8th November - Bracknell Royals 3-5 Winkfield Saracens - Match Report

Goals: Brown, Sharp, Taff, Herman (2).

Returning to their old hunting ground, Saracens reverted to their 4-4-2 formation and team manager Bennison had enough players to relinquish himself of playing duties for the day.

Brown continued his scoring form. Taff and Adam Sharp scored a goal each. Herman (right) added a brace and even found time to have a penalty saved.

Sarcens took a relatively early lead in the game, after a string of corners were headed wide and kicked over, Brown finally found space at the back post to dive and head high into the net. 0-1.

There was lots of possession for the away side, the back four played into the midfielders feet and Herman was starting to get into the game from the left. It was from this position Saracens scored their next goal. A free-kick was cleared and collected by Phipps who played into Davis' feet. A clever flick from the centre-half released Herman who crossed as the Royals defence pushed out leaving Adam Sharp to finish in the centre. 0-2.

Bracknell Royals are known for their battling spirit and even when behind wanted to try and press themselves on the fixture. A long ball over the head of Callaway gave the home striker a chance to run at goal. Callaway did make it back but was surprisingly out muscled and the No. 9 finished low through Twiggy's legs. 1-2.

Taff swapped position with Whitty and went up front and soon hit the bar with an effort. With time running out in the half, Herman seized on an opportunity before the whistle to make it 1-3 at the interval.

A large number of spectators came to the game. As Bennison didn't have too much to add, Browny took an chance to speak and gladly bored the team with his tactical view for 15 minutes.

Second half and the game became a little more open. Andy Sharp was making forward runs from right-back. Cahill and Brown were spreading the ball from the middle. Both sides enjoyed spells of attacking territory gain, but it was Saracens was Saracens who found the net first.

After good play from the left, Taff weaved his way between defenders to poke in a close range effort. 1-4.

Twiggy was enjoying collecting the ball for goal-kicks after wayward shots crosses and passes. The keeper was called into action but this time only to pick the ball out of the net and the opposition striker turned from a cross and squared, setting up his partner for an easy tap in. 2-4.
Saracens were determined not to let the persistent Royals creep back into the match. Herman saw a free-kick saved and Brown scuffed the rebound wide from a yard out.

Holden came on for Adam Sharp after Royals went a man down for misuse of English. Whitty, who had a quiet game, returned to centre forward.

Herman still causing problems for the home right-back with his trickery, was the recipient of a long ball. Using his pace he sprinted into the area and finished low across into the far corner. 2-5. 'Bazza' was given the nod by his gaffer to attempt his hat-trick from the penalty spot but his spot-kick was saved by the home keeper.

10-man Royals did manage a consolation goal after Saracens failed to clear from a long throw. This time Twiggy left with no chance as the midfielder finished well from just inside the area. 3-5.

Lots of goals and although they drifted in and out of the game Saracens always looked comfortable for victory.

Saracens: Twiggy, Sharp, J Callaway, Davis (c), Phipps, Taff, Brown, Cahill, Herman, Sharp (Holden), Whitty.