WOKINGHAM & Emmbrook celebrated their first-ever Hellenic League Division One East game under floodlights at their Lowther Road ground with a 2-0 win over AFC Aldermaston last Friday, writes Dave Wright.

A crowd of just under 200 – one of their largest ever attendances in recent times – didn't witness the best of games, but the Sumas fans went home happy in the knowledge that the club now have their own permanent base after years of having to play home games elsewhere.

"I've waited a long time for this," said fan Richard Croyden, who was also at Finchampstead Road when the club then called Wokingham Town switched on their newly-installed floodlights in 1966 with a game against Fulham, a Division One side in those days.

"I did suggest it to people here about asking them again, but I don't think anything came of it," said 80-year-old Croyden.

"But I am just happy to see any game under floodlights here. It took a long time to get everything in place, but well done to everyone who has been involved."

The honour of scoring Sumas' first home goal of the season fell to Adam Edwards, a new signing from Eversley & California, with a superbly-struck effort from 20 yards.

They just about deserved their first-half advantage, having created more chances than their visitors, only for their finishing to fail to live up their often neat approach work.

Aldermaston rarely looked like getting on level terms, with Sumas staying strong and well-organised in defence.

And the game was all but over for them when they fell further behind in the 56th minute through Jake White, following good work from Elliot Rushforth.

White had also been on target in the 2-1 win away to Penn & Tylers Green in the Bluefin Sports Cup on Tuesday last week. He netted the opener and set up the second for Luke Scope, both goals coming in the first half. The hosts pulled a goal back through James Hancock, but Sumas held on for a deserved win.

Sumas, who were scheduled to host Chalvey Sports last night (Tuesday), will be away to Chinnor in the second round this coming Friday (7.45pm). Chinnor recently withdrew from Division One East, but their Division Two North side remains.