KHALID Senussi has spent more time on the sub’s bench than on the pitch this season, writes Dave Wright.

But he was in from the start on Saturday and proved the match-winner as Bracknell Town defeated Brimscombe & Thrupp 2-1 to leave themselves with a golden opportunity of being crowned Hellenic League Premier Division champions this coming weekend.

Senussi scored the opening goal and then set up the winner for TJ Bohane with all the goals coming in the second half.

“He did ever so well,” remarked manager Mark Tallentire.

“With Kensley (Maloney) not quite recovered from his knee injury, it was the natural thing to put Khalid in.

“He has been a fantastic servant for us this season.

“He is used to being in teams and playing regular football, but he has found himself a lot on the bench this year.

“But whenever he has come on, or started, he has never let anybody down, making valuable contributions to our results.

“I am particularly pleased for him, to be honest with you.

“He ran out of steam a little bit towards the end, but it was to be expected as he hasn’t played many 90s (minutes).”

Town were well below their best in the first half with scoring chances at both ends being few and far between.

Three weeks ago they had hammered the Lilywhites 7-2 at Larges Lane, but the pitch at The Meadow was in total contrast and favoured the hosts more, while a change of goalkeeper also helped.

It was a must-win game for Bracknell and, when news filtered through that title rivals Thame were leading Lydney 2-0, the pressure was increasing for Tallentire and his players.

Town were giving the ball away a bit too easily and Bohane and Adam Cornell rarely looked capable of adding to their total of 84 goals between them.

But Town needed just two minutes of the second half to secure the breakthrough.

They needed a small slice of luck as their hosts should have cleared and their hesitancy let in Senussi, who took the ball wide of the keeper Simon Flower before slotting the ball home.

But Bracknell also gifted Brimscombe their equaliser just after the hour mark with Jack Smith taking advantage to lob the ball over the advancing Chris Grace into an empty net.

Town, however, were looking the more likely side to score again and they duly did in the 71st minute.

It was all down to the sheer persistence of Senussi.

Home left-back Josh Jones looked favourite to clear his lines, but the Bracknell winger wouldn’t give up. He twice wrestled the ball away from his marker before cutting in from the right and crossing low towards the far post, where Bohane was waiting to turn the ball home via the upright.

Bracknell held on to their lead without too many anxious moments And when news came through that Thame had dropped two points at Lydney, this victory in their final away league game of the season became even more significant.

“It was a massive result for us and I think we just about edged it,” concluded Tallentire.

“I am buzzing, so is the whole squad. Now we have to prepare and train well for Highworth next Saturday. It’s not going to be an easy game for us.”

Bracknell could complete a quick league and cup double, as next Tuesday (7.30pm) they face local rivals Binfield in an intriguing Berks & Bucks Senior Trophy final at Windsor’s Stag Meadow ground.