Poor defending angers Wanklyn

Published 16 Feb 2010 11:38 0 Comments

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WOKINGHAM & Emmbrook can cement their position at the top of Hellenic League Division One East this Saturday when they host promotion rivals Henley Town (2pm ko).

But boss Wayne Wanklyn knows his side must play better than last weekend - despite sticking seven goals past Sandhurst Devels to reach the Reading Senior Cup quarter finals.

What angered Wanklyn was watching the Satsumas ship four goals against the Reading Senior Division outfit before winning 7-4 in extra-time.

"We're in the quarters but that was the only good thing to come of it," fumed Wanklyn. "I wasn't very impressed with us at all.

"I was pleased with scoring seven goals, but not with conceding four. We made so many schoolboy errors and I certainly let the lads know how we felt.

"For a side that has only conceded two league goals at home all season, to defend like that was extremely disappointing.

"I don't want to let results camouflage performances. No disrespect to Sandhurst Devels, but they didn't look a particularly good side. It was just sloppy from us and we have to be better than that.

"I'm not complaining, but we've set standards we didn't live up to. I reminded all the players that if we're going to do something this season we have to maintain that level every game."

Despite Wanklyn's frustrations, it was a good weekend for Wokingham as Thame United failed to knock them off the top following a 2-2 with Didcot Town Reserves in the league.

It means the Satsumas now lead the way on goal difference and also have a game in hand on Thame who travel to South Kilburn on Saturday.

Henley in sixth are another side Wanklyn believes could challenge for the title, although they could only draw 1-1 at home to Farnborough Reserves at the weekend.

But Wanklyn will not be taking them lightly.

"Henley and Thame both drew which was good for us because they're still in with a shout," he argued.

"We're top on goal difference with a game in hand which is a good position to be in.

"We'll be trying to beat Henley and we definitely don't want to lose, that's for sure.

"It will be a terrific local game but we haven't done too well against them recently and on their day Henley are a very, very good side. They're still very much in with a shout of the title. We still have to play them twice and they also play Thame United.

"But I think they're going to have to beat us to stay in it and we'll do everything we can to make sure they don't."

Cup holders Wokingham saw off Sandhurst Devels in round two thanks to a Richard Bland brace, plus further strikes from Luke Lee, Nick Bateman, Alex Luise, Jack Broome and Shane Cooper-Clark.

They now face a trip to Reading Football League Senior Division side Mortimer in the quarter-finals next month.

* Michael Davies scored both goals - including a stunning 25 yarder - in a 2-0 victory for Wokingham and Embrook A over high-flying Unity FC in the Reading District League Premier League.

Manager John Davies praised his side's defensive effort: "Our team spirit and togetherness was fantastic," he said. "We were put under pressure but our defence in particular was terrific."

Wokingham & Embrook B conceded a late goal in their 1-0 defeat to Wrightchoice CSA Youth in a top-of-the-table Division Two clash.

* However, Mark Prentice's Sunday side went top of Reading and District Sunday League Division Two East thanks to a 1-0 victory over DC Steamers.

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