BRACKNELL Town conceded two penalties and had Grant Goodband sent off as their Hellenic League Premier Division season got off to a disappointing start with a 3-1 defeat to Highworth Town at Larges Lane on Saturday.

They always looked second best to the Worthians, although their late consolation goal from substitute Mike Lokwa was easily the best of the four scored in front of a crowd of more than 80.

It took 18 minutes for Highworth to open the scoring. Andre Kelly fouled TJ Bohane, who picked himself up to beat goalkeeper Garry Aulsberry from the penalty spot.

Bohane was also involved in the second goal in the 27th minute. His shot struck Kelly and the ricochet fell kindly for Calum Parsons, who shot through Goodband’s legs and past an unsighted Aulsberry.

The Robins tried to hit back and Tom Nugent glanced Elliott Garrington’s corner wide.

Another Garrington corner was headed goalwards by Goodband and Highworth’s Tony Joyce appeared to deflect the ball onto the post with his arm. 

It looked an obvious penalty, but, to Bracknell’s surprise and disgust, all their appeals for a penalty were turned down by the match officials.


It got worse for the hosts in the third minute of first-half stoppage time. 

After fouling Bohane, central defender Goodband pushed the Highworth forward in the face and was rightly sent off.

Bracknell conceded a second penalty on 62 minutes when Nugent was harshly penalised for a challenge on Parsons and Bohane scored in the same corner as his first spot-kick.

Robins pulled a goal back late in the game. New signing Lokwa, having come off the subs bench, raced through the Highworth defence before slotting the ball home.

Bracknell, who were scheduled to visit last season’s champions Flackwell Heath last night, are away to Royal Wootton Bassett on Saturday in the extra preliminary round of the Emirates FA Cup.

Then next Tuesday evening, the Robins have a league fixture away to Thatcham Town.