BRACKNELL Town FC manager Keith Pennicott-Bowen has praised the “honesty and loyalty” of Shane Cooper-Clark, writes Dave Wright.

At least four other clubs have been trying to tempt the star striker away - some offering him cash incentives.

But Cooper-Clark is happy to stay at Larges Lane despite not getting paid.

“Loyalty and commitment are words easily spoken, but not easily demonstrated,” said Pennicott-Bowen.

“Shane is very close to the club and he wants it to stay that way.

“He wants to play for Bracknell Town. He enjoys the challenge with his mates and friends at the club.

 “To me, that’s fantastic and long may it continue.”

 Cooper-Clark failed to add to his 12-goal tally in their 2-1 win over Brackley Town Saints at Larges Lane last Saturday.

 It Robins’ first Hellenic League victory of the season and lifted them off the bottom of the Premier Division table.

 Despite not scoring, the goal ace was a constant threat to the Brackley defence, as was his strike partner, Martin Bradshaw.

 Pennicott-Bowen said: “Shane moves a ball fantastically across the pitch, so he can set up chances as well as score goals.

“He didn’t get on the scoresheet on Saturday, but it is nice to have two other goal scorers.”

 Defender Luke Hanley and midfielder Dan Ridge were the men on target before the visitors pulled a goal back late in the game.

 The Bracknell manager added: “I was very proud of my players.

“Technically (Brackley) were very good, they had a good philosophy of playing, wanting to play through the thirds.

“But their work in the final third wasn’t good and I think Garry (keeper Aulsberry) had only one shot to deal with in the first half though they did have two off the crossbar and post in the second half.

 “But we had a lot more crosses and chances, won most of the aerial battles, and we deserved to win.”

Once again, Pennicott-Bowen was forced to make several changes to the side that had drawn 3-3 at Milton United the previous Tuesday thanks to a Cooper-Clark hat-trick.

 He added: “Football is a squad game and we have around 20 as we cannot rely on the same 11 players each week due to unavailability and injury.”

James King is now back from injury on Saturday to add to Bracknell’s fire power.

“Once he is fully match fit, he will be as sharp as Bradders (Bradshaw) and that will give us a dangerous three-prong attack,” added Pennicott-Bowen.

 Bracknell are home to Division 1 East side Chinnor in the first round of the Bluefin Sports Cup this Saturday (3pm kick-off).