Published: Thursday, 28th August, 2008 12:00
Walton prepares for FA Cup
By Chales Watts
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Byron Walton is hoping for a prolonged run in the FA Cup.
BRACKNELL Town boss Byron Walton is targeting an extended run in the FA Cup for his improving side as they look to continue their impressive home form on Saturday.
Hellenic Premier League side Bicester Town visit Larges Lane for the Preliminary round clash, with Walton’s men protecting a 100 per cent home record so far this season.
But the Robins know they will have to improve on recent performances in the FA Cup as they have been knocked out at the first stage in each of the last four seasons.
Walton said: “We’re looking to do well in the cup, things haven’t gone well for the club in this competition in recent season but we’ll be looking to change that on Saturday.
“There’s a lot of money in the cup. I think there’s £2,000 if you get through this round and for this club that’s a lot of cash. We could do a lot with that so there’s extra incentive for us to win.
“Bicester are a side we are probably expected to beat but they’re going to be fired up so it will be a very difficult game.
“Last year when I was at Flackwell Heath we played them and they beat us so I know how difficult it will be. There’s sure to be a lot of upsets at the weekend and we need to make sure we’re not one of them.”
Bracknell will be boosted ahead of the clash by the news that striker Errol Telemaque will return from suspension and Walton also hopes to have a new striker on board in time for the game.
The Robins boss has revealed that talks are ongoing with the forward and he is confident he will be signed on in time to make his debut at the weekend.
He added: “I’m trying to sign another forward. I’m a long way advanced in that and hopefully he will have arrived in time for the game. He’s very keen to come here.”
Bracknell’s impressive start to the season has been down to their home form which has seen them beat two of the league’s highly-fancied sides.
A 2-1 opening day success against Bridgwater Town was followed up with Monday’s 3-2 win against Berkshire rivals Windsor and Eton.
Their away results have been less impressive, however, as they have failed to pick up a point on their travels due to a 1-0 defeat at Burnham and 2-1 loss at Taunton Town.
But Walton insists he’s seen enough to suggest that his side will pick up points away from home and that his squad has enough quality to enjoy an impressive season.
He said: “It’s disappointing not to get something out of either of our away games because we’ve played well in both but haven’t taken our chances.
“If we’re going to do well in this league we need turn those good displays into points but I’m sure that will happen.
“Our first target is to get to 45/50 points and make sure we’re in this league again next season, then we can see how far we can go.
“We’ve got a bunch of players here who can do well this season, so far they have been a pleasure to watch.”
But he warned: “The hardest thing will be keeping the squad together. People will see we’re doing well and come and watch us to see what we’re about.
“I’m sure they will try and take some of them because they have more money to offer than us but that is what success brings.”
* Robins defender Michael Buck is currently spending the week at Conference side Stevenage Borough.
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