A STRICT fitness regime is paying handsome dividends for Bracknell Town striker Adam Cornell, writes Dave Wright.

Looking fitter and stronger, he has netted four goals in two Velocity Trophy ties, following up his hat-trick against Kingstonian with a powerful header in the 3-1 win over Horsham at Larges Lane last week.

“I am feeling miles better these days,” said Cornell, who has been working closely with Wokingham personal trainer Brad Hoy.

“In four weeks I’ve dropped nearly 4.5 kilos (nearly 10lbs) and lost about five-per-cent body fat, and I hope that is showing in my performances on the field.”

He admitted: “When I came back for pre-season training after summer and watching the World Cup, I was probably not in the best shape.

“I also found myself down the pecking order with Bracknell having signed Gavin (James) and Liam (Ferdinand), so I realised I had to do a bit more than what I was doing at football.

“It was a bit of a light bulb moment for me and I thought I had to do something above and beyond.

“We are also now playing against better teams, fitter players, and there is a lot more competition within the team.

“A friend of mine (Liam Eagle) who plays for Hartley Wintney was also with Brad, so I decided to start off with a four-week course.

“I have benefitted with a diet plan from him and three personal training sessions a week, as well as on top of the training I do with Bracknell.”

Hoy has been impressed with Cornell’s progress, commenting: “Adam worked incredibly hard in his sessions and stuck to the diet completely and the results showed. A massive well done to him.”

While he has still to get off the mark in the Bostik League, Cornell took his Velocity Trophy to four goals when powering in a header from Jamie McClurg’s beautifully-placed free-kick, restoring Bracknell’s lead after Gavin James’ opener had been cancelled out by Horsham.

And Cornell then set up substitute Kane Fitzgerald to score the third goal in a thrilling first-round tie.

Robins player/manager Carl Davies commented: “Horsham were a well drilled and organised side. They had pace and were a very fit side. It was a proper test for us. Although we scored twice, they probably played the better football in the second half and, to be honest, I don’t think we were two goals better than them.”

After no fixture last weekend, Bracknell return to action this Saturday when they host Northwood, looking to make it five successive wins in the South Central Division (3pm).