THE NEW season began on a disappointing note for Wokingham and Emmbrook following a 2-1 defeat at Didcot Town Reserves.
Despite being buoyed by their midweek 3-2 victory over near neighbours Binfield to win the Martin Joyce Trophy, the Sumas fell behind in this Hellenic Division 1 East opener on 35 minutes.
Breaking the deadlock at the Draycott Engineering Stadium was Charles Appiah.
But the visitors, under the guidance of boss Clive McNelly in a league fixture for the first time, were not behind for long and would level matters up shortly after the break through Ben Findlay.
The contest, however, was settled by the home side and Tom Hoskins on 68 minutes.
Wokingham will now be looking to put their first points on the board next Saturday when they are guests of a Chinnor side which profited from some late drama during their curtain raiser with FINCHAMPSTEAD.
The Oxfordshire outfit took the lead from the penalty spot on 40 minutes. Having been upended in the box by Luke Axton-Hall, John McMahon dusted himself down and tucked the ball home form 12 yards.
Chase Jewell struck a post early in the second half as Finch went in search of an equaliser, but boss Jon Laugharne would see his side tie up the scoring through Harry Swabey, who produced a smart flicked finish in the 78th minute.
The equaliser came just moments after Chinnor’s James Bonwick was sent off for what appeared to be dissent when words were said to one of the referee’s assistants.
Yet the 10 men rallied in his absence and would secure the points with just seconds left on the clock.
McMahon was again the player on target, snatching victory with a low-angled drive as the hosts produced a devastating counter attack.
Finchampstead are away at Chalfont Wasps on Saturday (3pm).
In the same division, WOODLEY UNITED’S start to the new season has been delayed by a week after their fixture at Headington Amateurs was postponed.
The opponents’ home ground, Horspath Sports Ground, was doubled booked for an athletics event and with no alternative venue found, the contest had to be rescheduled.
Michael Herbert’s first competitive game in charge, therefore, will be against Rayners Lane on Saturday (3pm).
Unfortunately we have been let down by @OxfordCity council and we have no pitch ready for Saturday! Therefore our game on Sat is postponed!
— Headington Amateurs FC (@HAmateurs) August 11, 2016
Two goals each for Tom Williams and Liam Ferdinand helped BINFIELD preserve their 100 per cent start in the Hellenic Premier Division.
Although missing a number of players through injury, suspension and holidays, the Moles were still too strong for Lydney Town, who they defeated 4-1 at Hill Farm Lane.
The games are coming thick and fast for Roger Herridge’s men, who are in action again tonight (Monday), entertaining relegated Burnham (7.45pm).
A Brad Smith brace and Craig Smith strike helped EVERSLEY AND CALIFORNIA get off to a winning start in Divison 1 of the Combined Counties League.
They outscored Worcester Park 3-2 at Fox Lane and will be looking to preserve their perfect start when up against Cove, again on home soil, on Tuesday night (6.30pm).
