On Tuesday evening Wokingham & Emmbrook hosted Binfield at a blustery Lowther Road as both sides continued their preseason preparations. As well as local bragging rights the teams were playing for the Martin Joyce Memorial Trophy, a cup that the two sides battle it out for each season, usually in a friendly game. The trophy is named after Martin Joyce who captained both teams before being sadly killed in a car crash in 1967.
Despite being from the step below their opponents it was Wokingham that started the brighter and they took a very early lead after just a couple of minutes when the ball was cut back to Ellis Day in the centre of the box and the striker fired home.
The Sumas continued to look dangerous in the open exchanges and Josh Harris had a couple of good opportunities, first dragging a shot wide after being found by Kylo Atkinson before seeing another effort saved.
As the half went on Binfield started to grow into the game but were finding it hard to create clear cut chances against a determined Wokingham side, but the Moles managed to find an equaliser midway through the first half when Sean Moore picked up the ball, stepped away from one challenge and smashed in a 25 yard shot in off the post.
The visitors were on top now and Woodward in the Sumas goal had to produce a couple of fine saves to keep his side level including a full stretch, fingertip stop from a snap volley that drew a round of applause from all in attendance. The teams went into the break with the scores level.
In the second half the home side were playing into the wind but again they started brighter with Bateman forcing a fine save from a long-range effort in the opening 10 minutes.
As with the first half the Moles grew into the second period and they took the lead following a fine passing move that eventually found Moore 10 yards from goal, with the striker burying the ball to give his side the lead.
Binfield were looking more dangerous as the game went on and when they were awarded a free kick 15 minutes from time Josh Howell guided the ball over the wall and into the far corner of the net.
The game finished Wokingham & Emmbrook 1-3 Binfield and both sides would have been satisfied with a good work out in tough conditions for playing football.
