Dan Bateman expects Woodley United to raise their game when they host his Wokingham and Emmbrook side in the Subsidiary Cup this evening (7.45pm).
It has been a nightmare start to the campaign for the Kestrels under new boss Jon Laugharne, losing all nine of their games in all competitions so far, conceding an eye-watering 42 goals in the process.
On the flip side, Wokingham began their season with three defeats but are now unbeaten in four following Saturday’s 4-1 win over New College Swindon with Ellis Day, Sam Lawrence (2) and George Marsh on target.
However, Bateman expects an improved performance from the hosts tonight at Rivermoor.
“The one thing with Woodley is it’s always been the same with local derbies,” Bateman told The Wokingham Paper.
“Even a few years ago when Woodley were struggling, they would be up for playing against Wokingham.
“It’s a local derby and, especially with Jon being over there from Finch and the Finch/Wokingham connection, they will be determined to get a result against us.
“So I’m under no illusions it will be one of our toughest games of the season and I’ll be going all out to make sure we’re in a position to get the win and progress further in that competition as well.”
Read more from Bateman on his thoughts on Sumas’ season so far here.