WOKINGHAM & Emmbrook believe they are capable of hurting hot favourites Bracknell Town when they meet in the semi-finals of the Reading Senior Cup, writes Dave Wright.

The Sumas, third from bottom of the Hellenic League’s Division One East, defeated Premier Division strugglers Henley Town 3-1 in their quarter-final tie on Monday night.

It is the fifth time in the last six seasons they have reached the last four, having gone on to lift the cup on four occasions.

But if they are to regain the trophy – won by Henley last year – then they are going to have to overcome a formidable obstacle in Hellenic title-chasing Bracknell.

Robins manager Mark Tallentire showed he is taking the competition seriously by joining a decent-sized crowd at the Triangle ground.

“I think he will have seen we are capable of hurting them,” said Jamie Shepherd, who was in charge of the team as Clive McNelly had another engagement.

“I am sure we will give Bracknell a good game, especially as it will be in our own backyard at Lowther Road. We are certain to get a good crowd.”

The Sumas were bouncing back after losing 4-3 in extra-time to Chalfont Wasps in the Hellenic Supplementary Cup on Saturday.

“The boys reacted well to that defeat,” added Shepherd.

“We knew we had to raise our game against local rivals and the cup holders and we put in a very good performance. We showed the quality we have got amongst our squad from start to finish.

“We were the better team and could have scored five, six or even seven goals. The lads earned their place in the semi-finals and I am really proud of them.”

It took just four minutes for Wokingham to open the scoring. Luke Scope (pictured right) made ground down the left flank and his cross was forced home by Matt Booth at close range.

Henley hit back to equalise in the 36th minute through Seun Odusanya, who was first to react when keeper Sean Woodward failed to hang on to a shot from Karol Derewenko.

The Red Kites then enjoyed a good spell of possession, but were caught out in the 39th minute when a sweeping attack was smartly finished off by Booth, with a low shot past Gary Aulsberry.

The keeper could only look on helplessly in the 55th minute when defender James Griffiths headed into his own net off the inside of the post.

Both sides continued to create and miss chances with Wokingham facing 10 men for the last 20 minutes after Henley defender Liridon Daka had been shown a straight red card for remarks made to referee Matt Topp.

Sumas had Ben Broadhurst dismissed for two yellow cards in Saturday’s 4-3 defeat by Chalfont Wasps. Their goals came from Luke Giles, Elliot Rushforth and substitute Scope in the second half after they had trailed 1-0 at the break. Wokingham are without a game this weekend.