BRACKNELL Town manager Mark Tallentire admitted his team were “buzzing” after they had held Hellenic League title-chasing Flackwell Heath to a 1-1 draw at Larges Lane, writes Dave Wright.

The hard-earned point – which came courtesy of a late Carl Davies equaliser – lifted the Robins out of the Premier Division relegation zone for the first time.

And, on the evidence of their performance on Saturday, they should be capable of continuing to climb up towards mid-table safety, as there was little to choose between them and the Heathens who came into the game as league leaders.

Bracknell were meant to host another top side in the form of leaders Thatcham Town last night (Tuesday), but the clash was called off due to a waterlogged pitch.

However, Tallentire stated: “We always said if we got anything out of our games against Flackwell and Thatcham, then it would be a bonus for us.
“When the top two teams come to Town they must start favourites, so for us to get a draw today [Saturday] was fantastic and we’re really buzzing after this point.”

For a time it looked as if the Robins would end up pointless as they trailed to a Dan Burnell goal from the eighth minute.

“One of the key things for me was how we stayed in the game,” said the Bracknell boss.

“Although they were one up, we always stayed in the game. We didn’t concede another goal although they did have a couple of chances and Garry [Aulsberry] pulled off a great save late on.”

Five minutes from time Tallentire told centre-back Davies to join the attack and his tactical move quickly paid off.

“I thought we had nothing to lose; we could lose 2-0 or create something or even get a draw,” added Tallentire.

“So I asked Carl to go up front and he has come up with the goods.”

Late in the game Tallentire also introduced the latest of his new signings, Lee Rushe, a 27-year-old Irishman whose previous clubs include Aylesbury and Godalming.

The centre-back came off the bench after 71 minutes to take up a role in midfield and within three minutes was shown the yellow card.

The Bracknell manager commented: “I just felt he would make a bit of a presence there and he did just that; he went in there and ruffled a few feathers.

“He is a no nonsense defender and once he finds his feet here he will be pushing the other lads for a place in the back four.”

After games against some top sides, there will be a change of scenery for the Robins this Saturday when they take on Wokingham & Emmbrook at The Triangle ground, Henley.

Tallentire said they will treat the struggling Sumas with respect, adding: “We will apply ourselves the same way as we did against Flackwell.”

Wokingham, who were without a game last weekend, are tailed off at the foot of the table with relegation looking virtually certain.

They have just nine points from 29 games and trail fifth-from-bottom Bracknell by 16 points with nine fixtures remaining.

But one of Wokingham’s two league wins came at Larges Lane early in season when they triumphed 3-0 and Bracknell don’t have a good record in east Berkshire derbies.