Wanderers kicked off their pre-season with a convincing and encouraging display
against First Division Reading side Sourcenet.
Wokingham began with a 4-3-3 formation, with Nick Harding making his debut
in goal. Chris Orbell, Chris Hillsdon, Andy Corless and Phil Soane made up the back four, with Dave Griffiths, Anthony
Prior and Ian Griffiths in midfield. Tom Soane and Paul Martin played either side of Richard Scott in attack.
The opening minutes saw Wanderers establish a good tempo, and they produced
some positive passing football. After enjoying a spell of possession, Wokingham threatened with corners from Ian Griffiths
and Prior. Twenty minutes in, and Prior's corner from the left found the top corner of the Sourcenet goal. Wanderers
were certainly good value for the lead.
Tom Soane and Paul Martin were finding space on either flank, and five minutes
after taking the lead Soane's cross from the right was volleyed towards goal by Martin. The Sourcenet goalkeeper got
a hand to the ball, but could not prevent the shot crossing the line via the post.
A third goal quickly followed, as Tom Soane punished some slack defending
the beat the 'keeper to the ball and roll a shot under him and into the net.
Sourcenet tried to hit back, and forced Harding into two decent stops.
When Harding was beaten, Corless helped divert the ball away with the help of the post. Wanderers' 'keeper showed confident
handling throughout the half.
Jamie Ryall was introduced midway through the half, and Wanderers then reverted
back to a 4-4-2 formation. Ryall nearly found the goal as his weak shot was fumbled onto the outside of the post.
Wokingham had enjoyed the lions' share of the first half, and there were further chances for Martin and Scott.
The second half saw Peter Killingworth replace Harding in goal, as Wanderers
continued to rotate the squad. Phil Soane temporarily came off after a knock, and then injury ended Andy Corless' afternoon.
Steve Martin instantly settled into the match following his introduction,
and could have got on the scoresheet himself.
At the other end Killingworth spilled a free-kick, but reacted well to block
the follow-up shot.
Wanderers could have added to their tally, and were frustrated by several
questionable offside calls as the half went on.
Sourcenet pulled a goal back following another free-kick, which Killingworth
may be disappointed not to have kept out. He was to show decent handling and quick distribution towards the end of the
match.
A 3-1 win was the least that Wanderers deserved, and they will be encouraged
by the quality of play and the work rate, particularly in the first half.
SQUAD: Nick Harding, Chris Orbell, Phil Soane, Dave Griffiths, Chris
Hillsdon, Jamie Ryall, Tom Soane, Anthony Prior, Paul Martin, Ian Griffiths, Richard Scott, Steve Martin, Andy Corless,
Peter Killingworth.