A Jake White strike in the 87th minute broke the deadlock to give the Robins victory against a resolute Reading Town side.

It was perhaps harsh on the visitors, who could’ve easily left Larges Lane with all three points themselves, but the quality of the finish from White was deserving of settling any game.

Bracknell boss Ed Carpenter was able to name an unchanged XI from the win at Ascot United last Monday for the first time this season.

But it was the impact of the players that came off the bench that changed the outcome of the game, something that delighted the Robins boss.

“We needed until the 87th minute but it was a great goal from Jake,” he said. “I always say to the boys that when it’s tight to protect your point first and foremost.

“We didn’t do that last week against Brimscombe & Thrupp and we threw it away but it went for us here.

“Both sides were looking solid and in fairness, a draw was probably a fair result but we got our goal.

“It was the first time this season we’d had a full bench and I thought the players that came on made a real difference.

“Jake’s goal was all about his pace to get away from the defender. I brought him on for Shane [Cooper-Clark] as he has that pace about him that I thought could trouble them.

“And his goal was all about that. He’s had to sprint 25 yards and then he’s had the composure to finish superbly from 20 yards out.

“It was nice to bring players on that could influence the game and we got our reward from that.” Carpenter was also keen to pay tribute to his defence, who had a shaky start to the season as they conceded nine goals in three games, but bounced back to keep three clean sheets in the last four games.

“It’s always pleasing to keep clean sheets and it gives you a platform to build from,” added Carpenter. “When you look at the last few games it is clean sheets against strikers like Leon Yarnie and Carl Davies.

“They’re top strikers at this level who have been there and done it before, so it’s even more pleasing when you keep clean sheets against strikers of that calibre.” Bracknell headed into Saturday’s derby with Reading Town full of confidence after their 3-0 win at Ascot United last Monday.

But they were given a stern examination by Colin Millard’s side, who posed a real threat to the hosts throughout the game.

James Hawtree had to be alert to tip over Danny Horscroft’s drive before captain Danny Lingwood rose highest to meet a corner - but he could only head wide with the goal gaping.

Encouraged by their start, the visitors continued to push forward and went closest to opening the scoring when Josh Blackwood’s shot was cleared off the line by a desperate Tom Nugent.

Carl Davies then rounded the keeper but saw his shot from a tight angle strike the post, and the Robins were grateful to reach half-time level.

With Bracknell attacking down the slope, they showed a lot more attacking intent in the second-half and Jordan Rowland fired against the crossbar in the 50th minute as Carpenter’s men looked to seize the initative.

It was a frantic and fascinating game as chances came thick and fast at either end, but neither side could break the deadlock as Cooper-Clark and Bradshaw fired wide for Bracknell, whilst Davies failed to test Hawtree with an attempted lob.

The Robins felt they should’ve had a free-kick in the 77th minute when Cooper-Clark was hauled back on the edge of the box by Danny Lingwood, but the referee waved away the appeals which saved the Reading Town centre-back from almost certainly being sent off.

In an end-to-end finale, the visitors missed a golden chance to win the game in the 86th minute when Josh Helmore robbed Andre Kelly of the ball but could only strike the left-hand post with Hawtree beaten.

And he was made to regret that miss just moments later as Tom Barratt released White who reached the ball before the advancing keeper to lob him and secure victory for the Robins with just three minutes remaining.

Bracknell will aim to continue their recent good form when they travel to Highworth Town this Saturday (3pm).