BRACKNELL Town became the first side to inflict an Uhlsport Hellenic League defeat on Thame United this season with a 2-0 win at Sandhurst on Tuesday, writes Dave Wright.

And they also denied them the chance of topping the table.

So that means Thatcham will face the Robins at Bottom Meadow this Saturday (3pm) with a one-point lead over Thame, having played three more games.

Bracknell are in fifth place, nine points behind the leaders, with five games in hand. Like on Tuesday, when there was a crowd of more than 100, spectators will be admitted free to the game.

Chairman Kayne Steinborn-Busse believes that by not charging, more people will attend matches and support his team.

He intends to reduce the price of admission when the Robins return to Larges Lane at a re-scheduled date next month due to the club not being able to meet the league’s ground-grading inspection.

Bracknell players, however, were able to train on the new 3G pitch for the first time this week as they prepare to meet Thatcham.

Manager Mark Tallentire said: “We knew this would be a tough week for us, and we have prepared mentally for it. We have beaten Thame and now we are looking forward to Saturday.”

Tallentire’s men have beaten the Kingfishers in the league and two cup competitions this season – all of them at Waterside Park – and he is well aware they will be out for revenge at Bottom Meadow.

“Thatcham are on a good run, but they always seem to be on one when they play us,” he added. “They won’t bring any secrets as we know what to expect from them, but we are quietly confident we can get a result.”

The Robins will go into the game on a high following their excellent win over a good Thame side.

“I am full of admiration for my lads. They toughed it out with them, went toe to toe, and did really well.” stated Tallentire.

Bracknell, dominating the first half, saw Adam Cornell and Kensley Maloney both denied by keeper Henry Craven and then Seb Bowerman headed against the post before they took the lead just before half-time.

Maloney was brought down by Matt Johnson and Bowerman hammered his penalty past Craven.

Thame, now throwing everything at the home defence, were awarded a penalty themselves on 75 minutes, but Andy Gledhill’s spot kick was brilliantly pushed away by Grace, diving to his right.

Shortly afterwards, the visitors did get the ball into the net, only for Dan West’s effort to be ruled out for a  debatable offside, while Tallentire felt that both penalty decisions were a “little dubious.”

Bracknell put the issue beyond doubt after 84 minutes when the impressive Maloney threaded the ball through to leave Cornell in the clear and he made no mistake.