TJ BOHANE scored on his return to Highworth as Bracknell Town won 2-1 to reclaim top spot in the Hellenic League, writes Dave Wright.

They are one point ahead of Thame United with both sides having seven games left to play.

Five of Town’s games are at home, but they are mainly against sides in the top half of the Premier Division table, while most of Thame’s forthcoming opponents currently occupy placings in the bottom half.

Former Worthians hot-shot Bohane struck the opening goal in the 28th minute, but it came after the hosts had made the better start to the game.

Town defended resolutely and Bohane’s goal came from his side’s first serious attack of the afternoon with Kensley Maloney creating the opportunity.

It also helped them to settle down and they grew in confidence, although they were still unable to prevent the equaliser.

That came in the 38th minute when Aysa Corrick hammered the ball from 18 yards, giving keeper Chris Grace no chance.

Manager Mark Tallentire commented: “Letting their fellow to turn was probably the only mistake we made defensively all afternoon. But it was it was an unstoppable finish.”

Robins were not behind for long when more good work by Maloney saw Adam Cornell regain the lead with three minutes of the half remaining.

Both Bohane and Cornell have now netted 33 goals for Bracknell this season, with the former having also netted one for Royal Wootton Bassett at the start of the season before leaving them.

Highworth worked hard to stay in the game in the second half, but they could find no way through the visitors’ defence.

“They certainly threw everything at us and we had to defend really resolutely and I think our keeper only had one real save to make in the second half,” added Tallentire.

At the other end, the Highworth goalie Kent Kauppinen was forced to produce outstanding saves to deny Seb Bowerman and Jamie McClurg.

“It was a close game, but we deserved to win,” commented the Bracknell manager.

“We managed the game really well and that got us over the line.”

With skipper Carl Davies on the first day of his honeymoon, Diak John made his second appearance since joining the club earlier this month.

And the former Hungerford defender came in for special praise from Tallentire, who said: “He played very well.

“Having him in the back four gives us an extra dimension with his pace and the way he reads a game.

“He hasn’t played for a little while, but with each game, he is looking better and better.”

Davies is available for the home game with sixth-placed Ardley United this Saturday (3pm).