: Mossy

With the league unexpectedly changing to relegate six rather than two teams, Wokingham’s promotion drive has suddenly turned from frustrated mid-table melting pot to a fight for survival. So it was just the time to be travelling to the league leaders, who had just achieved promotion. In the previous fixture a hard fought game had resulted in a draw after a stirring Wokingham comeback – this time, however, we were again missing several key players.

The first half was relatively tight and contained, with Wokingham nullifying most of the Tring pressure and almost catching them on the break on occasion. A good double save from ‘Keeper David Baines and a green card to John Barlow (within about two minutes) were the highlights of the opening period. Tring eventually took the lead from a well struck short corner that just clipped the top of the backboard. They soon doubled the lead when they found Wokingham’s Achilles Heel – a free hit knocked into the D getting the faintest of glances from the Tring forward.

Wokingham did get themselves back into the game before half time, however, when a slick passing move found John Barlow free at the top of the D; he struck a sweet finish into the far corner that gave the ‘keeper no chance. We were surprised, too.

With the match poised at 2 -1 at half time, Wokingham began to sense that they might get back into the game. Sadly, things fell apart from that point. Captain Adam Taylor’s half time talk focussed on nullifying Tring’s two key players in the middle; Ads advocating a more physical approach. This was, perhaps, advice too literally taken by John Barlow and the returning Martin Lenney, as they swiftly found themselves sent off and in considerable debt to the fines pot.

Tring came out strong and scored a third with a free shot from the top that Baines should have done better with; the ball deflecting form his glove into the net. Wokingham then decided to play the next fifteen minutes without a defence; a cunning tactic against a fast, skilful and mobile Tring forward line.

Despite Baines redeeming himself with a string of fine saves, Tring were soon 5 – 1 up, from a series of breakaways and three-on-ones. At this point they relaxed their grip on the game, allowing Wokingham to push forwards and gain a penalty flick. Despite Chris Lack’s best efforts, the ball went in, and Wokingham had a consolation goal. The goal evidently put Lacky into a state of shock, as after the game he managed to get himself left behind at RAF Halton when everybody else left for showers and teas.

Wokingham now look forward to a crunch match against South Bucks at Fortress Cantley. Despite only losing four games all season, we find ourselves out of the drop zone purely on goals scored (??!!??) and desperately need to make home advantage count to keep ourselves out of trouble.

Congratulations to Tring for winning the league. They may be cocky gets but they serve a decent Shepherd’s Pie.

08/03/2008 - Ladies 1st (3) - (0) South Bucks 1st XI

Scorers: Sandra Dodington x2, Tracey Clarke,
Man of the match: Keelt Haynes

Wokingham Ladies 1's beat South Bucks 1's 3 - 0 in Wokingham's finest game this season. The team play and determination were significant features of this hard fought game against a strong South Bucks team. The play was dominated by Wokingham in the first 10 minutes with some excellent defending from player of the match Keely Haynes. The passing flowed and there were some electric runs from both Tash Sweeney and Victoria Sauven down the wings. It was this strong play that led to an attacking run into the D and a pass from Alison Longfield to Sandra Dodington who had the foresight to cleverly flick the ball over the South Bucks keeper for a one nil lead at the stroke of half time.

The second half continued with a tenacious spirit from the Wokingham players. Kelly Blemmings controlled the midfield and made some excellent tackles and passes. South Bucks were fighting hard however and Linda Lennard's goalkeeping was tested a number of times - however close attention to the run of the ball meant that Wokingham kept the advantage. Wokingham broke with an attacking drive into the D by Fiona Kelly who took the ball to the back line and dropped it back for Tracey Clarke to score over the goalkeeper. The final goal was started by Victoria Sauven who passed through to Fiona Kelly, who dropped the ball to a speedy Ellie Brooks who then crossed the ball past the goalkeeper for Sandra Dodington to knock in her second. This was a fabulous team effort which has secured 8th position for Wokingham in the Trysports Three counties Premier 2 league.

08/03/2008 - Vets (4) - (0) Oxted Moonshiners

Scorers: Steve Simpson, Roly Mear, Jas Jhetta, Alan Baines

A Veterans team depleted by injury and absence relied on help from a junior, Clare Symons, to make up the numbers against an Oxted side also playing one short in the Wessex Supervets Fixtures Alliance. This clearly made a difference as Wokingham turned out to win 4-0 by using both wings to feed a forward line chance after chance. The first half saw Wokingham’s Steve Simpson score after 10 minutes after the Oxted defence was overloaded by a fast moving midfield passing movement from Wokingham. The second goal came 10 minutes later with a crafty deflection by Roly Mear, the Vets top scorer so far this season.

The second half saw Wokingham launch repeated attacks with sweeping passes to left and right wings with Steve Simpson and Clare Symons moving the ball back into the danger areas with precise passing. The Oxted defence were resolute though, and held firm until the last 10 minutes when Jas Jhetta scored with a superbly struck short corner. Alan Baines then found freedom at the top of the Oxted D and punished slack marking with a strong dipping shot.

01/03/2008 - Mens 3 (0) - (4) Witney 3

Man of the match: Harry Weald
Donkey of the day: ASBO

With around 9 players out, it was up to Jack Skelton and Corky to make up the 11 for Wokingham. The confusion meant organisation throughout was poor, and the Wokingham play was littered with mistakes. The match was fairly even, though Witney scored at regular intervals, often quelling Wokingham pressure just as it was building. Good distribution from sweeper Harry Weald, and some excellent diving saves from 'keeper Steve Bennet were of particular note

01/03/2008 - Mens 2 (1) - (4) High Wycombe 2s

Scorers: Martin Bushell
Man of the match: -
Donkey of the day: -

Wokingham came into this game – a late push back away at Cressex astro – knowing they would have to be at their best to compete with the league leaders High Wycombe 2s. Surely enough the game began at a very quick tempo with Wokingham mostly pressed into their own half as High Wycombe displayed their attacking credentials. However, bolstered by a couple of late additions to the squad, Wokingham were able to repel most Wycombe attacks with a number of strong tackles and good hassling of the opposition strikers.

Yet Wycombe did eventually threaten the Wokingham goal – not through open play but from a series of well worked short corner routines. One such routine gave the Wycombe striker time to drag flick the ball from the top of the D into the top corner of the net. Marcus Naris in goal read the move well and was ultimately unfortunate not to pull off a great save as the ball deflected off his stick, hit the inside of the post and dropped in. However, Wokingham remained a threat on the counter-attack and, when a Wycombe short corner routine was broken up by the away side’s defence; the ball was quickly transferred up the right hand channel. A number of neat interchanges between the midfield allowed Peter “Tina” Tailby time and space on the right to pick out Brett Powis with a precise cross who pushed the ball left once again to find Martin Bushell – who had been involved in the move in midfield – who finished a great move with a comfortable push into the open goal.

Wokingham held the score level at 1-1 and had a number of chances to take the lead but were thwarted by the Wycombe defence. The home side were frustrated in attack as Wokingham’s defence held firm – a Wycombe striker talking himself into a green card after being wound up by Robbie Morris. Yet Wycombe scored a second before half time following a swift attacking move that found a striker – having left his marker – in space to slide the ball past the Wokingham keeper.

The away side knew they were still in the game and that they had the ability to match a strong team – as their first half performance had shown. Wokingham began the second half moving the ball around well – notably through assured performances by Ross Ibbotson and Mike “Gladys” Baylis. Yet they were unable to turn any pressure or possession into chances with which to threaten the Wycombe goal.

The game remained tight and tense for a long time during the second half but it was Wycombe who eventually seized the initiative and scored a decisive third goal. A strong counter-attacking move – not dissimilar from Wokingham’s in the first half – found the Wycombe striker with plenty of time to slide the ball past Marcus in the Wokingham goal.

Wokingham attempted to find a way back into the game but were unable to do so firstly because Martin Bushell recieving a yellow card and secondly due to a freak injury to Matt Taylor. A Wycombe attacker beat two defenders and rounded the Wokingham keeper only for his lifted reverse stick shot to strike Taylor – standing by the penalty spot – in the back of the head and deflect over the back fence. After a long period of consultation the umpires awarded High Wycombe a short corner. Much to the dismay of Wokingham the penalty corner resulted in the fourth Wycombe goal as another good move found a striker at the left-hand post to easily convert the chance.

This was another spirited performance by the Wokingham team against very strong opposition and there was a lot of positives to be taken from both the team’s and many individual’s performances.

01/03/2008 - Mens 1 (1) - (1) Gerrards Cross

Man of the match: Bainsey/Fergie
Donkey of the day: Dom T

Gerrards Cross 1 vs 1 Wokingham


An early start saw a weakened Wokingham side travel to Gerrards Cross, and leave with yet another draw. Injuries and absentees saw Matt Taylor, Tina and Mark ‘Fergilicious’ Ferguson drafted in. James ‘Mossy’ Moss returned to the sidelines as emergency cover, as he continued to recuperate from his tragically embarrassing cycling ‘incident’.

As it transpired, the game was indicative of the second half of Wokingham’s season. Chance after chance was spurned, notably by Dom Tallent, who has obviously been watching Neil ‘no goals yet’ Bennett’s approach to finishing… Wokingham again conceded a soft goal from a free hit sent into the D and converted by an unmarked opposition player; a constant problem this season, cancelling out Wokingham’s goal.

More chances went begging before the game fizzled out into yet another frustrating draw. Highlights from the game included a strong midfield performance from Mark Ferguson, a one-on-one save by ‘keeper David Baines in the last minute, and Captain Adam Taylor enduring abuse before and after the game for having the temerity to suggest the opposition was supposed to provide two umpires…

Scorer: ?
Man of the Match: David Baines/Mark ‘Fergie’ Ferguson
Donkey of the Day: Dom ‘Let’s just have the headline say ‘Dom Tallent is f*cking sh*t’ and have done with it’ Tallent

23/02/2008 - Mens 1 (2) - (1) Bicester

Scorers: Mike Baylis (2)
Man of the match: Mike Baylis

Wokingham played well and took the lead with a goal from a short corner, struck by man of the match Mike Baylis. Bicester came back with a goal which went under the Wokingham keeper. Baylis then scored another to give Wokingham the lead into half time. The second half saw many chances for John Barlow and Matt Oldridge but neither were able to increase Wokingham’s lead any further

23/02/2008 - Ladies 1st (1) - (3) Amersham & Chalfont 2s

Scorers: Alison Longfield
Man of the match: Cath Coombs

Wokingham Ladies 1st XI 1 – 3 Amersham & Chalfont
Wokingham Ladies 1's lost 1-3 to Amersham and Chalfont Ladies 2's in the Trysports Premier 2 Three Counties league. Wokingham started very well with excellent defending from Michele Morris, Katy Hill and Kath Couzens. A number of break away opportunities from Amersham and Chalfont were thwarted in the first 15 minutes play by the strong defensive team backed up by Linda Lennard in goal. The opportunity came for Wokingham towards the end of the first half with the brilliant attack down the right. Mary King took a quick free hit, catching Amersham and Chalfont off guard, so that Alison 'Chitty' Longfield could drive the ball past the opposition to score a fantastic goal from the top of the 'D'.

Wokingham continued strongly at the start of the second half however despite attempts by player of the match Cath Coombs to nullify the opposition they scored an equaliser from a well practised short corner routine. Two further goals followed but Wokingham played hard until the end.

23/02/2008 - Ladies 2nd (0) - (0) Reading Ladies 3rd XI

Man of the match: Sarah Foster

Wokingham started well and pushed forward with Nancy Jensen and Hatty Wood in midfield distributing the ball to allow player of the match Sarah Foster to make numerous attacks down the left wing. Wokingham played well as a team but unfortunately were unable to convert any of their attacks. Natalie Slater worked particularly hard to defend against counter-attacks by Reading together with Helena Badger, Rachel Barlow and Nikki Jones. This strong defending meant that Reading were unable to score and the final result was 0-0. Wokingham are now 8th in their league.

23/02/2008 - Vets (8) - (0) Woking Pitts Elders

Scorers: Alan Baines (4), Roly Mear (2), Jas Jhetta, Mark Powell

Wokingham had a comprehensive victory over Woking Pitts Elders in the Wessex Supervets Fixtures Alliance. Alan Baines opened the scoring for Wokingham followed closely by a goal from Roly Mear within the first 5 minutes. 3 further followed from Baines, a further 1 from Mear and also a goal apiece from Jas Jhetta and Mark Powell.

23/02/2008 - Mens 2 (2) - (3) Oxford Hawks 3s

Scorers: Terry Pollard, Matt Taylor
Man of the match: Steve
Donkey of the day: Terry Pollard

Wokingham came into this match hoping to maintain a good run of form and build on a positive performance despite the narrow loss to Sonning last week. However, Wokingham produced a performance largely devoid of the defensive strength and attacking flair they have shown during the season.

The game began evenly balanced with neither side asserting any form of dominance over the other. It was therefore a slight surprise when Wokingham took the lead courtesy of Terry Pollard, whose shot from the left-hand side of the D squirmed over the Oxford keepers’ legs and into the goal. However, the away side responded strongly and controlled the midfield – largely thanks to Wokingham’s inability to retain possession for long. Oxford duly won a series of short corners and equalised when a slip to the right found an Oxford attacker with enough space to find the inside corner of the Wokingham goal with a strong shot.

Wokingham failed to respond to Oxford’s pressure and soon went behind from another penalty corner similar to the first whereby a quick move allowed an Oxford striker to fire the ball past Marcus Naris in the Wokingham goal and into the bottom-corner. Yet Wokingham began to find some momentum and eventually won their own series of short corners – one of which was converted into the equaliser by Matt Taylor, who found the corner of the goal with an accurate and powerful drive.

The second half began with Wokingham on the back foot again. In particular Wokingham never looked like threatening the Oxford defence in open play with Martin Bushell too often isolated up front. Unfortunately, Wokingham’s usually stoic defence began to falter as a number of needless stick tackles gave Oxford yet more short corners. Soon enough Oxford had their third of the game from yet another short corner – an Oxford striker again finding a gap in the Wokingham defence to finish the move in the bottom corner of the goal. Wokingham went in search of an equaliser but were hampered by a number of fantastic saves by the Oxford keeper – atoning for his earlier error – and a harsh yellow card shown to Terry Pollard for a number of poor tackles. This was a disappointing performance and Wokingham will need to significantly raise their game for when they travel to league leaders High Wycombe this weekend.

16/02/2008 - Mens 3 (2) - (3) Wallingford 4

Scorers: Brad Read, Tristan Head
Man of the match: Steve 'Pie Eater' Bennet
Donkey of the day: Aj - drunk, still

5 players out meant Wokingham were udner strength for the game. Within the first few minutes though, captain Dom Gillan fed Brad Read, who played a neat one-two with Seb Crebolder before slotting away. Wallingford soon exerted some pressure though, scoring through a penalty corner then a midfield runner after some poor marking by Wokingham.

2-1 at half time became 2-2 just after when Tris Head finished off a neat move with a reverse stick clip over the onrushing keeper after more good work by Brad Read. Wokingham attempted to keep Wallingford in their half, but repeated short corners led to a low shot into the corner, making it 3-2 to Wallingford. The game stretched with 15 minutes to go, both teams having chances, but neither could convert with some wasteful finishing, and excellent saves by both keepers, meaning Wallingford earner a possibly fortuitous 3-2 win.

16/02/2008 - Mens 1 (3) - (2) City of Oxford

Scorers: Dom Tallent x2, Mike Baylis

Wokingham started strongly with the best hockey the team have played all season. Ably supported by Chris Lack and Ali Dance, Wokingham managed to dominate the game erly on and Dom Tallent opened the scoring for Wokingham with a close range shot. This was soon to be followed by a goal from a flick by Miek Baylis. Dom Tallent then put Wokingham 3-0 ahead with another close range shot. Wokingham had possession for most of the second half and created more chances. However, City of Oxford scored one gola from a short corner and another from a penalty flick, The final score was 3-2 to Wokingham who are 8th in their league.

16/02/2008 - Ladies 2nd (7) - (0) Newbury & Thatcham 3's

Scorers: Nancy Jensen x3, Sandra Dodington x3, Fiona Gray
Man of the match: Sandra Dodington

The game started brightly for Wokingham who were plying in a new formation. Wokinghma’s first goal came 5 minutes inot the game with a clean strike form Nancy Jensen at the top of the D. This was closely followed by another goal from Jensen from a short corner. Jensen’s hat-trck was completed with a reverse stick goal. Wokingham continued to dominate and player of the match Sandra Dodington followed up on a rebound from a strike by Sarah Foster to make the score 4-0. Dodington scored again to take the game into half-time at 5-0. In the second half Fiona Gray scored. However, Wokinghma’s play became disjointed and Newbury & Thatcham began to challenge Wokingham. Wokingham managed to regain their composure with vice-Captain Rachel Barlow creating further chances and Dodingotn completed her hat-trick to give a final score of 7-0 to Wokingham.

16/02/2008 - Mens 2 (1) - (2) Sonning 2s

Scorers: Peter "Tina" Tailby
Man of the match: Brett Powis – injured after 20 steps
Donkey of the day: Mark “Fergy” Ferguson – not injured after 150000000 steps

Wokingham came into this game knowing they would have to play well to compete with a strong Sonning side that were in particularly good form of late. From the outset Wokingham were on the back foot but some good defending and marking all over the pitch by the home side prevented Sonning from creating any clear chances. However, Wokingham’s chances in the match were dealt a blow when forward Brett Powis had to go off injured very early on to be replaced by Mike Rogers - who had originally only turned up to watch his dad umpire.

Despite their weakened attack, Wokingham rose to the challenge and had a number of decent attacking opportunities themselves mostly revolving around strong hold-up play by Martin Bushell. Yet the home side were unable to regularly test the opposition defence and keeper and so Sonning were able to maintain the pressure on the Wokingham defence. Despite Wokingham’s brave effort in defence, Sonning eventually found the breakthrough via a short corner routine shortly before half-time.

Wokingham knew they still had plenty to play for having come back from a 3-0 deficit in the reverse fixture earlier in the season. The second half saw a greatly improved performance by Wokingham – most notably through the tireless running of Mark “Fergy” Ferguson in midfield. Wokingham began to find openings in the Sonning defence and won a series of penalty corners. One such set-piece led to the equaliser when Matt Taylor slipped the ball left and the resulting cross found a good run to the back post by Peter “Tina” Tailby who duly converted the chance.

However, once again Sonning pressed Wokingham back and ground out their own series of penalty corners. A poor injection seemed to have wasted one such opportunity but good work by a Sonning attacker rescued the situation and a good finish gave the Sonning the lead of the second time in the game.

Yet Wokingham kept fighting and troubling the Sonning defence with a number of good moves but – without a fully functioning attack – were unable to create enough chances with which to equalise from. Even when Sonning had a man sent to the sin bin for grappling with Marcus Naris in the Wokingham goal, the home side were unable to find a decisive breakthrough and Sonning held on for the win. Yet again Wokingham lost narrowly to a strong Sonning side but can take a lot of positives out of an all round good performance.

16/02/2008 - Ladies 1st (1) - (0) Sonning Ladies 2's

Scorers: Alison Longfield
Man of the match: Tash Sweeney

In the pale and bright sun Wokingham Ladies 1's commenced the game slowly but after the first 15 minutes the first opportunity came with a hit from outside the 'D' from Helen Dolan to Fiona Kelly who nearly scored.

Sonning continued their attack on Wokingham for much of the first half which produced some excellent saves from Wokingham keeper, Linda Lennard, ably assisted by Shula Miles who dived across the goal to save the ball from the line after the Sonning attack had taken the ball around the goalkeeper, producing one of the best saves of the game.

The second half saw some excellent attacking play from Wokingham. Player of the match Tash Sweeney made some superb runs down the wing the create chances for Wokingham. The deadlock was finally broken when Kate New nearly scored from a deflection and Wokingham were awarded a penalty flick with 10 minutes to go. Alison 'Chitty' Longfield stepped up and scored the perfect bottom right goal much to the jubilation of the team and sideline supporters. Wokingham Ladies 1's have now moved further away from the relegation zone and lie in 8th place.

09/02/2008 - Mens 3 (4) - (0) Wycombe 5

Scorers: Brad Read, Tris Head, Harry Weald, Seb Crebolder
Man of the match: Brad Read
Donkey of the day: ASBO

With a bare XI and no wins this season, Wokingham were not confident heading into this game. The weather, with bright low sun and extreme heat for february played a part throughout, though Wycombe dominated early on, pinning Wokingham back for much of the first half. On the counter-attack though, Wokingham were dangerous, and managed to grab a goal midway through the half, Seb Crebolder poking home after good work by Harry Weald from defence. Just before the half, Wokingham missed a glorious chance, but had to settle for a flattering 1-0 lead at half time.

Just after the interval, Wokingham stormed out of the blocks, Brad Read cracking home a shot after good work by Tris Head. The heat got to both teams after this, slowing the game right down, but the lower average age of the Wokingham team seemed to prove vital as more and more play stayed within the Wycombe half. Tiredness led to rash tackling, with Captain Dom Gillan being green carded, and ASBO also receiving a card for 'expressing his views'. Good work by Brad Read, pulling the ball back to Tris Head at the top of the 'D' led to a 3-0 lead for Wokingham, which was completed in the last minute with a lifted shot by Harry Weald. A make-shift defence held out well throughout, keeping a clean sheet and forcing a win, both for the first time this season.

09/02/2008 - Vets (1) - (12) Woking Pitts Youngers

Scorers: Jaz Jhetta

Wokingham managed to hold Woking to 4-0 at half time. However, the consolation Wokingham goal by Jaz Jhetta early in the second half was not enough to counter the ensuing onslaught by Woking. The final score was 12-1 to Woking.

09/02/2008 - Mens 2 (4) - (1) Leighton Buzzard 2s

Scorers: Matt Taylor x2, Mark Peel, Martin Bushell (or maybe Tina)
Man of the match: David “Corky” Corcoran – solid in defence
Donkey of the day: Mark Peel – missed a hatful of chances

Wokingham travelled to second from bottom Leighton Buzzard looking to get back to winning ways after consecutive draws. Wokingham looked like achieving their aim early on as they won a short corner only a few minutes into the game which Matt Taylor struck firmly past the Leighton defence to open the scoring.

However, the away side were then put under pressure from a Leighton side looking to equalise but had Marcus Naris in goal to thank for a series of good saves. The game was evenly balanced for the rest of the first half with both sides having a fair share of possession and territory but neither attack were able to fashion enough clear openings to test the opposition’s defence and keeper.

Wokingham began the second half hoping to score quickly and put the game out of Leighton’s reach. After exerting an extended period of pressure on the Leighton defence, Wokingham eventually doubled their advantage following a goalmouth scramble. A quick break by the away team seemed to have broken down but good work by Terry Pollard on the by-line kept the ball in play. Pollard then put the ball across the face of goal for Mark Peel to finish from the scramble that ensued.

Yet Wokingham let Leighton back into the game when a quick break allowed a Leighton attacker to get round the Wokingham defence and slip the ball past Naris in goal. However, the away side responded almost immediately through another successful short corner routine whereby Matt Taylor struck an unstoppable swerving shot into the bottom right hand corner of the goal. Leighton pressed forward to find another way back into the game but were denied most notably through strong defensive work by David Corcoran and Steve Bearpark in the fullback positions.

Wokingham killed Leighton’s resistance with their fourth goal following a strong counter-attacking move by the away side. Good work by Dave Bennett effectively broke down the Leighton attack and Mark Ferguson carried the ball forward on another surging run. Ferguson found Peter “Tina” Tailby unmarked and the winger fired his shot towards goal only for Martin Bushell to claim the final touch to ensure the ball remained beyond the Leighton keeper’s reach.

09/02/2008 - Ladies 1st (0) - (1) Banbury 2's

Man of the match: Catherine Coombs

Wokingham Ladies 1's had a disappointing game against Banbury Ladies 2's in the Trysports 3 Counties Premier 2 League losing 1-0. It was a hard-fought contest with some good defensive work in the first-half that prevented Banbury scoring. Linda Lennard made some good saves and was ably assisted by Kath Cozens. Player of the match Catherine Coombs played an excellent centre-half position distributing the ball well to the wings throughout the game.
The second-half started with an inspirational and enthusiastic team talk from coach Steve Simpson, however, a positive attack from Banbury with less than two minutes to go deflected off a Wokingham player into the goal in a defensive melee and Banbury picked up all the points.

09/02/2008 - Mens 1 (2) - (2) Wallingford

Scorers: Mike Baylis, Dom Tallent
Man of the match: Dom Tallent

Wokingham started strongly with positive passing resulting in a number of attacks but Wallingford managed a breakaway goal leaving Wokingham behind. However captain Adam Taylor, Robbie Morris and Justin Brown patiently built a series of attacks with strong linking across the back line culminating in a goal from a rebound by Mike Baylis. The second half began brightly for Wokingham with a goal from player of the match Dom Tallent, which went through the Wallingford keeper’s legs. However Wokingham began to tire, feeling a lack of substitutes due to injury and Wallingford equalised 10 minutes before the end of the match to give a final score of 2-2.

02/02/2008 - Ladies 1st (3) - (1) Henley Ladies 2's

Scorers: Alison Longfield x2, Megan Clark
Man of the match: Alison Longfield

Wokingham Ladies 1st XI had one of their best games this season against Henley Ladies 2's winning 3-1. This tightly fought game was started by a very early open play goal with excellent fighting play from Megan Clark who crossed the ball across the Henley goalkeeper to enable player of the match Alison 'Chitty' Longfield to put past the first goal. The half continued with end-to-end play until a break-through run from Henley enabled a one on one situation with goal keeper Linda Lennard, which lead to Henley equalising with an excellently struck goal. Lennard soon redeemed herself with the help of backs Emily Randall, Kath Couzens and Katy Hill by clearly a barrage of attempted goals by Henley just before half time.

The second started well and Wokingham picked up the pace. Taking the ball from the halfway line, Longfield took the ball from the 25 through 5 Henley players to strategically place a stunning goal past the Henley goalkeeper at an extremely acute angle. It soon become obvious that 5th placed Henley felt they deserved more from the game. Fortunately for Wokingham Tash Sweeney and Cath Coombs played superb sweeper games and enabled another attack. A penalty corner was won by captain Fiona Kelly, working with Toz Hearn, who managed to pass through to Megan Clark for a well watched strike into the back of the net. The win has enabled Wokingham Ladies 1's to consolidate 8th position in the Trysports Three Counties Premier Two league with a buffer between next placed Gerard's Cross.

02/02/2008 - Ladies 2nd (0) - (4) Marlow 2's

Wokingham Ladies 2nd XI played Marlow Ladies 2nd XI looking for an improvement on their recent results. Unfortunately this was not to be; Wokingham’s play was scrappy and disjointed from the beginning. Marlow capitalised on this and took the lead with 2 goals early in the first half. Wokingham did manage to put together a number of attacks but unfortunately were unable to score from any of them. The second half continued in a similar vein to the first half. Marlow scored 2 more early in the half leaving Wokingham 4-0 down. Wokingham won a number of short corners but twice captain Beccy Slater was unable to convert. With 10 minutes to go player of the match Jenny Cave was hit on the mouth by the ball and had to leave the pitch, leaving Wokingham having to defend hard to keep the score at 4-0. This disappointing performance leaves Wokingham 10th in their league and in need of some points to avoid dropping into the relegation zone.

02/02/2008 - Mens 1 (1) - (4) Phoenix & Ranelagh

Scorers: Chris Lack
Man of the match: Martin ''Blood bin'' Lenney
Donkey of the day: Ali ''Control yourself'' Dance

After last weeks dramatic draw against the league high fliers Tring. Wokingham were hoping for a similar performance against Pheonix & Ranelagh at the Rivermead complex in Reading.

The away side were struck a blow early on with Si Vive aggravating a tight hamstring in the warm up. Unfortunately Wokingham only had a bare eleven so he played on. The start of the game saw Wokingham dominate with good moves up front and through the midfield albeit at a pedestrian pace. Phoenix then had a lucky break away, which ended up being put away for the first goal of the game. The rest of the half then descended into poor and scrappy play epitomised by a phoenix player sin binned for a reckless attempt at a tackle in the centre of the midfield. Wokingham were creating plenty of chances up front and had numerous short corners but the theme of the season continued with none of them being converted. The first half finished 1-0 to the home side with Wokingham incensed at the way that they had been “playing”.

The second half carried on in a similar manner with Wokingham dominating the play but Phoenix were able to break down the attacks and counter attack themselves. As more and more chances went begging the greater the frustration grew for Wokingham. The home team then scored two more before Wokingham managed to pull one back after John Barlow’s assist was played to Chris Lack, who managed to sweep the ball under the keeper. After this goal the game descended into an even lower level. The Phoenix keeper then shouted an expletive at himself only to see yellow for his potty mouthed antics. This then led to a total of 20 minutes standing around as both teams waited for the replacement keeper to pad up for only 5 minutes of play, then to change back to the original goalie once the sin bin time had elapsed!

The break did not help the away side as Phoenix then scored another after a controversial sideline ball. Frustrated by the last goal and the shocking standard of the match Rob Morris let his feelings known to the Umpire and was ridiculously shown a red card. There was nothing threatening or rude in what Morris had said to the umpire and was rightfully rescinded to a yellow card at the end of the game.

02/02/2008 - Mens 2 (0) - (0) High Wycombe 3

Scorers: -
Man of the match: Mark "Fergy" Ferguson - strong running again in midfield
Donkey of the day: Ross "Ibbo" Ibbotson

Wokingham faced High Wycombe 3s at Cantley Park in what they knew would be close and tough encounter after a tight 1-1 draw earlier in the season. This game would prove to be even tighter and tenser than the reverse fixture.

The game began with Wokingham having the greater share of possession and territory. However they were yet again unable to produce enough clear chances to open the scoring. The home team won a series of penalty corners with one effort by Matt Taylor – a quick one-two with Brett Powis – coming close to the opening goal. A cross from Peter “Tina” Tailby from the right also found Ross Ibbotson in space but the attacking midfielder rushed his shot and fired wide.

Yet High Wycombe remained a threat as they were able to create a lot of space particularly in midfield. Wokingham’s defence proved they were up to the challenge, however, as a number of strong tackles prevented High Wycombe from troubling the Wokingham goal. The away team also had their keeper to thank for a number of good saves that denied the Wokingham attack whenever they appeared to be in a strong position to score.

The second half began with yet another period of pressure exerted by the Wokingham again producing little in the way of good chances. High Wycombe continued to be a threat on the break due to their young, quick team but Wokingham’s defence remained stoic and prevented any High Wycombe attack from leading to a goal.

However, Wokingham were put under pressure in the last five minutes when Marcus Naris in the Wokingham goal made a series of increasingly worse complaints to the umpire for which he received a yellow card. The game was delayed whilst Mark Peel stepped into the keeper’s outfit for the last five minutes. Yet the fact that Peel did not have to make a save during this period, despite Wycombe’s man advantage, was indicative of a game in which both teams defences effectively prevented any real chances being fashioned by two attacking sides.

02/02/2008 - Mens 3 (1) - (3) Henley 4

Scorers: Tristan Head
Man of the match: Brad Read
Donkey of the day: Tristan 'I really couldnt have done any better than win a corner from a yard out with an open goal' Head

This season has been pretty dismal so far, so not much was expected from the trip to high-flying Henley, and there were problems right from the start; a kit clash forcing Wokingham to play in white Henley shirts, and the captain wearing virtual slippers after forgetting his astro boots.

However, Wokingham immediately started creating pressure, debutant Brad Read impressing with excellent pace and skill to create many chances that Wokingham just could not convert, with Tristan Head missing a gilt-edged chance at the far post. Both teams had periods of dominance, but Henley converted a chance first after a poor Wokingham clearance. The second goal came after a hit that somehow evaded the entire Wokingham defence before being turned in at the far post, a move that Wokingham could have done with exploiting on many occasions.

After the break, Henley scored almost immediately after a long dribble from the central midfielder. Wokingham, however, fought back, scoring from a well worked short corner. Periods of dominance for both teams proved unfruitful, and Wokingham ended the match beaten but encouraged after an excellent performance, and a game they could certainly have won.

26/01/2008 - Vets (4) - (1) Amersham and Chalfont

Scorers: Roland Mear x4

This turned out to be the classic ‘game of two halves’ with Wokingham moving the ball well in the first half and turning round two nil up thanks to two opportunist goals from Roly Mear. Unfortunately the second half did not progress in the same way with players becoming frustrated as moves broke down and passes went astray.Although Amersham got a goal back with a clever flick from their centre forward, Mear scored two more goals to make the final score 4/1 to Wokingham.

Thanks go to David Baines for standing in as the Vets goalkeeper, Paul Symonds for playing for Amersham who were one short and to Andy Bowyer for Umpiring at the last minute.

26/01/2008 - Ladies 1st (1) - (1) Gerard's Cross 1st XI

Scorers: Fiona Kelly
Man of the match: Victoria Sauven

The match started with flowing and two-touch hockey from Wokingham allowing Wokingham to dominate the Gerard's Cross 'D' and create a number of chances. New players Alison Longfield and Victoria Hearn gave Wokingham a much needed boost and enabled chances to be created for Sandra Dodington. Tracey Clarke made an excellent break beating two Gerard's Cross players but was not able to finish.

Wokingham’s dominance was not maintained at the start of the second half. Within 10 minutes Gerard's Cross scored a breakaway goal against the run of play. For a while Wokingham did not respond positively; however some excellent team play from Mary King and Keely Haynes ensured that the ball was sent to player of the match Victoria Sauven who cleverly 'dinked' the ball over the close marking Gerard's Cross player to take the ball to just outside the 'D' and neatly passed to captain Fiona Kelly. Taking the ball around an opposition player Fiona cleanly and firmly struck the ball to place it in the top left hand corner of the goal to bring the score level. Wokingham continued to successfully defend and were unlucky not to convert a last minute short corner.

26/01/2008 - Ladies 2nd (0) - (4) Abingdon Pilgrims Ladies 1st XI

Man of the match: Sarah Foster

The game started aggressively with end-to-end play. Wokingham defended strongly with player of the match Sarah Foster displaying excellent marking skills. Wokingham attacked and were rewarded with 2 short corners then a penalty flick. Unfortunately Nancy Jensen was unable to convert the flick. Abingdon came back to score twice taking the game into half time with 2-0 to Abingdon. The second half was equally hard fought with Wokingham winning a number of short corners but they were unable to convert them. However, Abingdon capitalised on 2 breaks and scored twice more to make the final score 4-0 to Abingdon. Wokingham have now dropped to 10th in the table.

26/01/2008 - Mens 2 (1) - (1) Eastcote 4s

Scorers: Mark Peel
Man of the match: Marcus Naris – number superb saves in goal
Donkey of the day: Terry Pollard – series of dodgy tackles

Wokingham travelled to Brunel University to take on Eastcote in what both sides knew would be a tight game following a narrow 1-0 win for Eastcote at Cantley earlier in the year. The game began with the teams evenly matched as neither side could fashion any real openings in the opposition defence. However, Eastcote began to exert pressure on the away side as a multitude of careless passes by Wokingham around the midfield allowed Eastcote to break and create chances on goal. One such break resulted in an Eastcote striker rounding the Wokingham keeper only to be denied by Steve Bearpark’s saving tackle.

Yet Eastcote were repeatedly thwarted by Marcus Naris in the Wokingham goal who made a series of superb saves to keep the game scoreless. Wokingham’s defence – notably through the strong tackling of Bearpark at left-back – held strong and kept out a series of penalty corners to deny Eastcote the lead.

Wokingham finally managed to enjoy their own period of possession and territory but once again could not take advantage of a number of good moves – Martin Bushell twice firing high and wide from a good position.

With the game tied at nil-nil the second half began much like the first – with both teams having periods of pressure only to be denied by each side’s strong defence. Wokingham had a number of chances to take the lead – including Mark Peel striking wide on the rebound from a good save by the Eastcote keeper – but were also at lucky not to fall behind as Marcus kept up his good form by saving all that was thrown at him. Eventually it proved to be Wokingham who took the lead after Terry Pollard jabbed the ball away from an unaware Eastcote defender and slipped the ball past the Eastcote keeper for Mark Peel to slide the ball into the empty goal.

However, Eastcote doggedly fought back and only a few minutes later had the equaliser as cross from the right was deflected into the path of a free Eastcote attacker who slotted the ball past Marcus. With the game tight both sides were determined not to concede and both defences thwarted any chances that either opposition attack tried to create. Overall a fair result for both sides in what was a tight contest that sees Wokingham remain third in the league.

26/01/2008 - Mens 1 (3) - (3) Tring

Scorers: Mike Baylis, Martin Lenney, John Barlow
Man of the match: Robert Morris
Donkey of the day: Gladys ( "I meant take him out for a drink!")

In a match true to the cliché of it being a game of two halves, Wokingham Men’s First XI earned a hard fought point against runaway league leaders Tring at Cantley Park on Saturday. Despite playing quite well, Wokingham found themselves 3-0 down at half time thanks to a defensive lapse and two well worked short corners by Tring. Half time brought a change of fortunes for the home team, and some excellent play and no shortage of commitment brought Wokingham level through goals from Mike Baylis Martin Lenney and an excellent John Barlow effort(yes really, I was shocked too!), who slotted home after rounding the keeper. It was a fiercely contested match, with each team having two players sin-binned during the game, however the game was well umpired and the keen contest never spilled over into anything unpleasant. There was excellent performances by Martin Lenney in midfield and goalkeeper David Baines for Wokingham and in the end a 3-3 draw was a fair result.

19/01/2008 - Mens 3 (1) - (5) Westhamstead

Scorers: Harry Weald
Man of the match: Mike Rogers, Steve "Pie Eater" Bennet
Donkey of the day: Matt 'Matt Damon' Turner

Despite frantic efforts, Wokingham came into this game with only 10 players playing, due to around 10 other players declaring themselves unavailable, probably due to the late start in NW London.
Westhamstead dominated throughout, using their man advantage by spreadint the play right to left, and a good team first goal was then surpassed by a drag flick into the top left corner close to half time. The man advantage was then utilised as they stretched the defence, meaning at half time it was 3-0.
The second half started with Wokingham looking very solid defensively, with continous marking by Mike Rogers and Aj at the back snuffing out many attacks. Wokingham got one back early in the half, Harry Weald dribbling down the left before squeezing in a low shot from a tight angle. Wokingham soon tired however, leaving 2 midfielders open on their left, allowing a well placed shot to beat the keeper. Steve "Pie eater" Bennet continued his tradiition of fantastic saves from earlier weeks by saving from a drag flick into the top left corner again, flying away one handed to push behind. Soon however, a lapse allowed Westhamstead to again score late on. However, a good performance with a severely understrength team was achieved.

19/01/2008 - Ladies 2nd (1) - (3) Maidenhead Ladies 3rd XI

Scorers: Hatty Wood
Man of the match: Nic Palmer

Wokingham started strongly and play was end-to-end. Maidenhead had an early short corner with a disallowed strike on goal but then managed to score their first when a moment of miscommunication by Wokingham allowed a Maidenhead break to become a 1 on 1 with player of the match goalkeeper Nic Palmer; despite Palmer’s best efforts Maidenhead took the lead 1-0. Wokingham came back strongly winning 3 short corners in a row. The third short corner was well worked by captain Beccy Slater to give Hatty Wood the chance to equalise with a half-time score of 1-1.

In the second half, Maidenhead started strongly and scored their second goal from a well-worked short corner. A third goal followed but was disallowed. Wokingham then sustained injuries with players having to leave the pitch, leaving Wokingham to defend 2 short corners in quick succession with only 10 men. Wokingham managed to win a short corner but were unable to convert and Maidenhead then scored their third goal from a short corner. Despite now being 9th in the league, Wokingham were pleased with this performance which bodes well for the remainder of the season.

19/01/2008 - Ladies 1st (3) - (2) Newbury and Thatcham Ladies 2's

Scorers: Sandra Doddington, Alison Longfield, Tash Sweeney
Man of the match: Sandra Doddington

In their first match XI in the League Trysports Three Counties League Premier 2 since Christmas, Wokingham Ladies 1's demonstrated true determination and tenacity by coming back twice and eventually winning 3-2 against Newbury and Thatcham Ladies 2's. After a slow start to the game by both teams Newbury and Thatcham Ladies 2's broke the deadlock with a well placed flick goal. This spurred on Wokingham, particularly player of the match Sandra Doddington, who came back to equalise with a beautiful reverse stick flick goal. The defence battled hard until half time with some excellent tackling from Kath Couzens and Keely Haynes.

With the momentum, the game became faster in the second half. Tracey Clarke made some excellent saves as goalkeeper but a breakaway run from Newbury and Thatcham meant that the score became 1-2. More driven than before Wokingham rallied and created chances. The opportunity came with a short corner awarded to Wokingham 10 minutes before the end and Alison Longfield cleanly struck an equalising goal.

Fighting until the end the much needed 3 points were finally realised by an excellent run from the half way line by Victoria Sauven who drove to the back line and cleverly dropped the ball back Tash Sweeney to score in the final minute much to the delight of the crowd and hard working coach Steve Simpson. Wokingham are now 8th in their league.

19/01/2008 - Mens 2 (5) - (2) Aylesbury 2s

Scorers: Matt Taylor, Terry Pollard x2, Brett Powis, Dave “Sammo” Sampson
Man of the match: Mark “Fergy” Ferguson - good running in midfield
Donkey of the day: Matt Taylor - scapegoat for last week

Wokingham came into this game looking to bounce back from a thoroughly disappointing loss away to Phoenix. However, in the reverse fixture earlier in the season, Aylesbury had proven to be tough opposition and so the home team knew they would have to work hard to get a good result. Once again Wokingham started slowly and were unable to create chances yet some strong defending meant Aylesbury were unable to fashion many openings either. Eventually Wokingham picked up the tempo of the game and won a penalty corner mid-way through the first half. From the resulting set-piece Matt Taylor fired an accurate shot to the bottom left-hand corner that evaded the Aylesbury defender to give Wokingham the lead.

The home side sought to double their advantage and had the opportunity to do so with a series of penalty corners. However – following the break down of a poor penalty corner routine by Wokingham – Aylesbury demonstrated their counter-attacking threat as a swift move down the left-hand channel left Wokingham outnumbered in defence. An accurate cross found an unmarked Aylesbury midfielder who duly slotted the ball past Marcus in the Wokingham goal. Yet Wokingham, undeterred, pushed forward again and reclaimed the lead through Terry Pollard’s powerful drive following a good move around the Aylesbury “D.”

Knowing they had to convert much more of their chances to kill the game, Wokingham came out for the second half looking to score quickly to consolidate their lead. Wokingham duly obliged in some style as Brett Powis and Martin Bushell played a protracted one-two that fell to Brett, who beat an Aylesbury defender and slipped the ball past the keeper after only eleven seconds of the second half. Determined not to lose concentration, Wokingham pressured Aylesbury once again and a poor ball from an Aylesbury defender fell to Martin Bushell who pushed the ball quickly left for Terry Pollard to grab his second of the game with a controlled finish.

Wokingham were reminded of the perils of losing focus when a poor ball from Matt Taylor level with the Wokingham “D” fell straight to an unmarked Aylesbury forward who struck the ball clinically past Marcus’ despairing dive. Yet Wokingham were to have the final word on the match when another good move down the right hand channel gave Dave “Sammo” Sampson the chance to score Wokingham’s fifth with a good finish from a narrow angle.

19/01/2008 - Mens 1 (3) - (3) Marlow

Scorers: Mike 'Gladis' Bayliss, Dom Tallent, Adam Taylor
Man of the match: Martin Lenny
Donkey of the day: Rob 'Fumble to the forwards' Morris

Wokingham travelled to a rain drenched Handy Cross pitch in High Wycombe to play Marlow with both sides eager to improve after defeats in the New Year.
After a fairly equal start to the game it was the home side that drew first blood. Rob Morris with a fumbling stutter, gifted the ball to a Marlow forward a was punished with an easy two on one attack with the goalie Dave Baines stranded. Wokingham were creating good chances but were not clinical enough with their finishing. Dave “Sarah” Badger most notably hitting the post with an excellent effort after being supplied the ball from Ali “Flatpack” Dance.
Soon after Marlow scored another. This time a free hit outside the circle was caressed into the D and after some woeful marking ended up being an easy tap in on the right post.

This then buoyed Wokingham and they started to “up the notches” with excellent moves coming from the forwards Dom “the talent” Tallent and Dave Badger; Dom with three golden opportunities to score but unfortunately not managing to convert any. With all the play in the away sides’ favour, Wokingham then scored a short corner with an excellent backhand finish from Mike “Gladys” Baylis.

Marlow then scored again on the stroke of half time with an expertly deflected short corner making the score at half time 3-1 to the home side. Even though Wokingham had a tricky deficit to overcome they were confident that they could still take something out of the game. This belief shone through early in the second half as Chris Lack reverse flicked the ball onto the post and a goal line scramble ensued, Marlow eventually finding a way to clear the ball away from the danger area.

This pressure eventually told with Dom Tallent firing home with a powerful strike to continue his 8 goals in 8 games ratio. Tempers then began to flare with Martin Lenney going on a mazy run being only to be brought down in the D by some agricultural defending from the Marlow defenders, angered by this a scuffle broke out between the two players and the umpire became involved to cool the situation. Soon after this the Marlow player in question was shown a Green card for elbowing Lenney in the face.

The Marlow captain then proceeded to miss an open goal, which threw Wokingham a lifeline. The game became more and more open with both sides creating chances but it was Wokingham who scored the last goal of the game after a scrappy short corner was turned in by Captain Adam Taylor. Wokingham will want to have more luck in front of goal next weekend as top of the table Tring come to Cantley Park.

19/01/2008 - Vets (6) - (0) Havant

Scorers: Mark Powell x3, Paul Symonds, Roly Mear, Jaz Jhetta

A depleted Wokingham Veterans side travelled to find that the home team were willing to lend Wokingham two spare players to make up the numbers. This generous gesture backfired slightly as Wokingham ended up winning 6-0. From the start Wokingham put pressure on the Havant defence but close marking resulted in chances being difficult to convert. However after 17 minutes Mark Powell gave an indication of what was to follow by deftly lifting the ball over the goal keepers head into the net. Goals by Paul Symonds and Roly Mear followed quickly and Wokingham started the second half leading 3-0.
Mark Powell was by this time carving his way through the Havant midfield with powerful running and the home side were struggling to find an answer. Powell scored his second closely followed by Jaz Jhetta scoring from a deflected shot which looped over the goalkeepers head. Finally Mark Powell beat 3 players to slam the ball into the Havant goal to round off a fine hat trick (his first for the club) and Wokingham’s 6th.

12/01/2008 - Mens 3 (0) - (2) Phoenix & Ranelagh 3

Man of the match: Steve 'Pie Eater' Bennet
Donkey of the day: Matt 'Matt Damon' Turner - carried his bike all the way from crowthorne

The day started badly for Wokingham, with only 10 players confirmed available as close as just over an hour from push-back, but in the end a fairly well balanced if under-strength full team was able to start.

Phoenix dominated early with good pressurising play from the whole team, with Wokingham also counterattacking well, but there were few chances early on.
Soon though, Phoenix started piling on the pressure, and only last ditch defending, especially in one particular 6 on 2 situation, along with numerous fantastic saves from goalkeeper Steve Bennet, kept them at bay, with admiring comments coming from all players and spectators for the keeper's effort. At the end of the half however, Phoenix won 4 short corners in a row, 2 of these coming after the end of time, and depite dogged defending, the final corner resulted in a low shot into the far corner of the goal.

After half time, the game spread out quickly, and Wokingham maintained possession far better than in the first half, carving out some chances while defending with greater solidarity, mainly through centre-back Luke MacSweeney. However, neither team could add to the scoresheet, before a Wokingham break late on left them shorthanded defensively in a 3 on 2 situation, from which Phoenix worked it nicely for a tap in. It was a disappointing result for Wokingham, though Phoenix deserved their win.

12/01/2008 - Mens 2 (1) - (5) Phoenix and Ranelagh 2s

Scorers: Dave "Sammo" Sampson
Man of the match: tba
Donkey of the day: tba

Hoping to consolidate a strong end of the first half of the season, Wokingham came into this game against Phoenix and Ranelagh aiming to repeat their victory on the first day of the season. However, Wokingham were given a rude awakening firstly by a severely weakened team due to a number of absences and secondly by a much stronger performance by their opposition.

The away side knew they would have to perform well to negate the opposition’s man-advantage and duly came under pressure immediately from the Phoenix team. Yet Wokingham’s midfield and defence held firm and limited the number of chances that Phoenix could create. Wokingham then began to push higher and created a couple of good chances on the break but were unable to capitalise on any counter-attack. The home side soon pressed Wokingham back and won a series of short-corners but were thwarted by a number of strong tackles and good saves by Marcus Naris, returning in the Wokingham goal.

With either team yet to score at half-time Wokingham felt that provided they kept neutralising Phoenix in attack, they could snatch a goal on the break and put the pressure back on the home side. However, following a tense and evenly balanced ten minutes, it was Phoenix that finally broke the deadlock following a swift move down the left culminating in a strong cross turned home by a Phoenix striker with a shot that gave Marcus no chance in goal. Wokingham knew they had to respond quickly but, in their attempts to find an equaliser, the away team were caught out of position by a Phoenix break and the Phoenix striker finished another strong attacking move.

Wokingham kept in reach of Phoenix, again due to some strong defending, but Phoenix effectively killed the game ten minutes from time when they scored their third from a strong shot from the top of the D by the Phoenix central midfielder. Wokingham then grabbed a consolation goal following a flowing move that allowed Pete “Tina” Tailby space to break down the right and put in a good cross duly turned passed the keeper by Dave “Sammo” Sampson in attack. Phoenix went on to score two more goals just before the end of the match, resulting from effective breaks that caught Wokingham out of position to cap a disappointing day for a Wokingham side who know they can produce much better performances than this.

08/12/2007 - Mens 2 (4) - (3) Ashford 3

Scorers: Mark “Fergy” Ferguson, Brett Powis x2, Terry Pollard
Man of the match: Peter “Tina” Tailby – good performance down the right
Donkey of the day: Brett Powis – jug avoidance by missing a sitter

Wokingham came into this game away at Ashford hoping to continue their unbeaten run into the Christmas break. However, the away side knew they were in for a tough game as Ashford attacked from the outset at a high tempo, putting Wokingham on the back foot. Soon enough Ashford took the lead from a penalty flick as Wokingham defender Steve “Beartrap” Bearpark was adjudged to have denied an Ashford striker a goal scoring opportunity by tackling his stick, for which he received a green card. Yet eventually Wokingham began to fight back and played some good, fluid hockey. Wokingham got the equaliser following good work by Peter “Tina” Tailby and Kip Van Diemen on the right to square the ball to Matt Taylor whose shot rebounded off the Ashford keeper only to find Mark “Fergy” Ferguson who duly converted the chance.

Ashford responded by exerting their own period of pressure on the away side, culminating in a series of short corners. Eventually, Ashford took the lead through a straight strike from a penalty corner that just evaded Phil Bell’s dive in the Wokingham goal. Undeterred, Wokingham pressed on and equalised once again with a brilliant move that gave Matt Taylor acres of space on the left to fire the ball across the D for Brett Powis to deflect past the Ashford keeper.

With game evenly balanced at half-time, Wokingham knew they would have to dig deep to ensure a good result. The away side began the half the more positive team and created a number of good chances but were unable to fashion a third goal. Yet eventually Wokingham’s pressure told and Brett Powis scored his second of the game following a good short corner routine that led the ball to flick up for Powis to smash the ball home inside the left hand post. Now it was Ashford’s turn to equalise – which they achieved once again from a short corner whereby the strike found the bottom left hand corner of the goal. With little time remaining both teams tried to find the decisive and doubtless winning goal. Ashford came close when a seemingly innocuous hit from outside the D rebounded off the post into the path of an oncoming Ashford striker, only for Phil Bell to make a tremendous save with his boot. Ultimately it was to be Wokingham’s day as, three minutes from time; Mark Peel slipped the ball left from a short corner for Terry Pollard to fire a fierce shot past the Ashford keeper. Wokingham battled hard and held on to take a good win.

08/12/2007 - Mens 3 (2) - (2) Tring 3

Scorers: Harry Weald, David Faria
Man of the match: Harry Weald
Donkey of the day: ASBO (reason...who cares)

Wokingham had, by their standards, a massive 15 man squad for the game, though if this helped or hindered is hard to tell.
Tring won the toss, and pushed back, and had scored before Wokingham touched the ball, a probably goal bound shot stopped on the line by Mike Rodgers' foot, and the resultant flick was well saved by 'keeper Steve 'Pie Eater' Bennet, though it was ajudged to have just crossed the line.
Wokingham, still without a win all season, could have been rattled by this, but fought back well quickly, an excellent cross flicked in by Dave Faria. Mark 'ASBO' Thorpe was green carded soon after for repeated swipe tackles from behind, leading to Harry Weald coming on at left wing. He made an immediate difference, holding up the ball well, and managed to score his first official goal for the team, flicking in after a shot was well saved.

The second half saw the balance of play shift considerably from one side to another, and as both teams tired, the play spread out, and there were chances at both ends, however none were taken. With around 5 minutes to go, Tring won a short corner. After some bobbling around, a high shot was unleashed, which appeared to be going wide, but post defender Stu MacLean couldn't be sure, and so blocked the shot. It bounced off 'keeper Bennet, and bobbled out to the oncoming striker 2 yards out and with an open goal, who duly converted the chance. With seconds left both Matt 'Matt Damen' Turner and ASBO missed great chances to win it for Wokingham, but they had to settle for a point in the end.

01/12/2007 - Mens 2 (3) - (0) Gerrards Cross 2

Scorers: Dave “Sammo” Sampson, Dave “Sarah” Badger, Matt Taylor
Man of the match: Dave Bennett – impressing the people of Wokingham in the blazer of brilliance
Donkey of the day: Dave “Sammo” Sampson

Hoping to build on a strong performance against British Airways last week, Wokingham played Gerrards Cross – a team whose results had been erratic of late. The game began with both teams evenly matched and not troubling either goalkeeper. After a sluggish opening fifteen minutes, the play began to open up with both teams exerting periods of pressure on the opposition. However, it was Wokingham who were to open the scoring following a good move by Dave “Sarah” Badger on the left who cut the ball back for Dave “Sammo” Sampson to finish with ease. Wokingham should have had a second but for a piece of good keeping, denying Sampson in a one-on-one situation. In response, Gerrards Cross strung together a number of good moves in midfield but were unable to trouble the Wokingham keeper.

As the second half began, Wokingham knew they had to score quickly to consolidate their lead and kill the game. The home side duly obliged as they exerted an extended period of pressure on their opposition, creating a number of good chances – only to remain frustrated by the Gerrards Cross keeper. Wokingham finally doubled their lead when Badger turned in a strong cross from the left. The home side then put the game to rest when Matt Taylor scored his second in as many games following another good attacking move. Cross started to get back into the game but the Wokingham defence held firm – most notably through good work by Dave Bennett – to gain a welcome clean sheet and ensure that Wokingham moved up into third on goal difference.

01/12/2007 - Ladies 2nd (1) - (2) Milton Keynes 2As

Scorers: Sheuli Ferguson
Man of the match: Sandra Dodington

Wokingham were missing number of key players and were further hampered when one of their defenders had to stop playing within the first few minutes of the game due to injury. Despite this, Wokingham played solidly during the first half with a number of attacking moves created by player-of-the match Sandra Dodington. However, Milton Keynes pushed forward in the second half and despite the hard work of sweeper Sarah Foster and a superb diving save by goalkeeper Nic Palmer, Milton Keynes managed to score twice in the last 10 minutes of the game. Wokingham had a consolation goal in the dying seconds of the game when Sheuli Ferguson converted a superb cross from Dodington, but unfortunately it wasn’t enough.

01/12/2007 - Mens 1 (1) - (1) OMT

Scorers: Mike 'Gladys' Baylis
Man of the match: Lenny
Donkey of the day: John Barlow

Disconsolate Wokingham rue missed chances.

Wokingham came into the clash with Old Merchant Taylors in a confident mood having won the last three matches leading up to the game. OMT started the stronger outfit with some flowing moves but good defending from the Wokingham back line stopped Taylors from netting. As the first half went on the away side started to take control of the game. John Barlow and Matt ‘Owens’ Oldridge were very unlucky not to score after some neat interplay but were denied by the opposition keeper. There were very few clear cut chances throughout the half and that reflected the score line as the opening period finished goalless.

It emerged at half time that the OMT captain had injured his leg and was unable to run, OMT only had a bare eleven so he carried on playing as a stationary striker. This allowed Rob Morris and Simon Vive to step up from defence and overload the midfield, which was a useful advantage. Soon into the second half the OMT captain was harshly sin binned due to a high stick. Wokingham continued to press hard which resulted in a golden four on one opportunity squandered by poor finishing by the attackers. Thankfully the resulting short corner was put away by a powerful strike by Mike ‘Mr Butter’ Baylis.

Wokingham then decided to park the bus by playing deeper and deeper into their own half, OMT grew confidence from this and started to attack with conviction. The home side were awarded a succession of short corners by some baffling umpiring decisions. Adam Taylor managed on one occasion to carve out a bobbling yorker on the right post with great skill but the pressure eventually showed with 15 seconds to go Taylors slotted home the equaliser under Dave Baines. This leaves Wokingham third in the league with City of Oxford at home next Saturday.

01/12/2007 - Vets (6) - (3) Winchester Wanderers

Scorers: Roly Mear (3), Alan Baines, Mark Powell (2)

Last year Winchester scored first and last and conceded seven. This year they went two-nil ahead, conceded 6 and then scored a third. Wokingham started strongly but after 10 minutes Winchester scored with their first attack. Two minutes later James (Pop) Larkham scored from a short corner. Wokingham recovered, kept passing and scored three goals through Mark Powell, Roly Mear and Alan Baines to lead by half time. The Vets maintained their pressure in the second half and were rewarded with further goals by Mear (2) and Powell. Winchester scored a consolation third.

24/11/2007 - Mens 3 (3) - (2) PHC Chiswick 5

Scorers: Harry Weald, Craig Johnson, Ben Pinnick
Man of the match: Harry Weald
Donkey of the day: Matt 'Matt Damon' Turner - turned up then left

Match Postponed Due to Floodlight Failure.

Wokingham were in good shape in the lead up to the match, so, despite only 40 minutes of light being available to play in, a 7-a-side half-pitch friendly match was hastily organised with those of the Chiswick team who remained.

Wokingham dominated throughout, with the 2 Chiswick goals coming in the unguarded net due to the lack of Wokingham keeper.
Experimenting with the players, usual defenders Craig Johnson and Ben Pinnick found themselves attacking for long periods, both scoring after good attacking work in the D. Harry Weald also scored under the keeper on his Men's debut, making it 3-2, though in truth Wokingham could have had many more.
Both teams enjoyed the chance to play, and played in a good spirit, and will hope for a good match when the game is rearranged.

24/11/2007 - Mens 2 (2) - (1) British Airways 2

Scorers: Matt Taylor, Brett Powis
Man of the match: Rupert Warren
Donkey of the day: Whoever wrote the mens 1s match report

Wokingham travelled to Feltham to play British Airways in what they knew would be a tough game against a team unbeaten at home so far in the league. It soon became apparent that Wokingham were also going to have to overcome some rather adverse umpiring in order to gain a much-needed result. However, from the outset Wokingham had the greater percentage of territory and possession but were unable to fashion enough chances to trouble the BA goalkeeper. Yet, when the away team began to string a number of good moves together, the BA defence was opened up with John Barlow shooting just wide and Matt Taylor – despite his nosebleed due to vertigo – denied only by some good keeping.

However, it was the home side which opened the scoring with a well worked short corner resulting from a somewhat farcical mix-up between Sam Feltham in goal and Steve “Bear Grylls” Bearpark in defence: Sam deciding to kick the ball clear as Steve was under pressure from an attacker and only succeeding in kicking the ball against the Wokingham defender’s foot. From the resulting short corner BA switched the ball left and then right to leave their striker with an easy finish at the far post. The away side could have gone further behind were it not for Sam Feltham – making up for his earlier gaffe – snatching the ball away from a BA striker in a one-on-one.

Wokingham found themselves undeservedly behind at half time and knew they would have to convert their superior pressure into chances to get back into the game. From the restart Wokingham pressed BA back into their half and were able to orchestrate the play – most notably through an assured performance by Rupert Warren as the holding midfielder. Eventually the away team’s pressure told as Matt Taylor was on hand to deflect a cross past the BA keeper, inside the right hand post and double his tally for the season.

Sensing a second goal, Wokingham again pushed forward and thought they had taken the lead when John Barlow flicked the ball over the BA keeper, only for the umpire to rule the goal out due to ‘dangerous play’ because of the close proximity of a BA defender. Yet Wokingham were finally rewarded with the lead when a period of good play led to Rupert Warren setting up Brett Powis to score the second, decisive goal. With little time left in the match, BA urgently tried to find an equalising goal. Yet Wokingham’s defence was to hold firm – albeit with assistance from Sam Feltham, making two great saves – firstly with his legs and then parrying a drag flick heading for the top corner – to deny BA and ensure Wokingham capped another stoic performance with a good result away from home.

24/11/2007 - Mens 1 (4) - (2) Harrow

Scorers: Dom Talent, Chris Lack, Ali Dance, Sarah Badger
Man of the match: Ali Dance
Donkey of the day: James Moss

Wokingham were looking for a successive win following their outstanding display against Mill Hill last week. This week they played hosts to Harrow - a team that had been Wokingham's boogie team last two times they had met.

Wokingham were without key players in the centre on the park, defensive midfielder Matt O was away sunning himeself to a shade of crimson whilst sweeper Robert Morris was busy shooting guns in Eastern Europe. With rest off the club suffering shortages wokingham had a reshuffle and only had a bare 11 to play right until the last minute where they gained a stand in super sub.

Wokingham started the game at a high pace directed by captain and stand in sweeper Adam Taylor they shuffled the ball from side to side with ease and placing real pressure on the Harrow Defence. Good surging runs by Dave "Sarah" Badger and Man of the Match Ali Dance paid dividends and 14 minutes into the game a number of quick passes put Dominic Talent in the right spot to reverse flick the ball into the net for his 5th goal in nearly as many games. Harrow came back with real gusto and produced a spearing attack that Wokingham knew they were capable of, the defense held fast until a penatly corner was given for a wayward foot in the "D". Harrow equalised bringing the score to 1-1. Wokingham continued to have a lot of possesion but failed to get the ball working anymore. Frustration set in and stupid decisions started to hand Harrow the advantage. Until a long conrner routine gave Chris Lack the ball who circum navigated the edge of the D and almost at the bye line he struck the ball inside the D and it deflected off a Harrow stick and into the their goal, 2-1. Although Wokingham were winning they were not taking complete control of the game. Harrow kept their heads and won another penalty corner right on the stroke of half time, a well worked move left the goal open for harrow to flick and draw the scores equal at half time.

The second half bought much of the same - end to end play but no real opportunities offered. Whilst Wokingham tried to play the Hockey they knew they were capable of Harrow kept stifling them with physical play sometimes literally pushing the younger players off the ball. It wasn't until well into the second half and some quick passing started by Left midfield Mike "Gladis" Bayliss put Chris Lack goal bound this time he made the wise choice of slipping the ball to supporting attacker Ali Dance who slammed the ball home from an uncharacteristic 15yards!! Wokingham sensed Harrow's frustration and continued to press Kip Van Dieman put Dave "Sarah" Badger on a run that drew all the defense he passed the ball to Ali Dance who, with a keeper bearing down on him, cleverly returned the ball back to Badger who made no error in bringing the score line to 4-2. A hard fought victory was only capable by a fitter younger side than the opposition. Next week away to Old Merchant Taylors where they will have to put on a better show to get the right result. and push wokingham upto 2nd in the table!!

24/11/2007 - Vets (4) - (1) Oxted

Scorers: Alan Baines, (2) Richard Backhouse, Roland Mear

Wokingham started the first half well with a number of dangerous attacks and short corners. The final touch however was wanting and Jas Jheeta's deflected shot from a short corner was the closest that Wokingham came to scoring. As the half wore on however, Oxted started to create their own chances and half-time arrived delicately balanced at 0 - 0.
On restarting, finally the Wokingham pressure produced a result when Alan Baines turned in the area and drove the ball in, just inside Oxted's post. Then against the run of play, Oxted broke down their left and scored an equaliser. Wokingham continued to pressurise and were relived when Richard Backhouse scored after a rebound . Oxted responded and Gary Fisher made critical tackles in the Wokingham defence. Then Roland Mear steered a through ball into Oxted's goal, followed by Alan Baines pouncing on a great ball from George Oliver to drive home Wokingham's fourth.
A satisfying win for Wokingham, tempered by the realisation that the early pressure should have been more productive.

17/11/2007 - Mens 1 (4) - (3) Mill Hill

Scorers: Gladys X 2, Lenny, Dom T
Man of the match: Matt O
Donkey of the day: Gladys

Wokingham made the long journey over to Mill Hill for a much sort after away victory. Buoyed by a solid performance last week Wokingham started confidently and capitalised on their dominance winning a succession of Short Corners.

It was however, Mill Hill who opened the scoring when their play maker, centre midfielder won a short corner and duly slotted in a drag flick to the top right corner.

Wokingham responded strongly and a well worked run and pass by Sarah allowed Centre Forward Ali 'Flatpack' Dance to thread the ball through to Gladys who struck first time and saw the ball fizz past the Keeper into the back of the net.

Wokingham continued to press hard and their second goal came when Lenny powered down the right flank, into the oppositions D and calmly flicked the ball over the grounded keeper.

The lead was short lived and soon after resumption of the second half Mill Hill drew level.

Wokingham continued to push hard and following stout defence from MOM Matt O and the whole of the back line Wokingham's superior fitness and control started to pay dividends. A piercing ball into the opposition D from Gladys allowed The Tallent, on his return to the 1's, to control the ball and coolly slot it past the keeper.

Wokingham quickly capitalised on their advantage and sensed demoralisation within the Mill Hill ranks. Pushing forward Wokingham set seige to the opposition D and were duly awarded a short corner. Opting for a strike, Gladys sent the ball neatly into the left hand corner-4-2.

Mill Hill got a consolation goal with a few minutes to spare but Wokingham cruised to their first away victory of the season.

A special mention must go to some heroic goal line defence by both Ads and Bainsey who miraculously managed to deflect two outstanding drag flicks. The balls are now orbiting Earth.

17/11/2007 - Mens 2 (2) - (3) High Wycombe 2

Scorers: Brett Powis, Martin Bushell
Man of the match: Peter "Tina" Tailby - good work down the right
Donkey of the day: Martin "potty-mouth" Bushell - so many cards, you'd think it was Christmas

Wokingham came into this game knowing they were to face strong opposition who had not yet dropped a point from seven games. However, Wokingham began the game the better team and coped well with the high tempo that High Wycombe had set. Building on a solid defence and midfield display, the home side were able to threaten the Wycombe goal and came close to scoring. Soon enough the first goal came, following good movement from Peter “Tina” Tailby on the right that eventually allowed Brett Powis to push the ball pass the out of position keeper. Wycombe began to fight back and put some pressure on the home side, yet the defence held firm – notably through strong tackling from Justin Brown and Jack Skelton. Wokingham then added a second goal as another good attacking move found Brett Powis who slid the ball left for Martin Bushell to finish from a narrow angle and claim his ninth goal of the season.

However, Wycombe claimed a goal back before half time following a good attack down the right hand channel – the ball being pulled back from the baseline for the Wycombe striker to finish strongly. With the game evenly balanced, both sides began to try and exert their dominance yet two Wycombe players received green cards for poor tackles made in frustration.

Wokingham knew they had every chance of getting a result from this match and came out for the second half looking to keep Wycombe under pressure all over the pitch. Yet Wokingham lost their composure that had been present during the first half and Wycombe began to have the greater share of possession and territory. Sure enough Wycombe soon made their pressure tell as Wokingham were outnumbered on the counter attack and a Wycombe attacker rounded the keeper to score their second of the game. Wycombe could have had a third were it not for a superb goal line clearance from Matty Taylor.

Wokingham began to hit back but were hampered when Martin Bushell received a yellow card for retaliating to a poor tackle – borne out of frustration at a number of dubious umpiring calls in Wycombe’s favour. Wycombe then took the lead following another counter attack: Marcus Naris in the Wokingham goal making a great save, only for the ball to rebound kindly into the path of an oncoming Wycombe attacker.

As Wokingham looked to salvage a point from the game, their frustrations at some weak umpiring decisions boiled over. Martin Bushell exemplified this frustration as he received a red card for an expletive-ridden tirade at one of the umpires. Down to ten men once again, Wokingham were unable to truly threaten the Wycombe goal and ended up losing disappointingly and undeservedly 3-2. Yet this was another good performance from Wokingham, who will hope to remain amongst the top teams in the run up to the Christmas break.

17/11/2007 - Mens 3 (0) - (2) Witney 3

Man of the match: (Captain's vote) Stu
Donkey of the day: David ‘I didn’t throw my stick on purpose...again’ Faria

With a new captain on board and a last minute boost with last year’s skipper BoatBoy Luke McSweeny able to play, the Men’s 3s were hopeful if not confident of being able to get something from the late game away at mid-table Witney, despite a lack of travelling umpire and early concerns about the small number of cars going. With Dom Gillan as new Leader of the Pack, the team played an unfamiliar 4-3-3 formation, which seemed to be going well early on until Luke just missed out on a Witney cross, before the forward reverse-sticked it in high off the far post from near-ish the top corner of the D. The Men’s 3s rarely see shooting of this standard, and so were suitably demoralised, however, preceded to dominate the rest of the half, not allowing Witney to get another shot or any short corners, and almost scoring through a Tristan one-on-one the keeper just managed to get to and many other low or scuffed shots that were either just wide or well saved, mainly from the other two forward players, Dave ‘Ella’ Faria and ASBO.

The half time break renewed the efforts of both teams, with the 11 men of Wokingham pleased to rest for a few minutes, and the game opened up as both teams tired in the second period. Despite this, the pace somehow quickened, with the Witney counter-attacks often being thwarted by Corky and Luke, and Wokingham pushed on, looking to equalise and secure what would be only their second point-earning game all season. Ben NNN, Stu Little and Dom in the central midfield often had to step in to break down Witney attacks, often left one-on-three against Witney midfielders, but on the attack, short corners and shots did not turn into goals. After good play down the right, Wokingham lost the ball and were caught out of position, leading to a cross and the ball ricocheting off a defenders stick for Witney’s second goal. Wokingham still pushed on, and might have had a penalty flick but for the umpire calling a lifted Faria shot ‘dangerous’. Both teams had chances to score, but in the end Wokingham’s inability to get on the end of the numerous quality balls into the D from Tristan free-hits cost them dear. However, the overall performance, especially in defence, was excellent against a skilled Witney team, and with a moment of fortune in front of goal, Wokingham might have recorded a result.

10/11/2007 - Mens 2 (6) - (1) Oxford Hawks 3

Scorers: Martin Bushell x2, Brett Powis x2, Terry Pollard, Mark Ferguson
Man of the match: Brett Powis
Donkey of the day: Mark Peel

After last week’s last-minute disappointment against Sonning, Wokingham looked to return to winning ways away against Oxford Hawks. The game began evenly with both sides having a fair share of possession without really threatening the opposition goal. Wokingham began to find a touch of fluidity with Martin Bushell in attack having the best of the chances they created. However, Wokingham finally broke the deadlock through a quick counter attack resulting from a period of pressure from the home side. Wokingham quickly transferred the ball left and, following a strong run by Dom Tallent, Martin Bushell was on hand to score his seventh of the season.

Wokingham began to assert themselves upon the match and began creating more chances – Tallent hitting the bar having shown good strength and skill to flick the ball over the keeper. Yet Oxford remained dangerous on the break – only desperate defending and a goal line save preventing the home side from equalising before the break.

As the second half began, Wokingham knew they would have to convert and create more chances to subdue their opposition. The away side duly obliged and even began to do something that had seemed alien to them in previous games – score from penalty corners. A couple of well worked and effective moves from a series of short corners were capped by strong finishes from Brett Powis and Terry Pollard that gave the Oxford keeper no chance. Powis claimed his second goal following good work from Peter “Tina” Tailby on the right who slipped the ball through to the Wokingham attacker to fire his shot past the keeper.

Oxford became noticeably dejected as Wokingham consolidated their dominance but, to their credit, they still created chances of their own – an attacker hitting the post following a good turn. However, Wokingham put the game well beyond their opposition’s reach as Bushell scored his second of the match with a strong drive that flew into the bottom corner. Mark “Fergy” Ferguson capped yet another strong performance in midfield by turning the ball home – following a good piece of skill on the left again by Dom Tallent – as Wokingham claimed their sixth. Yet the away side were denied a clean sheet as Oxford won a late short corner and the ball was deflected inside the left-hand post from a strong drive from the top of the D. Wokingham move back up to second following this victory and face a tough match next week against top of the league, High Wycombe 2.

10/11/2007 - Mens 1 (2) - (1) Abingdon

Scorers: Adam Taylor, Lenny
Man of the match: Lenny
Donkey of the day: Gladys

Wokingham came into this clash trying to maintain their unbeaten record at home and banish all memories of a disappointing result the week before. Neil Bennett was hoping for storming game as this was to be his last game on the hallowed Cantley turf before being unavailable for 3 months.
The home side started the stronger with fast attacking moves that cut through the Abingdon defence but unfortunately the final finish lacked conviction and the away team started to gain more confidence as the first half went on. Wokingham were dealt a blow half way through the opening period with Rob Morris having to come off due to a recurring painful shoulder. It was left to Adam Taylor to shuffle the pack by moving right midfielder Martin Lenney back into the defence as there was no natural replacement for the influential Morris in the centre.
The first goal came from a powerful short corner routine. When Mike Baylis fired the ball into the keepers pads Adam Taylor flung himself at the rebound and managed to slot home for his third goal of the season.
Shortly after Abingdon found the net themselves after some laxadaisical play at the back and some neat interchanges from the forwards Dave ‘leaping Salmon’ Baines could only watch as the ball trickled past him. The opening exchanges finished 1-1.
At half time there was good news for Wokingham as the frozen vegetarian Cumberland sausages had helped to ease Rob Morris’s shoulder injury and he was able to join the fray once again.
The second half was very open with chances at both ends. Matt O having an excellent opportunity but the Abingdon keeper kicked the strike away with ease. Neat play between midfielders Kip ‘the demon’ van Diemen and Mike Baylis caused Abingdon trouble all game and were unlucky not to score themselves
There were some noticeably tired legs on the field but Wokingham’s never say die attitude and determination shone through in the end with a training ground short corner finished off with a fizzing strike from Martin Lenney put the home side 2-1 up with 10 minutes to the end of the game. In the remaining minutes of the game the away side put Wokingham under severe pressure but the defence held strong as a unit with inspirational work from everyone in the defensive line.

10/11/2007 - Ladies 2nd (1) - (5) Banbury 3s

Scorers: Sandra Dodington
Man of the match: Nancy Jensen

Wokingham Ladies 2nd XI had a frustrating game against Banbury 3s. Wokingham started with only 10 players for the first fifteen minutes. Once Wokingham’s 11th player arrived, Wokingham started to push forward with several attacks on the Banbury D. However, a clearance hit from the Banbury D found its way through the Wokingham defence to give Banbury their first goal. After half time, Banbury scored another 2 goals. Wokingham’s Sandra Dodington then scored from a well executed short corner pass from player-of-the match Nancy Jensen. However, despite the tireless resilience of sweeper Sarah Foster, the Wokingham team were unable to resist the pressure and conceded another 2 goals to give Banbury the 5-1 victory.

03/11/2007 - Mens 2 (3) - (4) Sonning 2

Scorers: Martin Bushell x3
Man of the match: Martin Bushell - hat-trick heroics
Donkey of the day: Matty Taylor - nutmegged from behind for their first goal

Wokingham came into this game needing to produce a much improved performance on last week to compete with a strong Sonning side. However, the home side began the game at a high tempo and forced Wokingham quickly onto the back foot. Sonning’s pressure soon paid dividends as the Wokingham defence were caught out by a quickly taken free-hit that fell to a Sonning striker whose shot could only be parried into the net by Marcus Naris in the Wokingham goal.

The home side maintained their high levels of possession and territory and quickly added a second goal. A fluid counter-attacking movement exposed Wokingham at the back as the Sonning striker rounded the keeper only to be fouled by the last man, but duly converted the penalty flick that was awarded. Wokingham went further behind when another quick movement from the Sonning midfield wasn’t closed down effectively and the away side were outnumbered in defence, resulting in another simple finish for the Sonning attack. However, Wokingham began to fight back by stringing together a series of good moves in attack and winning a number of short corners they failed to capitalise upon. Just before half-time Wokingham scored a deserved goal as Martin Bushell beat two defenders in the left-hand corner before breaking into the D to push the ball past the Sonning keeper.

Wokingham knew they would have to improve to get back into the game and they duly obliged, playing easily their best hockey of the season to put the pressure right back on the home side. Soon enough Wokingham and Bushell had their second as another effective move fell to the Wokingham striker who easily converted in front of goal. Wokingham then deservedly equalised after good work from Terry Pollard and Matt Taylor on the right put Bushell through to complete his hat-trick.

Sonning responded to Wokingham’s resurgence by pushing forward themselves, hoping to rediscover the pressure they had exerted in the first half. However, the Wokingham defence held firm as the game remained open allowing Sonning chances to outnumber the away team’s defence. Wokingham also had chances to take the lead but a series of short corners were squandered through poor decisions despite Matt Taylor unluckily striking the post with a strong strike off the only penalty corner move Wokingham fashioned successfully. Yet Wokingham’s resilience was unfortunately broken down as Sonning won a short corner and, from the resulting set-piece, slipped the ball left and the following shot beat the dive of the Wokingham goalie. Despite a frustrating and undeserved loss, Wokingham can take a lot of pride from a brilliant fight back and all round strong performance against an accomplished opposition.

03/11/2007 - Ladies 2nd (1) - (1) Bracknell Ladies 2nd XI

Scorers: Nancy Jensen
Man of the match: Rachel Barlow

This local derby promised to be a tough match for Wokingham and the game was fast-paced from the outset. As predicted, Wokingham defence were tested by Bracknell but held strong with player-of-the-match Rachel Barlow, Jenny Cave and Lucy Munro ensuring that their multiple attacks were resisted. Hayley Buckland and Fiona Gray made some good attacks, supported by Sandra Dodington. Eventually the hard work paid off and Wokingham’s Nancy Jensen scored from the top of the D to give Wokingham the lead going into half-time. In the second half the pressure began to tell and with a few minutes to go, Bracknell equalised after a scramble on the goal-line. However Wokingham hung on to the draw and remain 8th in the league.

03/11/2007 - Mens 1 (0) - (0) Wallingford

Man of the match: Dave Baines
Donkey of the day: Ali 'Flatpack-no-donkey' Dance

Wokingham travelled to Wallingford looking for a successive victory, at a ground where they had previously struggled for results. This proved to be the case again, as a battling scoreless draw was fought out, often thanks to some inspired goal keeping from man of the match David Baines.

Wokingham started the match on the back foot, having to defend their goal from an early onslaught from the home side. Good cover and telling interceptions from Rob Morris and Simon Vive kept Wokingham from falling behind, as did a superb save from Baines from point blank range.

After soaking up the initail pressure, Wokingham began to get the measure of the opposition, and began to dictate the last fifteen minutes, drawing some fine saves from the Wallingford 'keeper. Good work from Mike Bayliss and Martin Lenny allowed captain Adam Taylor to push forward, supported by either Morris or Vive, piling the pressure on the Wallingford defence. Despite this, the half ended goal free, with Wokingham looking to further impose themselves on the game in the second half.

It was, however, Wallingford who had the upper hand for much of the second period. A lack of width and an inability to link with the forwards was hurting Wokingham, with the usually influential figures of Chris Lack and Kip van Dieman struggling to dictate the midfield areas. Some terrible passing at the back twice threatened to gift the lead to Wallingford; one of these chances saw Baines somehow tip the ball on to the post.

Wokingham survived the scares, however, and continued to defend stoutly, earning a draw and demonstrating good team spirit, determination and a willingness to work hard for each other.

03/11/2007 - Ladies 1st (0) - (6) Phoenix and Ranelagh 1s

Man of the match: Keely Haynes

Wokingham Ladies 1st XI lost to Phoenix and Ranelagh 1s in the Trysports Three Counties League Premier 2. Wokingham let 2 quick goals in and spent the rest of the game on the back foot. Helen Reeve played excellently on her debut and Keely Haynes made some superb tackles earning her player of the match. Wokingham were simply out classed and this result leaves them in 8th position in the league.

03/11/2007 - Vets (3) - (1) Haslemere Bluebeards

Scorers: Roly Mear, Alan Baines

This was a superb defensive display by the 10 man Vets. They went behind to an early goal but rallied to deservedly equalise through Roly Mear and had several chances to lead before half-time. However, Haslemere totally dominated the second half and Wokingham were indebted to Andy "Come-back Kid" Bowyer, who made some vital saves in goal and captain, Richard Backhouse, who cleared an aerial shot off the line. The inevitable then happened, Jas Jheeta found space and then found Alan Baines with an open field in front of him. He beat the Haslemere 'keeper and then the covering defenders to give the Vets the lead. Haslemere wilted and Mear's left wing cross was beautifully deflected into the top right-hand corner of the goal for Wokingham's third.

03/11/2007 - Mens 3 (1) - (1) Wallingford 4s.

Scorers: Stuart McLean
Man of the match: Steve Bennett

Wokingham displayed a solid performance with a solid defence from man-of-the match goal-keeper Steve Bennett making numerous saves in goal and Ben Savory twice clearing balls off the line. Solid midfield work by Seb Crebolder and Ben Newall set up numerous chances which Wokingham failed to capitalise on. However Stuart McLean scored Wokingham’s goal to give a final result of a 1-1.

27/10/2007 - Ladies 1st (1) - (1) Amersham & Chalfont Ladies 2s

Scorers: Megan Clarke
Man of the match: Megan Clarke

Wokingham Ladies 1st XI drew 1-1 with Amersham and Chalfont Ladies 2s. This was Wokingham’s best demonstration of its talent so far this season, particularly as A&C are top of the League Trysports Three Counties League Premier 2. After two minutes of play Tash Sweeney had a goal disallowed and Wokingham were awarded a penalty corner instead. Unable to capitalise on the opportunity A&C piled on the pressure and scored from a penalty corner just before half time. Wokingham’s tenacity showed in the second half with an equalising goal from player of the match Megan Clarke and Wokingham worked hard to hold the score and earn a well-deserved point to keep them 8th in their division.

27/10/2007 - Mens 3 (2) - (6) High Wycombe 5

Scorers: Stuart Little, Dom Gillen
Man of the match: Craig Johnson

Despite a spirited performance Wokingham 3rd XI lost to High Wycombe 5. Wokingham were hampered by having only 10 players. High Wycombe scored 6 goals, all from well-worked set pieces. Wokingham worked hard to come back with notable performances by man of the match Craig Johnson, Ben Savory and Mark Thorpe in defence. Stuart Little and Dom Gillen both scored for Wokingham but it was not enough to get Wokingham any points.

27/10/2007 - Ladies 2nd (3) - (2) Reading Ladies 3rd XI

Scorers: Sheuli Ferguson, Jenny Cave, Fiona Gray
Man of the match: Hayley Buckland

This promised to be a closely fought match with Reading being just above Wokingham in the table and Wokingham were determined to come back after last week’s defeat. Wokingham started strongly in defence and managed to open the scoring in the first 5 minutes with Sheuli Ferguson scoring from the back post from a cross from player of the match Hayley Buckland. Reading retaliated; one of their goals was disallowed but a strike from the top of the D levelled the scores going into half time.
Within the first 5 minutes of the second half, Wokingham scored again with a clean strike from the top of the D by Jenny Cave. Wokingham then went 3-1 ahead with a strike from Buckland which rebounded off the keeper onto Fiona Gray’s stick and into the back of the net. Reading came back with another goal from the top of the D. Sandra Doddington nearly sealed the match with 2 close attempts on goal, but both were saved on the line by the Reading defence. Wokingham then began to tire with Reading being awarded 2 short corners in the last 2 minutes. However, Wokingham hung onto the lead to win the match.

27/10/2007 - Mens 1 (4) - (2) Witney

Scorers: Adam Taylor X 2, Chris 'Lacky' Lack, Kip Van Diemen
Man of the match: Matt O
Donkey of the day: Ali 'Flatpack' Dance

Wokingham mens 1st XI were missing their leading scorer Dom Tallent this
weekend for their clash with 3rd in the table Witney, but were able to find
their goals from elsewhere. The game started well and was competitive
throughout the opening minutes, with both sides creating chances and
Wokingham having to defend a number of penalty corners. Wokingham
threatened a number of times, with Neil Bennett and Chris Lack finding gaps
in the Witney defence. Some well worked and tenacious play by the newly
recruited attacking midfielder Kip earned Wokingham a penalty corner and
after the first shot was saved, captain Adam Taylor lifted the ball over
the keeper to give Wokingham an early lead. The lead was increased ten
minutes later by a goal from the tightest of angles scored by striker Chris
"Lacky" Lack and Wokingham went into the half time break two goals to the
good.

Wokingham started the second half strongly, creating chances for Ali Dance
by good play down both flanks, via midfielders Martin Lenney and Mike
Bayliss. The wide play was supported by the strong and confident work of
the defensive line of Vive, Moss, Morris and Taylor who helped Wokingham
control the play and switch the ball well across the pitch. A testing ball
fired into the Witney area forced an error from the Witney defence and Kip
latched onto the deflection to volley home for Wokingham's third goal.
Witney replied by scoring a goal created by good passing and movement off
the ball soon after. Wokingham however, won another penalty corner and
opted for a straight strike at goal. The Witney keeper saved Wokingham's
first attempt but again Adam Taylor was quickest to react and slipped the
ball home to secure his second goal, the win and three valuable points for
Wokingham. Witney were to score a second consolation goal after a cross
field pass found their right wing in enough space to drive into the area
and slip the ball past the oncoming David Baines. All in all a strong team
performance from Wokingham who gave their man of the match award to
defensive midfielder Matt Ordidge.

27/10/2007 - Mens 2 (4) - (1) Leighton Buzzard 2s

Scorers: Peely, Brett, Tina, Taylor
Man of the match: Matty Taylor - learning the art of "subtlety"
Donkey of the day: Steve Bearpark – unlucky in hockey and unlucky in love

Wokingham came into this game at Cantley Park against Leighton Buzzard hoping to turn around their recent frustrating performances in front of goal. The home side quickly established control of the game by commanding possession and territory. Yet the Wokingham defence had to remain alert as Buzzard proved dangerous on the break – mainly as a result of Wokingham’s mistakes by over-complicating matters in midfield that gifted the ball away.

When Wokingham finally began to find their feet they strung a number of good moves together and soon the opening goal came. A series of quick and accurate passes split the Buzzard defence and allowed Mark Peel in attack to turn the ball home. Keen to extend their advantage, Wokingham maintained the pressure on the opposition and were rewarded with a penalty flick when Brett Powis’ stick was hit preventing him a good opportunity to score. From the resulting flick Brett duly slotted the ball into the left side of the net. Soon after, Wokingham claimed their third goal after another simple and effective move fell to Pete “Tina” Tailby a yard out and – after two attempts – the right midfielder was able to push the ball into the empty goal. However, Wokingham handed the away side a lifeline when they conceded a needless short corner and, from the resulting set-piece, a Buzzard striker got in front of Justin Brown on the left-hand post and deflected the ball past Marcus Naris in goal.

As the second half began Wokingham aimed to kill the game and improve their goal difference. However, the game and conduct of many of the players took a turn for the worse. The challenges became visibly more physical as a series of heated words were exchanged. The sour nature of the game culminated in an “incident” (this being a vast understatement) between the Wokingham goalkeeper and a Leighton Buzzard midfielder that led to the opposition player running for dear life from the rampaging keeper after an exchange of insults went too far.

Unfortunately tempers frayed further and Wokingham found themselves simply having to grind out a deserved win for the rest of the game. The defence held strong in spite of a number of injuries and the midfield – most notably Mark “Fergy” Ferguson – were able to maintain the majority of possession, with Ian Hopkinson unlucky not to score after a series of good chances. Wokingham finally killed the game, however, when Matty Taylor “ghosted” into the D with an unique take on subtlety only to deflect a free hit into the goal at the far post to cap a good performance. Wokingham will look to improve next week against a strong Sonning side.

20/10/2007 - Mens 2 (1) - (1) High Wycombe 3s

Scorers: Martin Bushell
Man of the match: Hoppy / Justin / Jack
Donkey of the day: Steve Bearpark – horribly hung-over, at fault for their goal and refused to play in the second half

Wokingham 2s looked to bounce back from a disappointing loss last weekend as they travelled to High Wycombe on a hot Saturday afternoon. The game began at a rapid pace that left Wokingham shell-shocked at High Wycombe opened the scoring within a minute of push back. Sloppy play and poor communication by the away team on the left hand touchline gifted a Wycombe attacker the ball. Through a series of swift passes Wokingham were quickly outnumbered in defence and Wycombe’s composed finish gave the keeper no chance.

Determined to put this uncharacteristic lapse in concentration behind them, Wokingham drove forward and soon the balance of the game shifted towards the away side. However, Wokingham remained frustrated by their inability to finish off numerous good moves – Mark Peel denied a seemingly certain goal by a desperate piece of goal line defending. Yet Wycombe remained potent in attack and Wokingham had Rob Bennet to thank for a class piece of defending to deny a Wycombe attacker a golden chance to double the home team’s lead. Wokingham finished the half the stronger team and finally their pressure told as Matt Taylor broke down the right hand channel and fired the ball brilliantly across the Wycombe goalmouth, which Martin Bushell duly turned home under pressure from the defence.

Wokingham now faced yet another tough game, again deadlocked at half time. Wycombe’s initial pace visibly faded and Wokingham capitalised on this advantage – notably through another strong performance by Ian Hopkinson in midfield. However, once again the final touch seemed to be lacking and another two open goals were squandered due to poor finishing. The away team also suffered a further setback when Kip received a yellow card for a second reckless challenge of the game. Despite their man advantage and a series of short corners Wycombe could not create any clear chances and the Wokingham defence held strong with notably assured performances from Justin Brown and Jack Skelton.

Although they had proven to be the stronger team, Wokingham remained aggravated by their failure to convert their multitude of chances and the game petered out into a draw.

20/10/2007 - Mens 1 (1) - (1) Sout