BRACKNELL Town players who missed last Saturday’s 3-1 win at Royal Wootton Bassett could be hit in their pocket, writes Dave Wright.

The unbeaten Robins were missing seven regular members of their squad – among the best paid in the Hellenic League.

Carl Davies, who was suspended, and injured duo Kensley Maloney and Khalid Senussi had valid reasons, but fans were asking questions as to the whereabouts of Jamie McClurg, Rob Gerrard, Joe Grant and Callum Whitty.

Manager Mark Tallentire admitted: “It was a bit disappointing, no manager wants six or seven of his best players missing for any one game.

“We usually have a very committed squad of players, but questions will be asked this week.

“We have a fines system at the club and some players could face being fined.

“Those lads who are here week in, week out, deserve better and it’s up to me to come down on that sort of thing because we are not going to achieve our goals if we don’t have our best players every week in the team.”

Tallentire, who saw his much-changed side come from a goal down to seal the victory with second- half strikes from Seb Bowerman, Joe Gater and Liam Ferdinand, added: “We have had to draw on our resources today to get that result.

“Some of the lads who came in did particularly well, while others haven’t played many games and looked a bit rusty.

“It was a difficult afternoon for us. This time last year we would probably have lost this game, but we are 12 months on and 12 months wiser and older, and we found a way to win. I thought that was very important for us.”

Tallentire continued: “Wootton Bassett deserve some credit as they made it extremely difficult for us. The grass was long and the ball wouldn’t run without stopping and that took individuals out of the game, which was a bit disappointing.

“But we just stuck at it and at half-time, we said set-plays like corners and free-kicks were going to be vital for us, and they were in the end.

“We gave a soft goal away, but the way we picked ourselves up really pleased me. It was a big three points for us.”

Town now turn their attentions to the FA Cup with a preliminary round tie against Southern League Division One West side Winchester City at Larges Lane this Saturday.

“We played against Step 4 sides in pre-season and did well, so we will go into the game with no fears or reservations,” admitted Tallentire, who was planning to watch them when they played Kidlington last night (Tuesday).

“As a club, we are looking forward to that game and we want to progress.”

Davies will return from suspension to lead the team as they bid to reach the first qualifying round.”