A superb display from Wokingham goalie Ben Miles earnt Town a point in the landlords v tenants match at Stag Meadow. Miles mysteriously replaced Town's reliable Nathan Freeman in goal, much to the suprise of even some Wokingham players. He played for Town a couple of season's back, on loan from some good team who I can't remember, then I think he went off to play in the Welsh league ! Anyway he's back, and he's good. But what of poor Freeman who has served the club so well ?
All was not so rosy for Miles who nearly gifted Windsor a goal in the first few minutes. A tame header at the back post should have easily been caught, but Miles let the ball roll between his legs and he had to dive backwards to claw the ball off the line. There were more moments of madness in the Wokingham defence, stray backpasses putting Windsor forwards clean through were an all too common occurrence. Miles to the rescue on more than one occasion.
Thethertheless Town did still have their moments. Ward was, as ever, the main threat going down the right and he managed a couple of dangerous crosses. However Wokingham's best chance fell to Inns in the first half only for him to fire just wide.
Wokingham, with the dominant Alex Leacock suspended, had to bring in a new centre back to partner Turner in the middle. I think his name was Pearson and he looked reasonably good. Towards the end of the first period the Wokingham defence was weakened yet further when Turner had to limp off with an ankle injury, forcing Walkington back into defence, bringing on sub De Fraine in to centre mid. They were up against it and Town were going to have to battle hard to get a result as Windsor became more and more dominant as the game wore on.
As ever Town were well supported by their boisterous fans, but their encouragement was not going to be enough to produce the win they craved. Town hung on in the second half, surrendering much of the possesion to the men from the Queen's home town. They were reduced to break away efforts with strikers McCoy and Blake struggling to get much of the ball. Wokingham were kept in the game by some amazing saves from goalie Miles, with Windsor's poor finishing their downfall. One miss inparticular was simply mindboggling. From a corner a strong header at the back post sent the ball hurtling towards the Wokingham goal. The ball fell at the feet of a Windsor player standing on the goal line, his instant shot from less than half a yard balloned over the bar. It literally was from that sort of distance, the man showed such skill to not find the net. I have never seen anything like it.
Town have to be happy with the point, their minds now turning to staurday's game in the FA Vase aginst Viking Greenford.