NEXT week could prove a momentous one for Bracknell Town FC with manager Mark Tallentire declaring they are ready for the challenges awaiting them, writes Dave Wright.

On Tuesday the Robins face second-placed Thame United, unbeaten in 14 Uhlsport Hellenic League games, in their last match at Sandhurst’s Bottom Meadow.

Then the following Saturday they host leaders Thatcham in their first game on the new 3G pitch at Larges Lane.

And Bracknell, without a fixture this Saturday, ideally need to win them both if they are to be considered as serious challengers for league honours.

Tallentire said: “We have been talking about them, as we know they could be season-defining games, if you like to call them that, but we are ready for the challenges.”

Robins slipped back to sixth place in the table following their 2-1 defeat at Tuffley Rovers last Saturday, but have games in hand over all the sides above them.

They returned to winning ways on Tuesday when defeating Holmer Green 2-0 in the Berks & Bucks Senior Trophy to earn a semi-final date away to league rivals Flackwell Heath in January.

The winners will meet either Newport Pagnell or Binfield in the final.

Bracknell, seeking revenge for their 4-0 defeat by Green in the competition last season, had much the better of the tie played on a rainy night at Sandhurst, but both goals did not come until the last 20 minutes.

“We had to be a little bit patient tonight,” commented Tallentire.

“I thought we played ever so well in the first half; it was only our final ball that let us down.

“But they (Holmer Green) did make it difficult for us. They stuck to their task and worked hard.

“Everybody watching will think the best team on the night won. It was a job well done in the end.”

Bracknell like to play the ball around, but it needed a route-one move to break the deadlock on 72 minutes.

Keeper Chris Grace hoofed the ball down the middle, TJ Bohane headed it on and Adam Cornell raced through to fire into the bottom left-hand corner.

Shortly before the Robins had missed a chance to score when they were awarded a penalty, but skipper Carl Davies saw his spot kick pushed out by keeper Sam Butcher, diving low to his right.

Bohane put the issue beyond doubt when he headed past Butcher with three minutes remaining.