Nick Bovingdon sent a long free-kick forward in the 50th minute and a bounce 10 yards from goal caught everyone out as it bounced over Dan Smith in the Bracknell goal to earn the hosts the bragging rights in a tight local derby.

It was a typical pre-season game, with trialists and reserves given their opportunity as both sides slowly tried to shake off their summer break rustiness.

Both teams were missing key players through injuries, holidays and prior committments, giving managers Dan Bateman and Ed Carpenter a chance to assess the strength of their squads for next season.

It was the first outing for Wokingham since their Reading Senior Cup success at the Madejski Stadium in May and they started the brightest with Chris Yeatman and Sam Bateman going close, but Smith stood strong in the Robins goal.

Bracknell kept the ball well at times and frustrated their opponents, but struggled to create anything as they searched for the opening goal.

The deadlock was finally broken in the 48th minute when a seemingly harmless free-kick was pumped forward by Bovingdon, and ended up leaving Smith red-faced in the Bracknell net.

Wokingham continued to push on and missed the chance to double their lead as Tom Williams shot just over the bar when presented with a golden opportunity.

Just minutes later and Dan Collier’s free-kick was hit low and hard from 20 yards, but Smith got down well to get a hand to it and deny the Sumas.

Bracknell had a chance to sneak a draw late on but Bovingdon produced a magnificent save to ensure the game ended with a scoreline that he’ll always remember after his work proved decisive at either end.

It could’ve been a more comfortable final few minutes for the hosts as only some last ditch defending from the Robins cleared an injury-time effort from Elliot Rushforth off the line as Bracknell were caught out at the back as they pushed for an equaliser.

Even though it was a derby, Sumas joint-boss Dan Bateman admitted the result meant little and at this stage of the season, it is all about getting players fit for the start of the campaign.

“It’s always nice to get a result in a local derby but it really doesn’t mean anything.” said Wokingham gaffer Bateman. “It’s all about getting minutes on the pitch.

“We had 15 players available and we had probably seven or eight key players that were missing as well, so it was really nice to have a look at some of the new signings.

“I thought without doubt we shaded the game, we had probably five or six opportunities to score.

“The Bracknell keeper made a couple of saves whereas our keeper only really had one shot to save.

“I’m really pleased with what we got out of it. I thought the fitness looked good, we have had three pre-season training sessions now so we’re a week into it. It’s a good start.’’ Wokingham are back in action this Saturday when they host Flackwell Heath (1pm), while Bracknell continue their pre-season campaign by hosting Uxbridge at Larges Lane (3pm ko).