Bracknell Town made a flying start to life in the Bostik League with a 1-0 win over Waltham Abbey on Saturday, writes Dave Wright.

It was an impressive performance from the Robins, but player-manager Carl Davies insists: “We have a lot more to give than we did on Saturday; we’ve still to show our full potential.”

Davies was “very pleased” to have won their opening South Central Division match at Larges Lane, adding:”We fully deserved all three points.”

He continued: “We did ride our luck in the first 10 minutes. We had a new team in a new league and we were a bit shaky and perhaps a bit nervous, but we settled into the game and created chances.

“It was much the same in the second half and for a time we had our backs to the wall with our keeper (Mark Scott) making some very good saves.

“But we again got on top and we had some good opportunities which we should have buried.

“If I am going to be critical, I’ll say we did not put the game to bed at crucial times.”

There were less than 15 minutes remaining of an absorbing game when Liam Ferdinand fired home the winner.

Davies was full of admiration for his colleagues, saying: “Some of our movement going forward was tremendous.

“It was a pleasure standing at the back and watching it happen. We are going to worry a lot of defences.”

He went on: “If you had offered me a 1-0 win before the game, I would have bitten your hand off. But in the end we could have gone two or three ahead as we squandered a few chances.

“The one we got was a great goal. It was a well-worked move and a really good finish from Ferdy.

“I know it is only predictions, but people are tipping them (Waltham Abbey) to do really well this season, so if we can beat a side like them, hopefully, we will do ourselves proud this season.”

Davies was also pleased with the quality he had on the sub’s bench – with all five being attacking players.

Adam Cornell, last season’s leading scorer, Ashleigh Artwell and fellow new signing Kane Fitzgerald were all sent on in the second half.

“It was refreshing to bring on players of very good quality,” commented the manager. “More often than not, they would start games for other teams.”

Davies also paid a compliment to the supporters, saying: “They were tremendous, they were really loud.

“When the goal went in, there was a lot of noise from the fans; what a feeling that was. Their support is massive to us and long may it continue”

Bracknell’s first away game is at Surrey-club Molesey on Saturday (3pm).

“I don’t know anything about them, but we will show them respect like any other team,” added Davies.

“I haven’t done any homework on the teams we are facing, but I will have to start following them on Twitter.”

Meanwhile, Bracknell are expected to complete the signing of industrious midfielder Harrison Bayley, a member of Thatcham’s FA Vase winning team who recently quit the club.

“We will be pleased to have him on board,” stated Davies.