WOKINGHAM & EMMBROOK kicked off the new campaign with victory in the FA Cup extra preliminary round against Cinderford Town at Lowther Road.
Mikey O’Connor netted the only goal of the tie in the first-half to see the Sumas through to the next round for the first time in 12 years.
The Sumas’ win means that they now set up a local clash in the next round against Isthmian League South Central side Binfield FC.
The cup tie started with a high tempo as the visitors won the first corner of the day which was dealt with comfortably by the Sumas goalkeeper Emilio Fantocchio who confidently punched the ball away to safety.
Wokingham got forward on the attack when Cameron Miller threaded the ball into the channel for O’Connor who couldn’t find an orange shirt waiting in the middle to convert.
The first clear cut chance of the match came Cinderford’s way when Craig Norman broke through one-on-one, but didn’t stay composed with his finish and blazed over the top.
The Sumas started to threaten and won two corners in quick succession which were eventually dealt with by Cinderford’s back line.
Fantocchio came up with an excellent stop to prevent Cinderford from breaking the deadlock after Ben Scotford had pinched possession from Archie Collier to set up a shooting opportunity.
With 23 minutes on the clock, it was the hosts who went in front when Lewis Wilson got down the byline and sent a cross in for O’Connor who finished from close range at the second time of asking.
Cinderford almost responded 10 minutes later when Scotford showed quick feet to create room for a shot and grazed the top of the bar.
Miller came close to doubling the lead when he drilled a low shot from outside the box that whistled past the post.
The home team went into the break a goal ahead with a pleasing first-half display.
The Sumas were in the ascendancy as O’Connor came a few inches away to latching flick on from a dangerous long throw.
Jack McKenzie won his team free-kick on the edge of the box when he was fouled, but Jake Woods could only blast the ball into the Cinderford wall.
Substitute Ryan Milward looked to make an impact for the Sumas and showed some neat footwork before he scuffed his effort wide of the mark.
The Sumas showed control and composure as the game approached the final five minutes with the visitors pushing to find an equaliser.
Cinderford goalkeeper James Smallcombe came up for a late corner but was left disappointed as the set-piece sailed over everyone’s heads and out for a throw to give Wokingham some respite.
Wokingham guided their way through the final few minutes to seal a deserved victory and set up a tie with Binfield in the next round.
Wokingham & Emmbrook: Fantocchio, Wilson, Collier, Cox, Green, Haworth, Mckenzie, Miller, O’Connor, Goodwin, Woods
Subs: Gill, Amadeiu, Harris, Sharman, Milward, Badshah, Gethin Barkway
Cinderford Town: Smallcombe, Knight, Davies, Vine, Barnard (c), Gibbs, Hayes, Jones, Norman, Scotford, Furkin
Subs: James, Thomas, Hopkins, Edwards, Morford
Goals: O’Connor 23’
