DAN BATEMAN took the first step towards a sixth Reading Senior Cup with Wokingham and Emmbrook as they overcame lower league Burghfield.
The Senior Cup has always proved to be a source of joy for Bateman, last winning it in 2015, and his side have now booked a quarter-final showdown against Wallingford Town thanks to goals from Elliott Rushforth and Ellis Day.
Binfield end 10-game winless run
There were six changes to the Sumas side which beat Woodley United last time out with Sean Woodward, Chris Robson, George Marsh, Ben Broadhurst, Connor Holland and James Clark all starting.
And striker Clark almost netted straightaway, but just missed the target.
Thames Valley side Burghfield were defending well while a defensive mistake at the other end gave them the chance to lead, but Sean Woodward made the stop.
But Wokingham did get in front before the break when Rushforth broke through and finished well.
Clark again started brightly after the restart, but was denied by two good stops while substitute Day lobbed an effort over the bar.
Woodward was called into a couple more stops before Wokingham piled on the pressure with Nick Bateman and Day both coming close to doubling their tally.
But their misses proved costly as Burghfield levelled up with a strike from distance.
However, back came the Sumas to win 2-1 thanks to Day’s late header.
Wokingham go to Wallingford in the next round next Tuesday (7.45pm).
SUMAS: Woodward; Robson, Marsh (Cummuskey), White, Dean, Broadhurst (Winship); Rushforth, Harris, N. Bateman; C. Holland, Clark (E. Day). Subs not used: Carter.
