CHRIS Grace went from zero to hero as Bracknell booked their place in the Bluefin Sports League Cup final for the second successive season, writes Dave Wright.

He gifted Barry Hayles a sixth-minute opener for Windsor, but after Jon Bennett and substitute Joe Grant had given the Robins a 2-1 lead, the keeper pulled off an unbelievable save to deny the visitors an equaliser in stoppage time.

So Grace probably made his biggest error and best save of the season in the same match last Thursday, when he was the only player to retain his place with the hosts making 10 changes from their usual starting line-up.

Their overall performance speaks volume for the strength in depth there is in Town’s squad and the amount of young talent that exists at Larges Lane.

Elliott Legg and Max Herbert, both back from college in America, and university student Josh Hennah all had excellent games, as did centre-back Ryan Millard, making his first appearance of the year.

But the defenders could only look on in horror when Grace rushed out of his area to clear a through ball early on, only to unwisely try and dribble the ball around Hayles. He was dispossessed by the 45-year-old veteran striker, who cut in before sending a left-footer into the net.

Shortly afterwards, Grace made a fine save to raise his mood and there was more relief for him when he saw Bennett race through to crack home the equaliser on 43 minutes.

Before and after that goal, Town created a number of chances and could easily have gone in at half time with the advantage.

It was Windsor, however, who made the better start to the second half and twice went close to regaining the lead.

With 70 minutes gone, Grant came off the bench to replace Dan Roberts and immediately earned his side a free-kick on the left flank. Carl Withers, skippering the side on the night, floated the ball towards the near post, where Grant neatly flicked it past keeper Hugo Sobte.

The Robins deserved the lead, but had to withstand a late surge from the visitors and then rely on a remarkable save from Grace in the third minute of stoppage time. Keiron Knight hammered the ball high to Grace’s left and it looked destined for the top corner, but the goalie somehow managed to get across to push the ball over the bar.

It’s doubtful if there will be a better save seen at Larges Lane this season.

Bracknell will know their cup final opponents on Thursday, April 19 when Abingdon United host Thatcham in the second semi-final.