SUMAS SET TEMPO TO SINK SARACENS
WOKINGHAM & Emmbrook maintained their perfect start to the season as they put three past Cheltenham Saracens to progress in the FA Vase.
The Sumas continued what has become a trademark in their recent performances bymaking a fast start as they took the lead after just four minutes as Carter’s cross was turned in at the near post.
Just five minutes after the opening goal, the Sumas were given the chance to double their lead as the referee pointed to the penalty spot after a handball offence in the box which came from a goalmouth scramble.
Jake White took responsibility and made no mistake as he dispatched the ball into the bottom right corner out of the keeper’s reach despite him guessing the right way.
But it didn’t all go the Sumas way as they had to dig in and stay resilient to keep their lead as goalkeeper Woodward made a superb save with his feet, before Saracens then went close again moments later to reducing the deficit.
The away side grew into the game as they looked to get back in the cup tie, but the Sumas defended with determination to ensure they had a two goal advantage going into half-time.
After enduring some pressure late in the first half, it was the Sumas who came out on top early in the second as Scope’s volley was blocked to prevent a third.
But the Sumas did eventually find a third goal to put them in full control of the tie as Day fired home on the rebound after Byrne’s shot had cannoned off the post.
Both sides had chances to extend the scoring as Woodward made several fine saves to keep the clean sheet.
Sumas came close to adding a fourth but White’s effort hit the side netting after he had rounded the goalkeeper.
“We were very pleased with the performance, we were excellent all over the park,” said Sumas boss Dan Bateman.
“Theywere difficult conditions, the pitch was bobbly and hard and it made it difficult to get the ball down and play.
“But we were really strong in both boxes.
“Defensively we were excellent and we never looked like conceding.
“Similar to the first two games, we were clinical up front and scored three really good goals and could have had more had it not been for their keeping making some brilliant saves.
“We’ve scored a lot of early goals and I think it’s down to the hard work we put into pre-season. We had the longest pre-season we ever had and teams have found our intensity from the start hard to deal with.
“We scored two goals in the first 10 minutes on Saturday and that set the tempo for the game By the time they adjusted, they had an uphill battle.”
Bateman is determined for his side to have a cup run in the FAVase, while also focusing on winning promotion after their strong start to the campaign.
“We’ve scored 12 and only conceded one so far this season,” he continued.
“We were disappointed with the one we conceded too against Chalvey as we switched off when we were 4-0 up. “Defensively we look rock solid.
“We limited them to long shots from distance which is really pleasing.
“The Vase is the one competition at our level that adds a bit of magic. It gives us the opportunity to play sides across the country.”
Sumas continue their FAVase journey with an away tie against Longlevens in the second round qualifying on Saturday, October 10.
“We have every expectation to go to Longlevens and get a positive result.
“They’re a step five side so it will be a big test, but if it wasn't for the curtailment of last season, I think we’d be a step five side ourselves this season.”
WOKINGHAM & EMMBROOK: Woodward, Carter, W Day, Cummuskey, Guest, L Eagle, Harris, Mullan, Byrne, White, Scope.