Simon Johnson and his Cityzens will kick off 2025 and a busy January schedule which has delivered a whopping eight games with a trip to our local rivals Wokingham Town in what we like to call an RGClásico.
Johnson’s side are now unbeaten in two and after two consecutive draws will be looking to get back to winning ways, what better way to do that than against your nearest rivals.
ABOUT THE OPPOSITION
Wokingham Town, founded in 1875, moved to Finchampstead Road in 1906. They joined the Metropolitan League in 1954 and later played in the Delphian, Corinthian, and Athenian Leagues before entering the Isthmian League in 1973. Promoted to the Premier Division in 1982, they reached the FA Cup first round in 1982–83 and the FA Trophy semi-finals in 1987–88. Financial troubles in the 1990s led to relegations and the sale of their ground, resulting in ground shares with Windsor & Eton, Flackwell Heath, and Egham Town. They dropped to the Hellenic League to return to Wokingham at Emmbrook Sports’ ground.
In 2004, they merged with Emmbrook Sports, becoming Wokingham & Emmbrook, and competed in the Hellenic Football League. They won the Reading Senior Cup in 2009 and secured multiple wins through 2015. After sharing grounds with Bracknell Town in 2009, they moved to the Hellenic League Premier Division. The club made its FA Cup debut in 2011–12 and explored a merger with Woodley Town in 2011.
Promoted to the Combined Counties League Premier Division North in 2021, they reverted to the name Wokingham Town in May 2024.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
Whilst this is officially only the second meeting between Reading City and Wokingham Town, having met earlier this season at the Rivermoor. They were formerly named Wokingham & Emmbrook and our head-to-head record with them has seen the Cityzens earn three wins, two games have ended all level and Wokingham have beaten us once.
Despite their name-change, that winning streak against our local rivals has continued this season as in the first meeting between the newly renamed Wokingham Town and ourselves here at the Rivermoor on Tuesday 6th August 2024, goals from Bobbi Emery and Pele Hagger saw us win 2-1.
Simon Johnson’s side come into this game unbeaten in their last two games and will be looking to extend that whilst also hoping to get back to winning ways. Last time out they frustratingly had to settle for a point against Wallingford & Crowmarsh in a 1-1 draw here at the Rivermoor last Saturday.
Wokingham Town come into this game on the back of a 1-0 defeat on the road to Holyport and will be looking to return to winning ways at home. The Sumas have are turning Lowther Road into a fortress, currently enjoying a streak of four games unbeaten at home. They last lost on home soil to Ardley on the 13th November and that is something the Cityzens who haven’t won their last three games will be mindful off when they come up against their rivals.
TICKETS
Prices are:
Adults: £8
Concessions: £4
LOWTHER ROAD
Address: Lowther Road,Wokingham,Berkshire,RG41 1JB
GETTING HERE
By Car: From Reading take the A329.
At Sutton Seeds Roundabout, take the 3rd exit onto the A3290 slip road to M4/Wokingham/A329(M)/Bracknell
In 0.3 miles merge onto A3290
In 2.1 miles continue onto A329(M) (signs for M4)
In 92 yards take the exit towards Winnersh/Woodley/A329
In 0.1 miles at the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto A3290
In 01. miles at the roundabout, take the 2nd exit and stay on A3290
In 0.1 miles use the left lane to turn slightly left towards Showcase Roundabout
In 57 yards turn left onto Showcase Roundabout
In 15 yards Showcase Roundabout turns left and becomes Reading Rd/A329
In 1.3 miles at the roundabout, take the 1st exit and stay on Reading Rd/A329
In 0.2 miles at the roundabout, take the 2nd exit and stay on Reading Rd/A329
In 0.4 miles turn left onto Old Forest Rd
In 0.2 miles turn right onto Lowther Rd
In 27 yards turn right and Wokingham Town Football Club will be on the left
By Bus: From Reading take the Lion 4 operated by Reading Buses from Central Reading towards Bracknell and disembark at Rifle Volunteer. The journey will last approximately 30 minutes with 26 stops. For details on bus prices please visit www.reading-buses.co.uk/fares-and-tickets
Once you’ve disembarked at the Rifle Volunteer, Lowther Road is approximately a 9 minute walk.
