Published: Friday, 5th February, 2010 1:00pm

Late equaliser knocks Satsumas off the summit

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ASSISTANT manager Roger Herridge admitted his side's 1-1 draw at Chinnor last weekend 'felt like a defeat'.

Hellenic One (East) title challengers Wokingham looked set to record an 11th straight win in all competitions, until an 87th minute equaliser from Gary Marshall rescued a point for the hosts.

Those two dropped points, combined with nearest challengers Thame United's 3-1 win at Milton United on Monday saw the Satsumas deposed from the top of the table for the first time since the end of August.

And Herridge, who took charge of the side in place of absent boss Wayne Wanklyn, admitted: "I'm pleased with the performance, but not the result.

"It felt like a defeat to be honest because we had dominated the game and then they scored towards the end due to some sloppy defending on our part.

"Chinnor is a hard place to go, especially given the way they have improved in recent weeks.

"But there only looked like being one winner of the game. We were in control and our keeper Stuart Harris was a virtual spectator.

"We went there expecting to come away with three points, but I guess that is the nature of football, you get games like that sometimes."

Wokingham have the chance to get back to winning ways this weekend when they travel to West Berkshire outfit Kintbury Rangers.

And with new leaders Thame without a game, a win would see Wanklyn's men make an immediate return to the head of affairs.

Kintbury were hammered 6-1 by league newboys Woodley Town on Saturday, and have already given notice that they intend to resign from the Hellenic League at the end of the season.

And Herridge said: "I suppose Kintbury are an example of the financial situation affecting clubs at all levels of the game.

"They have decided that they can't afford to play at this level any more so they will be dropping down to the North Berks League.

"A lot of their players left with the manager Bobby Wilkinson and went to Milton United, but we still have to go over there and grind out a result."

Last weekend's clash at Chinnor was only just given the go-ahead, with both flanks and one goalmouth still nearly frozen after the cold overnight conditions.

But once the game got underway Wokingham hit their stride quickly with the midfield trio of Nicky Bateman, Jack Broome and Billy Elgar controlling affairs.

But too often the final pass went astray and the sides went into half-time locked together at 0-0.

However, the breakthrough did arrive 10 minutes into the second period as Wokingham finally found their touch in front of goal.

The outstanding Bateman showed off his superb eye for a pass to send Richard Bland (pictured) clear, and the front man produced an equally classy finish to slot home his 14th goal of the season.

Wokingham pushed on, looking for the second, but were unable to extend their lead.

And they were made to pay three minutes from time when Marshall tapped home from close range after some hesitant defending to ensure the Satsumas dropped their first league points since October 3.