Rides Dynamos Reserves 3 Wanderers 3

Having won 5-0 away last week, Wanderers returned to Finchampstead to take on bottom side Rides Dynamos Reserves, who had beaten Woodley Hammers Reserves and Royal Hunt in their last two games.

For Richard Scott, it meant a quick return to Rides, having left for Wanderers last month.  Ian Griffiths was absent for the Blues,  who could only name eleven players for the match.  The versatile Jamie Ryall started on the right wing, and Phil Soane came back in at left back.

In the early stages, Wanderers showed a positive attitude as they pressed their opponents.

It was the home side who took the lead however, with fifteen minutes played.  An attack down the Rides left was a little too easy, and Mark Timms was comprehensively beaten as the ball was dinked over him from close range.

Wanderers hit back almost immediately.  A Rides' goal kick was returned with an accurate pass from Darren Wakley.  As the Rides' defence hesitated, Tom Soane raced clear to shoot into the bottom corner of the net.

The Blues weren't level for long.  Just five minutes had passed before Rides regained the lead.  A fierce free-kick was parried by Timms, and the Wanderers' players were slow to react to the rebound, which was forced by Timms from four yards out.

Before the interval, the Blues carved out a few opportunities to level again.  First Tom Soane shot wide after beating the offside trap.  Then Anthony Prior forced the 'keeper to save, before chipping just wide of the upright minutes later. 

In Wanderers' next attack, Prior pulled up with a hamstring injury as he chased a pass.  With no substitutes, a re-shuffle was in order, and Prior swapped positions with left back Phil Soane.

As the second half started, the Blues were enjoying more possession as Rides started to lose their cool. 

On the hour mark, Prior's clearance ran through to Richard Scott, who calmly finished to level the score.

Phil Soane and Jamie Ryall were enjoying some freedom on their respective wings, as Wakley and Dave Griffiths fought a competitive midfield battle.

Five minutes after the equaliser, Tom Soane put Wokingham ahead for the first time in the game.  Phil Soane's run and miss-hit shot fell for brother Tom, who fired a fine volley that looped under the crossbar.

Rides were unhappy at going behind, and their frustration intensified when the referee awarded a penalty, after what seemed a good challenge by the 'keeper.  With regular penalty taker Prior struggling with his injury, Jamie Ryall stepped up.  After a delay in which two Rides players were cautioned, Ryall's kick was a nervy effort, which the 'keeper parried away with a dive to his left.  The ball fell for Tom Soane, who fired over under challenge.

With twenty five minutes remaining, Andy Corless pulled up with a calf injury.  The Blues would have to protect their lead with two injured players on the field in the closing stages.

Mark Timms played a key part in keeping Wanderers in front, as he successfully claimed a series of crosses and corners.  The Blues' task looked to be made easier when Rides' central midfielder was dismissed for a second yellow card.

There was only a minute left of normal time when a Rides' corner was bundled past Timms from close range.  This was a sickening blow for the Wanderers' XI, who had performed with great character and spirit throughout the match.

TEAM: Mark Timms, Andy Corless, Clint Falcus, Chris Hillsdon, Phil Soane, Jamie Ryall, Dave Griffiths, Darren Wakley, Anthony Prior, Richard Scott, Tom Soane.