Bracknell Town manager Mark Tallentire’s decision to build up his squad this season to nearly 30 players was vindicated last Saturday, writes Dave Wright.

The Robins travelled to Brimscombe & Thrupp missing seven regulars due to a variety of reasons – a delayed honeymoon, injuries, suspension and a stag-do – but the Robins still pulled off a creditable 2-0 win.

They extended their unbeaten Hellenic League run to eight games, keeping them third in the table, three points behind pacemakers Flackwell Heath having played two fewer games.

Tallentire revealed after the game: “Quite a lot of people have been asking me recently why we have got this amount of players in the squad; well we saw the reason why.

“We had seven players missing from our normal first team, but those who came in all did well.

“They (Brimscombe) were also missing a few, so it was a bit of an even stevens, but we were still the better side throughout.

“We managed the game well and we put in a valuable performance to win all three points that keep us ticking over nicely.”

Town secured victory with first-half strikes from Adam Cornell and teenage left-back Josh Hennah.

“They were two good goals to see us through,” continued Tallentire.

“I always felt we looked comfortable in defence, with some outstanding performances from the back four.

“Carl (Davies) had his best game for ages and was ably backed up by Rodders (Alex Rodrigues) and the two full-backs (Dave Hancock and Hennah).”

The Robins boss admitted: “This is a place where you can come and drop points. I have a lot of respect for Sam (manager Prior) and his team.

“So I am really pleased with the win and another positive thing is, we kept a clean sheet, which is excellent as we’ve been conceding a few goals recently.”

Keeper Chris Grace, Joe Gater, Jamie McClurg, Seb Bowerman, Liam Ferdinand and Carl Withers were among those who missed the trip to Gloucestershire and most are expected back for next Saturday’s game at fifth-placed Thatcham (3pm ko), who have won six of their opening seven league games.

But as the Robins boss conceded: “Some of the lads who came in on Saturday have got to be considered as well.

“I will have a lot of thinking to do before picking the team for that game.

“I have some difficult decisions to make, but that comes with the job.”