CARL Davies marked his first manager of the month award with a goal after just 27 seconds as Bracknell Town defeated Northwood 2-1 at Larges Lane on Saturday.

“I couldn’t really miss, the ball came at me and just guided it in,” said Robins’ player-manager, voted the top boss in the Bostik League’s South Central Division following his side’s unbeaten start to the season.

“But it was an important one as it got us going and I’m happy with that.”

With Adam Cornell cracking home a real corker for the second goal, Town were by far the better side, yet the visitors did miss a chance before scoring deep into stoppage time.

Davies added: “On another day we could have had six and a couple of lads were left disappointed they failed to score.

“The important thing is we are creating chances, lots of them. Some of our passing going forwards was outstanding, it was a joy to watch.

“It must be hard for teams to play against us and we have the quality to make a difference in the final third.

“It was a comfortable win, though the scoreline doesn’t tell you that.”

Whilst there were outstanding individual displays all around the park – with midfielder Harrison Bayley arguably being the man of the match – Davies offered special praise for his two wide men, Joe Grant and Seb Bowerman, who were both non-stop up and down the flanks.

“The amount of work they do is amazing, but it’s just not the running, it’s their final ball, their decision making, and the way they beat opposing defenders,” said Davies.

“Of course, we have other attacking options, but Joe and Seb play a big part of what we do and I appreciate everything they do.”

The player-manager was also impressed with Johnny Hathaway, who made his full first-team debut at right-back, deputising for skipper Dave Hancock, who was in Las Vegas celebrating his engagement.

He commented: “He was outstanding. He gave the impression he had been playing there for years.”

Defender Joe Gater also missed out as he is nursing a slight hamstring injury. “I didn’t want to risk him as we will need him next Saturday (at Ashford Town) as I can’t play myself,” said Davies, who is attending a wedding.

Bracknell have now won all five of their league games, leaving them three points clear at the top of the table.

And apart from Waltham Abbey in their opening fixture, they have generally outplayed all their rivals they have come up against this season.

“We are not naive, we go into every game knowing we must work harder than our opponents, that is what we focus on each time. That is a good trait to have,” he continued.

“We have some very good ball players, but they know they must work hard as well, and it is that which is bringing us the rewards on the pitch.”

Bracknell will be looking to extend their winning run when they visit Ashford Town on Saturday. The Middlesex side lie eighth in the table, having drawn their last two home fixtures.