Wanderers put in
a good second-half performance to overcome Second Division Prince 4-1.
With Nick Harding
absent following the birth of his son, Jamie Ryall donned the gloves. There was a debut in centre midfield for Simon
Reip.
Wanderers had to
deal with a lot of early pressure, as Prince hit several direct balls to take advantage of the height of their forward.
Ryall produced a fine save low to his right, before the home team hit the crossbar and then the post.
Midway through
the half and Wokingham came into the game. Paul Martin saw a shot blocked, and Anthony Prior lobbed over the bar after
a good through-ball from Lewis Trusty.
With ten minutes
of the half remaining Wanderers took the lead. Matt Cook collected the ball from Andy Corless, and his cross was directed
over the goalkeeper by the head of Paul Martin.
The home side's
heads dropped, and Ryall was not troubled for the remainder of the half.
In the second period
the Blues' dominated with some excellent flowing football. On the hour mark Reip's run ended with a low cross which
Anthony Prior calmly side-footed into the net for 2-0.
Prince continued
to be direct in their approach, but alert defending and goalkeeping kept every home attack at bay.
Wanderers extended
their advantage following the introduction of substitutes Tom Soane, Phil Soane and Ian Griffiths. Tom Soane's corner
was cleared back to him and his cross ended with Chris Hillsdon deflecting the ball home from close range for only his second
goal for the Blues.
The match really
opened up, and Wokingham could have added to their tally. Dave Griffiths headed the best chance wide from Prior's cross.
Prince managed
a consolation goal, although there was a clear handball in the build-up. Ryall was eventually beaten low to his right.
The Blues responded
well, scoring immediately. Prior held the ball up well and laid a pass off to Reip. His cross was missed by Ian
Griffiths, but smashed into the top of the net by Tom Soane from 6 yards out.
Another good win
for Wanderers sets them up for their double header again Barn Rangers. Victory in both matches would see Wokingham mounting
a serious title challenge.
