BRACKNELL Town manager Mark Tallentire was full of praise for his players’ bouncebackability after they had defeated Highworth 2-0 in the Bluefin Sport Hellenic League Cup final on Monday, writes Dave Wright.

Leading scorers Adam Cornell and TJ Bohane got the goals early in the second half in the tie played at Abingdon United FC.

It came three weeks after the Robins had lost to the same opponents and so missed out on the Hellenic League Premier Division title.

“We were in a dark place a few weeks ago,” admitted Tallentire.

“To come back from the disappointment of not winning the league to win two cups is fantastic. The players have shown great courage and resilience, mental strength as well.

“It shows what a fantastic group of players we have here and I have nothing but admiration for them. I am really happy for them.”

The Berks & Bucks Senior Trophy winners made it two final victories in succession on Monday and they now have their sights on the Reading Senior Cup.

Tallentire continued: “Winning cups is what you play football for – I always say that.

“Not many people get to win things in non-league football and we’ve got over the line for the second time.

“When I was a player I was fortunate enough to win lots of things and you try to put that across to the players. They are beginning to get that feeling now.

“This club hasn’t won anything for a long time, but we’ve now got two in the space of a few weeks and we’ve got a chance to make it three, but that is still up in the air as far as I know.”

If they are to reach their third final, they still have to get past Wokingham & Emmbrook in the semi-finals.

But that all depends on what competition organiser Martin Law decides to do with the other semi-final between Binfield and Woodcote Stoke Row which was abandoned by the referee following a flare-up among players.

If both teams get kicked out then Bracknell will meet the Sumas in the final at Madejski Stadium, with May 20 already pencilled in.

But if Binfield are awarded the tie, then Bracknell and Wokingham will be looking to play their semi a week earlier, probably on a neutral ground as the Division One East club are reluctant to switch it to Larges Lane. Their home venue is now being used by Emmbrook & Bearwood CC.

Binfield could possibly be the first club to host a Hellenic League match next season.

They usually play on a Monday evening and fixtures will commence on Monday, July 31.

The earliest ever start is due to the FA Cup getting under way with the extra preliminary round the following Saturday, August 5.