WOKINGHAM & Emmbrook claimed derby honours with a 3-2 Hellenic League Division One East victory in a five-goal thriller at Lowther Road on Saturday, writes Fiona Tomas.

Finch enjoyed the brighter start with Jon Malone forcing a save from Wokingham keeper Sean Woodward, before the home side began to maintain possession in midfield.

Yet the visitors still looked dangerous and Dan Blatchord’s free-kick was headed wide for a corner before Chace Jewell shot wide.

It was Sumas who made the breakthrough, though, Elliot Rushforth capitalising on a slip to set up Matt Booth on 19 minutes.

Finch responded at the other end when Jewell fired his effort straight at Woodward, and this was followed by some prolonged goalmouth action where the Sumas did just about enough to prevent an equaliser.

Wokingham remained composed, however, and stormed down the flank on the half-hour mark, Finch goalkeeper Neil Griffith having to dive at full stretch to keep the ball out, only for Ben Broadhurst to find the net with the rebound.

Finchampstead applied more pressure after the break and were rewarded for their efforts when Jake Bailey turned the ball into his own net, before Rushforth’s shot hit the bottom of the upright at the other end.

Despite this, the visitors had more of a foothold in the game, and it came somewhat against the run of play when Sam Lawrence bagged Wokingham’s third with an emphatic effort.

Undeterred by the scoreline, Finch still pressed and Freddie Barron’s shot was saved, before skipper Adam Barnard directed his header straight into the hands of Woodward.

Richard Thomas rose above a cluster of players crowded in the Wokingham area to head Finch’s second, but the away side could not find an equaliser as the Sumas saw the game out.

The victory lifts Wokingham & Emmbrook to 11th in the table ahead of another derby this coming Saturday – Woodley United the visitors in the Reading Senior Cup.

Fourth-placed Finchampstead, meanwhile, travel to Sandhurst Town as they bid to return to winning ways.