Bracknell Town and Ascot United are both in FA Cup Preliminary Round action on Saturday afternoon and both have a decent chance of progression we think.
Bracknell travel to old Ryman and Southern League rivals Egham Town in need of a response to Tuesday night’s defeat to Highmoor-IBIS that manager Mark Tallentire described as disappointing.
Listen above to Mark Tallentire’s thoughts on the FA Cup
The Robins stunned Hellenic Premier League runners-up Thatcham Town in the Extra Preliminary Round after Adam Cornell scored a late winner in a 3-2 victory, ultimately resulting in this well used photo..
Meanwhile, Ascot United defeated Milton United in what was a straightforward victory 2-0 with a bandaged James Brazier netting a header in that one.
The win setup a tie with Evo-Stik Southern League side Didcot Town and the Railwaymen picked up a useful 4-0 win at Winchester City on Tuesday night after a slow start to the season.
Bracknell’s defence need to improve
There are not real issues for Bracknell going forward. They have the experience of 20+ goal forwards in Adam Cornell and Joe Grant, but it’s at the back that is costing them currently.
In a tight game against Highmoor on Tuesday, Tallentire described in an interview available here that the crux of the problem was giving away soft goals.
United’s goalkeeper woes could cost them
On Wednesday at Highworth Town the Yellamen saw stand in ‘keeper Aaron Watkins dismissed for handling outside the area. He was already covering for Carl Dennison who was sent off on the opening day of the season and while if our dates and maths are correct, Watkins should be able to deputise again on Saturday this is one habit they could do with kicking.
That said, co-manager Jeff Lamb has proved a very able deputy.
A proper old fashioned away day for Bracknell
Saturday’s trip to Egham brings back memories of ‘the good old days’ at Bracknell Town when as a step four club we’d travel home and away across the south of England, and in those days after the demise of Wokingham Town – Egham was our derby.
Duds and I will be jumping on the train for this one and enjoying ourselves!
Opposition form
Egham appear to be suffering a little bit of a play-off hangover despite winning their opening game of the season against Histon 2-0.
Since then though the Sarnies have taken two draws and a 4-0 defeat at Farnborough on Tuesday night.
It is almost the opposite for Didcot Town who won their most recent game 4-0 after an opening day thumping by Swindon Supermarine, a draw at Evesham United and defeat at Paulton Rovers.
Basically, neither side are in sparkling form.
The carrot of a winnable first qualifying round tie
Should Bracknell get past their old rivals, a trip beckons to either Arundel or Loxwood of the Southern Combination Premier League – the Sussex equivalent of the Hellenic Premier League.
Ascot have it much tougher with a possible home tie against Ryman Premier League side Tonbridge Angels.
Here’s the FA Cup Preliminary Round ties locally:
Ascot United vs Didcot Town
Highmoor-IBIS vs Brimscombe & Thrupp
Egham Town vs Bracknell Town
You can see the local draw for the First Qualifying Round of the FA Cup here, and the FULL nationwide draw for the same round here.
