MASTERCLASS: SUMAS SHOWHOWIT’S DONE
Sumas 5 AFC Aldermaston 0
WOKINGHAM & Emmbrook put on a first-half masterclass to make a winning start to their Hellenic League Division One East campaign against AFC Aldermaston.
The Sumas came out the blocks early and made the ideal start as JakeWhite slotted home to give them the lead inside the opening minutes of the match.
Dan Bateman’s side capitalised on their fast start and netted their second goal not long after the first as a move involving Joe Cummuskey and Josh Harris ended in anotherWhite goal.
The Sumas’ ruthless streak continued as Eagle was first to Harris’ free kick at the back post and smashed the ball past the keeper to make it three.
Ellis Day added a fourth after a good set-up from Harris.
The hosts then capped their dream first-half on their opening game of the season with a fifth goal asWhite’s free kick took a deflection before finding the back of the net.
After a magnificent opening 45 minutes, the Sumas had chances to extend their lead even further in the second half.
Their best chance came when AFC Aldermaston’s goalkeeper committed a foul and gave away a penalty.
However, he amended for his error by saving Clarke’s spot kick.
Sumas boss Dan Bateman said: “We were really pleased with our start, I couldn’t have asked for much more.
“We started like a train. To score five goals in the first half was superb, we were sharp and clinical and took our chances.
“I’m not sure the scoreline was a fair reflection of both sides, they actually had a lot of good possession and tested our defence but we coped with everything they threw at us and we were clinical at taking our chances.
“We had seven chances in the first half and scored five of them, in the second half we were a bit more wasteful and missed a penalty.
“Mywhole team talk at half-time consisted of the importance of keeping a clean sheet. I said to the lads that we do not concede now, and that was a big motivation to get the clean sheet
“We had a really tough pre-season and I think Friday’s performance was a product of how hard we worked throughout that playing against sides above our level and holding our own, that’s the tempo we came into the game with
“We feel like we’ve got a really strong squad of 18 this yearwith some good back up in the reserves as well.
“It will be about using our full squad to achieve our potential this season.”