ROBINS ARE FLYING HIGH
BRACKNELL TOWN joint manager Paul McGrotty was “ecstatic” as his team secured a tense victory at Coleshill Town to reach the FA Vase quarter finals.
With the game at 1-1 at 90 minutes, the Berkshire boys needed extra-time to get past the high-flying Midland League Premier Division outfit, who reached the semifinal of the Vase during last season’s campaign.
McGrotty told The NLP: “It’s a nerve-racking way to win when we should have been three up after the first half.
“In the second half they were in the ascendancy and we were clinging on a bit, but we made a change to take it to them and go for them.
“It is always a worry when you don’t take your chances and as it proved second half, we didn’t start well and they equalised.
“Coleshill were then on top, but credit to the boys, they dug deep and we looked dangerous at the end of the game.
“The whole team stood out today, it is not fair to single individuals out but our goalie has pulled off a great save with the scores level and we go up two minutes later and score.
“We are just chuffed for them all and hopefully we can keep pushing now.”
Bracknell, from the Hellenic League Premier Division, took the lead after five minutes through Seb Bowerman and dominated the first half, but they failed to take their chances.
They were pegged back at the beginning of the second half when Reece Leek smashed home from close range for the Colemen.
The game went to extratime and became cagey, with Robins keeper Chris Grace having to pull off a great save from Ryan Edmunds to keep the visitors in it on 100 minutes.
Two minutes later, Bracknell sub Adam Cornell found space in the box and fired home to restore the away side’s lead.
Joe Grant then made it three for the Robins when the ball fell to his feet in the box and he smashed it in off the crossbar with seven minutes to go.
Luke Edwards pulled a goal back for Coleshill with two minutes of the additional 30 remaining.
But as the Colemen battled to equalise, Joe Grant was pulled down by home goalkeeper Paul Hathaway in the box.
Bowerman converted the penalty to secure his second of the match, sending Bracknell through and breaking the hearts of their hosts.
Coleshill Town manager Cameron Stuart said: “When we scored the equaliser I felt like we would go on and win it, but it wasn’t to be.
“We are still in three cups and top of the league, so we must pick ourselves up and keep going forward.”