Wanderers’ poor run continued as they suffered a
narrow defeat to Woodley Hammers Reserves at Woodford Park.
Wokingham’s cause was not helped by the absence
of Paul Martin, Dan van der Laan O’Donnell and goalkeeper Mark Timms. Lewis
Trusty became Wanderers’ fourth goalkeeper in ten matches, as a twelve man squad travelled to Woodley.
Chris Orbell and Anthony Prior switched over to the right,
as Darren Wakley filled in at left back with Phil Soane on the left wing. Jamie
Ryall started in centre midfield, with Ian Griffiths supporting Tom Soane up front.
The Blues were kept busy by a hardworking Woodley side
in the opening fifteen minutes, although Trusty was not troubled. On a long pitch,
Wokingham found it difficult to pass with much purpose, and resorted to long balls up to Ian Griffiths and Tom Soane.
Midway through the half and Wanderers had their first
effort on goal. A move up the left wing involving Wakley and Phil Soane saw the
ball crossed in by Dave Griffiths and touched on by Prior. Jamie Ryall ran on
and struck his shot well, but two yards wide of the target.
Five minutes later and Woodley were in front. A free-kick from their right evaded Blues’ heads in the box and was diverted wide of the onrushing
Trusty into the net.
Almost immediately Wokingham nearly drew level. A surging run from Phil Soane saw the ball run to his brother Tom, who shot wide of the goal.
In the second half Wanderers switched things with Prior
moving up front and Ian Griffiths taking his place on the right.
The Blues’ task was made a lot harder five minutes
into the second period, as their opponents scored again. A cross from the Woodley
right went over Trusty and was bundled over the line from close range.
Wokingham’s response was fairly quick. From a throw-in, Phil Soane moved the ball onto Anthony Prior, who turned well before firing into the bottom
corner from the edge of the box.
The Blues’ search for an equaliser saw them put
the Woodley goal under great pressure as the match came to a close. Prior shot
narrowly wide and twice forced the goalkeeper to save, Darren Wakley and Chris Hillsdon headed over and then Tom Soane appeared
to be denied by a handball.
Wokingham will need to recover quickly, as they face William
Twigg Reserves in the league cup next week.
