10-MAN ROBINS DIG DEEP TO REACH CUP FINAL
Southern League Premier South
BRACKNELL TOWN are back in the title hunt after their away win at bottom of the table Yate Town.
The Robins broke through late in the first-half when Adam Richards was quick to respond after the goalkeeper spilled a shot from Joe Grant and tapped in from close range.
The hosts came close to finding a reply on the stroke of half-time, but goalkeeper Michael Eacott make a crucial stop to preserve his team’s advantage.
Eacott made another important save to keep Bracknell in front before the visitors doubled their lead with a goal from Joe Grant who got onto the end of a through ball from Gary Abisogun and converted.
The win puts Bracknell up to third place on 72 points from 34 games.
They are two points behind second place Truro City and trail top of the table Weston super-Mare by six points with a game in hand over both teams.
Bracknell co-manager Carl Withers said: “First of four games this week and whilst we weren’t at our best today (Saturday), the boys got the job done.
“Buzzing to have Jordan Esprit back and big shout to the Robin faithful.”
Berks & Bucks FA semi-final
BRACKNELL followed up on their weekend success in the leaguge by progressing through to the final of the BBFA Cup.
Joe Grant scored to give the Robins the perfect opening after 10 minutes when he nodded in from six yards out.
The game took a turn when goalkeeper Chris Grace was sent off for bringing down an MK Dons player on the edge of the box.
From the resulting free-kick, MK took advantage as Anker fired in to make it 1-1.
Depsite being a player down, Bracknell regained their lead in the 42nd minute through Jordan Esprit who converted from Kameron English’s low cross.
Bracknell had the chance to go 3-1 in front on the stroke of half-time with a penalty, but it was saved by the MK keeper to keep it at 2-1.
But the Robins held out in the second-half to ensure that they moved a step closer to getting their hands on silverware.
Isthmian South Central
BINFIELD picked up three precious points on their trip to Merstham at the weekend. With 26 minutes gone, Conor Lynch kept up his scoring form to put the Moles ahead with the opening goal of the game.
The lead was doubled 15 minutes into the second-half as Lynch clinched his brace.
Binfield held out to maintain their clean sheet and picked up their 14th league win of the campaign.
They are in seventh place on 49 points from 32 games.