Sumas slip-up with festive defeats

SUMAS have slipped off the pace in Hellenic Division One East following a brace of 2-1 defeats.

Dan Bateman’s men impressed when they took on free-scoring Burnham and led at half-time through Ben Broadhurst’s fine strike.

The leaders equalised soon after the restart when Oliver Harris netted and after Elliott Rushforth twice went close to putting the Sumas back in front, Burnham snatched a winning goal through Harris again.

“Proud of Wokingham and Emmbrook for going toe-to-toe with the best team in the league,” said boss Bateman.

“Very unlucky to not get a deserved point.

“Put in a shift like that every week, we will have a great second half of the season.”

Rushforth was on target for Sumas on Saturday at mid-table Chalvey Sports, but could not prevent another defeat as Ryan Hazell and Jason Marney earned victory for the hosts in a feisty contest which saw nine yellow cards.

Wokingham, who are now 10th in the league, host rock-bottom Chinnor on Saturday (3pm) before rounding off their Subsidiary Cup group stage against Woodley at Larges Lane on Tuesday night (7.45pm).