Published: Thursday, 24th July, 2008 12:00
Walton prepares to complete his squad
By Charles Watts
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Gilbert Nuako should feature in both of Bracknell's next two friendlies.
BRACKNELL Town boss Byron Walton is hoping to make the final decision on his squad after the club’s next two pre-season friendlies, starting tonight (Thursday) with a trip to Hayes and Yeading.
The Robins are still to secure their first victory of the summer following a defeat and draw from their opening two games, but Walton is confident his squad is moving in the right direction.
And he will use tonight’s game, and Saturday’s trip to former club Flackwell Heath, to make the final decision on what players he plans to keep at Larges Lane for the Southern League campaign, which kicks off on August 16.
He said: “Things are going well, everyone’s getting to know each other still but the signs are encouraging.
“There are still five or six players who I have to make a decision on but hopefully I will have everything done after Saturday so we can focus properly on the season.
“I’m still looking to get two players in by the weekend. I’m speaking to them at the moment and they both seem keen so hopefully they will both sign by the end of play on Saturday.”
Walton should welcome back Gilbert Nuako, Keith Newbie and Ben Edwards for both of his side’s two games over the next few days and is looking for an improved performance following last weekend’s 1-1 draw at Binfield.
The Hellenic League side took the lead late in the game through a sublime effort from former Reading and Bracknell star Scott Taylor, but Ian Harvey levelled things up with a fine strike of his own with just minutes remaining.
“To be honest, we didn’t get much out of the game, apart from a few injuries,” Walton said. “It’s a no-win match for us really. We’re expected to win but it’s their cup final and it’s certainly only a friendly in name.
“They beat us 4-1 last year so it’s an improvement but I’m not too worried about the result. I thought Michael Buck and Neil Baker were outstanding at the back but you could see the midfield needs working on.
“The shape wasn’t there so that’s something we’re looking at in training and will look to improve on over the next couple of days.”
Binfield boss Steve McClurg was delighted with how his team performed during the 1-1 draw.
McClurg, who took charge of the club for the first time during the match, said: “I thought we edged it. I was really pleased with how the lads did, especially as it was our first game of the season.
“Scott Taylor scored a sublime goal and it was a shame we didn’t hold on. But I’ve got no complaints, the lads really played well and it’s something for us to build on.”
Binfield travel to Reading YMCA on Saturday for their next pre-season encounter, before Camberley Town arrive at Stubbs Lane on Tuesday evening.
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