WOKINGHAM & Emmbrook recorded their first Hellenic League Division One East victory since returning to Lowther Road as they won an epic derby 4-3 against previously unbeaten Woodley United, writes Richard Ashton.

The visitors started well, creating a very good chance inside the opening minute when Greg Beckett picked out Danny Horscroft who missed to the left.

Moments later Woodley’s Charlie Oakley broke through the home defence to get on the end of a superb Joe Barley pass only to be thwarted by a good tackle by Dan Carter.

The hosts went ahead on six minutes when Ben Broadhurst headed in a Jack Gibbs corner at the near post, and they doubled their lead shortly after when the provider turned goalscorer by nodding home from a free-kick.

Woodley captain Jake Nicholls tried to rally his troops and had a shot blocked, while Oakley could only make minimal contact on a difficult chance.

United halved the deficit on 21 minutes when Oakley turned home an Adam Nditi cross, and the goal seemed to settle Woodley who bossed possession for the reminder of the half.

Nicholls shot wide and then had an effort blocked, although Wokingham’s Tom Williams missed to the right after a corner was only half cleared.

The home side restored their two-goal advantage seven minutes before the break when Dave Morgan headed into his own net following a free-kick on the right, although in a half dominated by set-piece goals, United got their second when Beckett converted from the spot after a push on Oakley.

Six minutes after the restart it was all square. Picking up the ball 10 yards inside the Wokingham half, Beckett drove at the home defence at speed before a perfectly weighted pass found Oakley who rounded Sean Woodward in the Wokingham goal before coolly slotting home.

The hosts first chance of the half fell to Tom Skidmore, who forced Woodley keeper Alex Reed into a near post save, and Sumas came within inches of going back ahead just after the hour mark when a dangerous cross by Skidmore flashed across the six-yard box.

But minutes later Morgan pulled down Sam Lawrence in the area, allowing the impressive Gibbs to put Wokingham back in front from the spot.

The game ended with Woodley desperately trying to keep their perfect league record in tact.

Idris Kamara headed over a Horscroft corner while a Nditi cross just evaded Oakley, but Sumas held on for a superb win.