Just one week after their defeat to title hopefuls FC Wokingham, Wanderers
produced their best performance of the season to claim a hard-fought victory.
There was only one change from the line-up against Queen's Head as Paul Martin
started in place of Richard Scott.
Just like their previous match, Wanderers' start was explosive.
A long ball upfield from Clint Falcus was deflected onto Tom Soane.
Although the FC Wokingham 'keeper stopped Soane's first effort, the Blues' forward was on hand to knock the ball into the
net.
Just five minutes later and Wanderers were celebrating a second goal.
Paul Martin showed good strength and skill to work some space on the edge of the box, before unleashing a powerful shot into
the bottom left hand corner of the net.
As arguments broke out within the FC Wokingham side, Wanderers continued their
momentum and struck a third goal. Dave Griffiths provided an excellent throughball and Soane produced an exquisite finish
into the top corner with the outside of his right foot.
Wanderers were able to hold onto their three goal cushion going into the break.
Nick Harding's poor clearance appeared to give the home side an opportunity to reduce the deficit, but the Blues' stopper
produced a fine save to make amends.
The second-half saw FC Wokingham hit back, and Wanderers had to defend from
all areas of the pitch to hang on.
Midway through the half and Wanderers conceded. A ball across the box
was slotted home from six yards out.
With ten minutes remaining the score was 3-2. The ball bounced around
the Blues' box and finally a cross was headed home from close range.
Into injury time Wanderers conceded a free-kick. The ball in was good
and a powerful header sent the ball down towards the corner of the goal. Nick Harding produced an amazing save as he
dived full-length to his left and parried the ball behind for a corner.
The corner kick was delivered to the far post and headed back across goal,
as the ball seemed to be heading out of play it was hooked back under the Wanderers' crossbar. Jamie Ryall had spotted
the danger and headed away to deny the home side at the death.
This was a hugely satisfying win for Wanderers and one which all-but-secured
their promotion to Division One.
TEAM: Nick Harding, Andy Corless, Chris Hillsdon, Clint Falcus, Darren
Wakley, Jamie Ryall, Lewis Trusty, Dave Griffiths, Anthony Prior, Paul Martin, Tom Soane.
SUBS: Richard Scott (for
Trusty) and Steve Martin (for Wakley).