WOKINGHAM & Emmbrook manager Dan Bateman is confident his side will avoid relegation this season – despite watching them lose 4-1 at Brimscombe & Thrupp on Saturday.

It was a nightmare start to life in the Hellenic Premier Division for the Sumas as they conceded twice in the opening three minutes to find themselves 2-0 down.

The Sumas slowly worked their way back into the game and reduced the deficit courtesy of Jake Butler but two further goals ensured it was a losing start.

Bateman criticised his side for their slow start that cost them dearly but praised their response, saying that he saw enough from his team to suggest they’ll be able to compete at this level.
“It wasn’t the start we were looking for and we got caught a bit cold which was frustrating,” he said.

“At this level it’s difficult to come back from that and we paid the price.

“But I was pleased with our response and there wasn’t much between the sides for the rest of the game.

“We competed well and the scoreline flattered them in the end. It was four mistakes from us that gave them four goals, which is the level that we’re playing at now.

“I’m sure that we’ve got the ability in our squad to be fine this season, we just need the experience now but that will come with playing games.”

The Sumas have kept the squad that won Division One East last season together, as well as adding three new faces to the side that will run out at the Triangle this season.

Sam Duffelen and Shaun Wanklyn have rejoined the Sumas, while George Parsons has signed having relocated to the area from Bristol.

Bateman is delighted to have strengthened his squad this summer, especially as several of his players received offers from elsewhere.

“I’m very happy with the squad we’ve got,” he added.

“Especially as the vultures were swooping around a lot of our players.

“There were 11 offers put to our players but we’re delighted that all of them opted to stay instead of moving on.

“We’ve got the same squad that won promotion along with a few new recruits so that’s a very good sign.

“The new players will add some competition for places and everyone will be on their toes which can only be a good thing over a long season.”

Wokingham were due to begin a run of four successive home games against Milton United last night.
(Tuesday.)

The Sumas then face Longlevens on Saturday (3pm) who won Division One West last season.
Bateman says it’ll be an interesting game between the two newly-promoted sides and says both teams will be confident of success.

“I don’t know too much about them,” he said. “But as They got promoted last year so they’ll be a side that’s used to winning and they’ll be a dangerous proposition.

“We’ll have to be at our best but we always have to be in this league. We can only worry about ourselves."