Wanderers were unable to take their league success into the County Cup, as they faced Reading side Shed in the preliminary round of the Sunday Junior Trophy.

The Blues' cause was not helped by the late withdrawals of Scott Ford and Tom Mansfield, and the illness of Dan van der Laan O'Donnell.

After the opening ten minutes it was clear that this was going to be a tough match for Wanderers.  Shed were a good passing side and their respective wingers ensured that Chris Hillsdon and Chris Orbell were kept busy for the entire ninety minutes.  Both full-backs put in solid performances against their quick opponents.

In the first half, Wokingham were reduced to just three chances.  First Tom Soane headed narrowly wide after chasing down Allan Mellor's accurate kick.  Soane came close again later in the half, but Ian Griffiths' cross was too close to the goalkeeper.  Anthony Prior then had a shot saved, after a good passing move saw Lewis Trusty play the ball into his path on the edge of the box.

The only goal in the opening period was scored by Shed, their right winger cutting inside and delivering a low cross which was hit beyond Mellor from close range.

In the second half Wanderers had more urgency about them and improved the quality of their passing.

At the back, Andy Corless and Matthew Elliott provided good protection for Mellor as a well orchestrated offside trap proved successful.  In midfield Jamie Ryall and Clint Falcus scrapped relentlessly for every ball.

Midway through the half and the match came to life when Wokingham equalised.  Griffiths produced a fine pass to Soane, who confidently shot under the Shed goalkeeper and into the net.

Shed almost restored their lead immediately but Mellor produced a magnificent save to divert the ball over the crossbar.

Five minutes later and Shed were awarded a penalty, as Corless tangled with their winger in the area.  Mellor was given no chance as the kick was hit low and powerfully to his left.

Wanderers looked to hit back immediately, and came close through Jamie Ryall.  Griffiths released Prior on the right, who beat his man before pulling the ball back to Ryall.  "Gumbo" made a good connection but the 'keeper was equal to his shot.

With fifteen minutes remaining, Owen Holland came on in place of Trusty, to give the Blues some fresh legs as they searched for an equaliser.

However two goals in the closing stages saw Shed extend their lead to 4-1, a scoreline that was very harsh on Wanderers.  First the offside trap was beaten and the exposed Mellor just failed to keep out the Shed forward's shot.  Then a shot from twenty five yards zipped across the wet surface and into the back of the net.

Wanderers will be disappointed to be out of the cup at this early stage, but the league is their main focus and this defeat could prove to be a blessing in disguise. 

TEAM: Alan Mellor, Chris Hillsdon, Andy Corless, Matthew Elliott, Chris Orbell, Ian Griffiths, Jamie Ryall, Clint Falcus, Anthony Prior, Lewis Trusty, Tom Soane.

SUBS: Owen Holland (for Trusty) and Dan van der Laan O'Donnell (Not Used).