Bracknell Town suffered a penalty shoot out heartbreak in Tuesday nights FA Trophy First Qualifying Round replay at Bognor Regis Town.
The Robins led the Bostik League Premier Division side 2-0 thanks to goals from centre forwards Adam Cornell and Liam Ferdinand in the 12th and 14th minutes but the home side fought back through Calvin Davies before half time and Jimmy Wild levelled things up in the 88th minute while Joe Gater cleared one off the line in the dying minutes.
It was a tough goal to stomach for Bracknell who had twice conceded very late goals against their higher division opposition but supporters at the game and on Rocks Radio were full of praise for Robins goalkeeper Mark Scott who put on a bit of a masterclass.
Penalties
There were no further goals in extra time so penalties. Bracknell missed their first two spot kicks with Seb Bowerman and Ash Artwell seeing attempts saved while Scott saved Bognor’s second kick after the first was scored.
Jamie McClurg was third up and made no mistake but Tuck then for Bognor made it 2-1 after three kicks.
Matt Day scored his for Bracknell and Mason Walsh replied for the home side. It was then down to Robins player/manager Carl Davies to keep Bracknell in it but he saw his strike saved.
While it was a tough result to take, Bracknell supporter Steve Gabb, who made the trip said: “We have played well. Scott has been brilliant.”
For Bracknell, some perspective. They’ve twice been within minute of beating a side that were in the Vanarama National League South last season. Football in Bracknell understands (but stands to be corrected) the Rocks have six full time players as well as players on loan from Brighton and Portsmouth.
What the Robins said
There were certainly a few positive social media comments from Bracknell Town players post match. Here’s what they said:
Player manager Carl Davies
210 minutes of pure heart and determination from the WHOLE squad. Cruel way to lose but proudest week by far as manager #OntoTheNext @BracknellTownFC ❤️
— Carl Davies (@CarlDavies10) October 30, 2018
Midfielder Jamie McClurg
So proud of all the lads over the last 2 games. Amazing effort and 2 great games of football. Gotta be the best pitch @rocks1883 in non league over the last 10 years. Good luck in the next round and for the season. Thanks to @BracknellTownFC amazing support ❤️❤️ #Robins
— james mcclurg (@inspectormcluso) October 31, 2018
Captain Dave Hancock
To be leading in both games going into the 90th minute and lose the tie on penalties is hard to take, but to push a top side at the level above all the way is a sign of how far we have come as a team. Let’s take the same heart and desire into the league games coming up #robins
— David Hancock (@Daveh2705) October 31, 2018
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