WOKINGHAM & Emmbrook FC made their long anticipated return to Lowther Road as they beat AFC Aldermaston 2-0 in their first league game of the season.
“It’s been a long awaited return, it’s great to be back,” said Wokingham & Emmbrook manager Dan Bateman.
“We’ve waited a long time for it, it has been ten years in the making. It’s a credit to everyone at the club who have managed to keep the club going and we’re delighted to be home.
“We were really pleased with the turnout, we thought we would have an opportunity to get a big crowd but thought the weather might spoil that but to get 183 through the gate was massive for the club.
It was a hard fought battle for the Sumas, who finished in sixth in the Hellenic League Division One East last season, but goals in each half gave them three points in their first game of the season.
“I thought we were certainly the better side on the night, we didn’t play as well as we could,” added Bateman.
“In the first half we struggled to get to grips with the conditions, but in the second we tightened the game up and were a lot better.
“Defensively we were rock solid, I didn’t think we ever looked like conceding and with the players we had on the pitch you always felt there would be the odd moment where we would get chances to score.
“The first goal was a great strike by Adam and that helped to settle our nerves.
“I was disappointed we didn’t score more in the second half but to get a 2-0 win in our first game back at Lowther Road was exactly what we wanted.
“It was really pleasing to keep a clean sheet, we need to make Lowther Road a fortress this season, our home form last year a little bit hit and miss so this year we want to make sure it’s a difficult place to come.
“It was a great atmosphere, the lads really enjoyed it and the lads will be looking to push on from here.
Bateman is confident that his side can push for a top four place this season having bolstered his squad over the summer.
“It’s mostly the same squad but we’ve picked up three or four that have added quality for us. We got the two Eagles, Liam and Callum, who have strengthened and added experience in the centre half position for us.
“Adam Edwards has come in in midfield and he’s got a lot of energy and has done very well for us.
“We’re looking forward to our next game and want to maintain our strong home form. The challenge I set the lads was to get six points from the first two games.
“We’re playing it by ear but ultimately we’d like to get into one of the top four sports that will get us up, but we don’t want to put too much pressure on ourselves.
“The league is going to be so competitive this year, everyone can beat each other, you have to be on form.
“You need to have a settled side in this division, player availability is always an issue. Some players are good enough to play at a higher level but the teams that can get the most consistent starting elevens out will be the ones who are near the top at the end.
Bateman also gave his view on the new sin bin system which has been implemented in non-league football this season.
“Personally I’m a fan of it. I think it gives the players another thing to think about. We’ve got players who have already been quieter and we’ve noticed it with the opposition. There are still things that need to be worked on like with the goalkeeper situation.
“If it helps the referees manage the game, I don’t see it being a bad thing. We’ve spoken to the players and they know the situation.”
