JOINT manager Paul McGrotty was left frustrated after seeing Bracknell Town throw away the lead and lose 3-2 at Wantage on Saturday, writes Dave Wright.

“To be 2-1 up and then come away with nothing is bitterly disappointing,” he said after seeing his side concede two further goals in the space of eight minutes early in the second half.

“But we knew it was going to be a tough game for us, as they are a good side and in form.”

McGrotty and Jeff Lamb were suffering their first defeat since taking charge at Larges Lane, having previously seen the Robins complete a quick high-scoring double over Oxford City Nomads, winning 5-0 at home and 5-1 in the return fixture on Tuesday of last week.

However, they had to make changes for the trip to Wantage and then suffered further injury blows during the game.

“Missing some key personnel wasn’t ideal especially as this is a tough place to come to,” he stated.

Among the absentees were keeper Chris Grace and influential midfielder Jamie McClurg, who were both attending team physio Liam Day’s stag party, while central defender Joe Gater was suspended and Justin Clayton, who had made his debut when replacing Gater against Oxford Nomads, wasn’t available.

“It meant we had lost the spine of the side,” said McGrotty.

Town were also missing the injured Liam Ferdinand, while there is a delay on the impending return of TJ Bohane from Swindon Supermarine.

“We are waiting to hear,” added McGrotty. “There is nothing really to say at the moment as it is pretty much out of our hands.”