NEW signings Ian Davies and Jahson Downes have both been on target for Bracknell Town during two encouraging pre-season games, writes Dave Wright.

The Robins secured a very creditable 2-2 draw against a strong Slough side on the 3G pitch at Langley Academy last Thursday.

They were missing Adam Cornell, Kennie Chamberlain (both on holiday) and the unavailable Lee Rushe, but fielded new signings Chris Grace, Dave Hancock, Joe Grant and Lee Boon (all from Ascot United), Davies and former Binfield stalwart Carl Withers.

Mark Tallentire’s (pictured right) men twice trailed to goals from Charlie Losasso and Lee Barney, but they were cancelled out by Davies and Dan Money in a spirited team performance.

Robins were even more impressive on Saturday when they won 5-1 at Southern League side Wantage.

Cornell and Davies started up front for the first time in what could prove to be a very productive partnership.

Davies struck twice to make it 2-0 at half-time.

Wantage pulled a goal back just after the restart and had a great chance to level when they were awarded a penalty for handball, but they missed the spot kick.

Former Reading Academy star Downes, previously with Basingstoke and Marlow, restored Bracknell’s two-goal advantage with a superbly taken free kick.

Davies completed his hat-trick with a penalty and Ben Poynter added the fifth goal to seal a win that will have delighted Tallentire.

The Robins, who were due to play Penn & Tyler last night (Tuesday) entertain Combined Counties League side Badshot Lea in another friendly on Saturday at Easthampstead Park’s 3G pitch.

In the meantime, extensive work on rebuilding the Larges Lane ground is moving along nicely.

The pitch has been specially sprayed to kill off the old grass, enabling the base of the 3G pitch to be laid.

The Quinton stand has been demolished, though a newer version is to be built, while the old tea bar has been removed, as has the fence around the pitch.

Work will continue throughout the summer and it is too early to say when everything will be completed and ready for use.

Bracknell will start the new season using Sandhurst Town’s ground as their temporary home venue with the Combined Counties League club happy with the arrangement until Larges Lane is ready.

  • WOKINGHAM & Emmbrook FC put Berks County to the sword with a 7-1 victory in their pre-season game on Saturday.

Charlie Scope and Elliott Rushforth bagged braces, with the other goals coming from Sam Bateman, Ben Findley and Sam Whiting.

Wokingham & Emmbrook continue their pre-season at Mortimer on Saturday (3pm).