Proud Bracknell bow out after loss to Tractor Boys

Bracknell Town 0,

Ipswich Town 3

Bracknell Town of the Southern Premier Division bowed out of the FA Cup at the first-round stage with their heads held high on Monday following a 3-0 home defeat to League 1 promotion chasers Ipswich Town.

The Tractor Boys eventually wore down their hard-working hosts, but for more than an hour Carl Withers and Jamie McClurg’s side held them at bay and had chances to take the lead themselves.

In front of the ITV cameras, and with former Arsenal legends Ian Wright and Lee Dixon watching on as pundits, the capacity Bottom Meadow crowd were treated to an enthralling affair.

The Bracknell side featured former Marlow forward, Kameron English, and Flackwell Heath defender Dan Bayliss, who captained the Robins.

Ipswich had the better of the opening half, but crucially the sides came off level at the break.

Freddie Ladapo saw a well struck effort pushed away by Bracknell keeper Michael Eacott, who excelled himself in the opening half.

Eacott also saved brilliantly from Kane Vincent-Young before Ipswich captain Sam Morsy somehow miscued the rebound wide.

Bracknell managed to get themselves back onto a more even footing by the middle stages of the second half, with Bayliss hooking an acrobatic effort narrowly wide.

But, cruelly, just a minute later, Bayliss played a big hand in Ipswich’s opener, turning Vincent-Young’s cross into his own net under pressure from Edwards.

Hopes of a cup upset seemingly punctured, the visitors then took control of the latter stages. Vincent-Young put the ball on a plate for Ladapo to tap home Ipswich's second. The scoreline was then given a rather harsh complexion in the closing stages when Humphreys played a ball through for Welsh international Wes Burns who teed up Panutche Camara for the third.

The game was done, Ipswich march on to the second round and a home tie with Buxton, but the Robins had done themselves - and nonleague football - proud.

Applause rang around Bottom Meadow for the players and coaching staff long after the final whistle after what has been a memorable cup run.

Bracknell will return to league action on Saturday when they visit Gosport Borough.