Wanderers made it ten matches unbeaten and seven wins in-a-row as they battled well to defeat Wokingham Cricket Club.

With Dan van der Laan O'Donnell, Scott Ford and Jamie Ryall all absent, Clint Falcus started in the centre of defence, with Tom Mansfield joining Lewis Trusty in the middle of midfield.

From the first whistle, Wanderers knew that they were in for a scrappy game, as Cricket Club adopted a direct style and packed the midfield in a 3-5-2 formation.

After some early scares, Wanderers found their rhythm and took the lead through Ian Griffiths.  Tom Soane was released down the left and crossed low for Griffiths to blast beyond the 'keeper from close range.

The Blues were unable to build on their lead though and could only offer long-range efforts from Soane and Anthony Prior.  Soane and Paul Martin were marked tightly, with Soane the victim of some questionable offside decisions.

When the next goal did arrive, it was an equaliser for Cricket Club.  A low free-kick into the box was flicked to the Cricket Club right and crossed back into the area.  It looked like Wanderers had escaped when the ball was struck against Mellor's post, but it fell straight to another Cricket Club player who tapped into the empty net.

Wanderers were back in front before the break though, with a well-worked team goal.  The impressive Tom Mansfield ran past two players, before releasing Griffiths on the right.  His cross was finished smartly by Soane with a low first-time shot into the corner.

Into the second half and Wanderers continued to battle hard, without creating a great deal in the way of chances.  They did remain resolute though, with Lewis Trusty solid in the air, and Corless and Falcus clearing their lines well.

Mansfield almost extended the Blues' advantage with a spectacular dipping volley, which was superbly kept out by the Cricket Club 'keeper.

Midway through the half the goal did come and it was Griffiths who scored his second, direct from a corner.  His in-swinging delivery curled under the crossbar and over the line to the delight of Wanderers' players.

Darren Wakeley and Mark Timms were then introduced in place of Trusty and Mansfield, and both settled in immediately.  Wakeley's excellent link-up play almost created a goal for Martin.

Cricket Club continued to battle, and in the last fifteen minutes Allan Mellor made some good saves to keep them at bay.  When he was beaten, both Chris Hillsdon and Chris Orbell made goal-line clearances.

The result could have been put beyond doubt by Martin, but he shot wide of the target after more good work from Griffiths on the Wanderers' right. 

With three minutes remaining, Wanderers were left to defend a one goal lead.  A free-kick into the box was diverted beyond Mellor to give some hope to Cricket Club.

Fortunately the Blues were able to hold on and claim another three points.  At the halfway stage in their league campaign Wanderers have 28 points from the 30 available, and have a very good chance of claiming the title.

TEAM: Allan Mellor, Chris Hillsdon, Andy Corless, Clint Falcus, Chris Orbell, Ian Griffiths, Tom Mansfield, Lewis Trusty, Anthony Prior, Paul Martin, Tom Soane.

SUBS: Darren Wakeley (for Trusty) and Mark Timms (for Mansfield).