SUMAS’ season at Larges Lane got off to a poor start with defeat against AFC Aldermaston.
As development works continue at Lowther Road, Wokingham are spending the year groundsharing with Bracknell Town.
And despite manager Dan Bateman’s hopes that the artificial surface would suit his side, they were edged out in their campaign opener by a late Aldermaston winner.
Early pressure from the visitors told as they took the lead through a Devonn Reid header.
Wokingham rallied and grew into the contest, equalising on the stroke of half-time when captain Will Day latched onto a Sam Lawrence corner to fire in.
Teenage debutant goalkeeper Felix Davies was called into action after the restart with a string of fine saves while at the other end both Jake White and Dan Carter went close.
So it came as a bitter blow when Aldermaston grabbed a last-gasp winner through substitute Zach Tull.
“After such a strong pre-season it’s frustrating that we put in such a below par performance,” said boss Bateman.
“Tough league this year and if you’re poor, you get beat.
“Next week we have to put it right.”
Sumas host Bicester Town on Saturday (3pm).
SUMAS: Davies; Carter, Cummuskey, Day (c) (Clark), Dean, Newlove; Robson, Blatchford (Weekes), Broadhurst (Marsh); Lawrence, White. Subs not used: Winship, Blake. Attendance: 75.
