In blistering heat, Wanderers lined up to face first division Bracknell Rovers with just one week to go until the first game of the season.

Wanderers started with a 4-5-1 formation, with Matthew Elliott joining Andy Corless in the centre of defence.  Tom Mansfield formed a three man central midfield with Scott Ford and Clint Falcus, as Jamie Ryall on the right and Anthony Prior on the left supported lone striker Tom Soane.

From the first whistle Bracknell's long-ball style made for a fast-paced affair which tested the Wanderers' defence.  This also restricted the service to Soane in attack, as Wokingham struggled to keep the ball on the ground.  Midway through the half Wanderers reverted to 4-4-2 as Alan Pearce came on for Ryall, who returned in place of Falcus minutes later. 

Chances were rare for both teams in the opening period, with Tom Soane coming closest for Wanderers.  Chris Hillsdon did brilliantly to find Soane, who beat the offside trap but shot just wide of the near post.

In the second-half the game opened up a little more but still there was little in the way of chances.  Elliott and Corless proved more than competent at the back, whilst Jamie Ryall worked tirelessly in the midfield and linked up well with Chris Orbell at left back.

With twenty minutes left Bracknell had a chance to take the lead when their forward evaded the Wanderers' defence, but Allan Mellor rushed quickly to win the ball.

Wanderers then went close themselves with two attempts in the space of five minutes.  Tom Soane fed Prior who beat the 'keeper but not the post.  In the next attack, Ian Griffiths' near post corner was met with a powerful header from Prior, but the ball clipped the crossbar and went over.  Club captain Phil Soane made a brief appearance in the last fifteen minutes.

Just as it seemed Wokingham were sure to snatch the game, Bracknell cruelly scored twice in a minute.  A long ball into the box wasn't dealt with and Mellor was beaten with a low volley from six yards out.  From the restart Scott Ford lost possession and the Bracknell forward was allowed to run unopposed before beating Mellor from 25 yards out. 

With the final kick of the game, Wanderers did manage a consolation goal.  Scott Ford's twenty yard shot was spilled and Prior reacted first to knock the ball into the net.

This proved to be a good workout for Wanderers who more than matched their opponents for much of the game. 

SQUAD: Alan Mellor, Chris Hillsdon, Phil Soane, Clint Falcus, Scott Ford, Jamie Ryall, Anthony Prior, Alan Pearce, Ian Griffiths, Chris Orbell, Andy Corless, Tom Soane, Matthew Elliott, Tom Mansfield, Owen Holland.