Dave Tarpey says he is “really excited” to have joined Bracknell Town and shares the same view as manager Bobby Wilkinson – the target this season is promotion.
It was third time lucky when Wilkinson finally got him to sign, as he tried to sign him for his previous two clubs, Hungerford and Wealdstone.
“I have known Bobby for a long time and thought this was the right time to join him,” said the 32-year-old striker signed from Woking. “It was ideal for family and work reasons to join Bracknell as I live in Reading and work in Woodley.
“I am really excited to be here and hopefully, we can have a good season and a few more seasons after that.”
The former Maidenhead United goal record holder and Barnet player made his Pitching In Isthmian League debut for the Robins at Hanwell last Saturday (August 14) when he also wore the captain’s armband due to Max Herbert being suspended.
“It was a privilege to skipper the lads,” he commented following the 1-1 draw.
“We didn’t get going for the first 20 minutes, but then we came into the game. In the second half, we were on top for most of the time but things just did not fall for us. But as we were away to one of the favourites for the league, we have got to be happy with the draw.”
Wilkinson
Those thoughts were echoed by Wilkinson, who said: “I am very pleased with the point. We have played one of the favourites (for the league title) away from home when we were missing three midfielders and so to get a point is a great point.
“I don’t think we played well. I thought it was a game of two halves. We went at them in the second half but there wasn’t enough quality – that’s what we really lacked today.
“When you got quality players like Seb (Bowerman) and Max both off the park, it is difficult at times. That is why we went a little more direct and had two holding midfielders.”
Listen to Bobby Wilkinson on the latest Berkshire Football Stories podcast (you can find it on your favourite podcast app or listen below):
The Bracknell boss was full of praise for keeper Mark Scott, who made three top-drawer saves, the first coming inside the opening 30 seconds.
“He certainly earned his money today,” said Wilkinson. “He was on fire and kept us in the game.”
The Robins now turn their attention to their Emirates FA Cup preliminary round tie at Bashley next Saturday.
Herbert will return, having completed the suspension for his sending off in the FA Trophy tie against Havant & Waterlooville last December, while Seb Bowerman is also likely to be included having returned to training this week following his hernia surgery.
Tarpey commented: “This will be another good game for us and hope we can make progress in the FA Cup, but the main focus for us is to win the league and go up.”
The tie should have been at home, but the new Bottom Meadow stadium is not due to be signed off by the FA until late this week and the first game at Sandhurst is scheduled for August 28th when Sutton Common Rovers will be the visitors for the South Central Division fixture.
