BRACKNELL Town players saw a "different side" of Bobby Wilkinson on Saturday – but it had the desired effect as the Robins woke up after a sluggish first half and went on to beat Hertford 2-0, writes Dave Wright.

The manager was not impressed with their first-half performance and tore into his players at the interval.

He explained: "I wasn't happy. Our energy level could have been better and we could have pressed a little bit better. We were also sloppy at times.

"So we had a go at them at half-time. I was very frank and the players saw a different side of me for the first time in six weeks.

"I just asked them to change and they did, so all credit to the boys."

Town went on to take all three points thanks to Joy Mukena and Max Herbert, extending their unbeaten run to six league and cup games since the new management team were brought in at Larges Lane last month.

The win over Hertford completed a good week for the club as last Tuesday they had beaten Premier Division club Lewes 2-1 to reach the quarter-finals of the Isthmian League's Velocity Trophy.

Speaking to the News on Saturday, Wilkinson said: "The biggest thing for me was the clean sheet as that is something we have been working so hard on.

"We are going to make goal chances with the forwards we've got, but it's all about not conceding goals as well.

"I was really angry at the one we conceded in the 93rd minute on Tuesday, but today I was pleased as we stayed organised against a very good side."

He continued: "I thought it was a scrappy first half with both teams not giving the other an inch.

"The second half was much better even though we were playing into the wind, we made more chances and I was pleased with the way we took our goals.

"I had a go at Nebay (Haile) for not passing enough in the first half. He is a striker and wants to score, but now and again you have to lay one in for someone else, and he did just that for Max to score.

"In the second half the whole team impressed me, but if you forced me to pick out one individual then it would be Dan Bayliss at centre half. He was colossal – he helped to keep a clean sheet.

"I also have to give goalie Jason (Matthews), our old man, a lot of credit. He made a wonderful save and gives us that bit more experience which I wanted."

Wilkinson added: "I am trying to build something here, I want everyone to enjoy their football and enjoy winning.

"It is not always going to be pretty on the park and we won't win every game, but I want supporters enjoying their day with us."

Town, who have allowed midfielder Dan Brown to leave and look for another club, are home again this coming Saturday (3pm) when Chertsey are the visitors.