On the back of a couple of good draws there was optimism for a result away at Hemel, no such luck as Town were given a good hiding by the high flyers. Wokingham were however without captain Turner, and influential midfielder Jason Walkington who has been admitted to hospital (get well soon Walks !). Jimmy was also suspended, and there are still long term injuries to Inns and Ward.

Hemel were crowned division 2 champions last season but failed to secure promotion as their ground did meet Isthmian standards, they have kept a similar squad and are doing well again this year. They seem to have made a few ground improvements, with a nice stand at the top of the hill with a good view over the pitch. Apparently there was a stand at the other end but that got blown away in the wind ! Quite an amusing tale I'm sure you'll agree ! But its about time they put some more efforts into improving the pitch as the bare turf did not make for pretty football.

Wokingham started shooting up the hill and in the early exchanges threatened to take the lead. Shane Small having a shot saved and Gary Blake nearly connecting with a couple of crosses. But from then on, like the slope, it was all downhill. Hemel took the lead with a top corner rocket from 20 yards, then Town goalie Stuart Collar had to be at his best on a number of occasions to stop halt further additions to the scoreline. With half time approaching Hemel threatened to put the game beyond Wokingham. Gary Blake needlessly hacked down a Hemel player in the box, but the resulting penalty struck the foot of the post.

The second period was completely dominated by the home side. They added a further 3 goals but could easily have turned that into double figures had they been able to shoot straight. Wokingham were awful and just gave up. The midfield was nowhere to be seen and the strikers had little service to get excited about. New signing Shane Small shone out in a team of eternal darkness for Wokingham. His good touch on the ball, skills and crossing were a constant (the only) menace for the Hemel defenders.

Wokingham were whipped but really all this juvenile tomfoolery is academic. Wokingham are going up to division 1 next season even if they lose all the remaining games, as are Hemel, so Town fans needn't worry.