Goals: L Twyman, Taff, J Callaway, Enright, Whitty.
Saracens finally get into gear in extra time to see off Bracknell Royals. Dispite the scoreline, this was not one for the spectators.
Again a list of players missing for Saracens; Herman, Phipps, Sharp and Holden were away, Davis joined Brown and Carswell injury list. There was one plus for the squad, Warren Twyman returned after a 6-year absence.
It looked to be almost too easy at the start, Whitty playing in central midfield even had a shot from kick-off. This cocky start was rewarded in the second minute when Lloyd Twyman broke through behind the defence from out wide and sent a pea-roller past the keeper and into the bottom corner. 0-1.
Saracens went on to have a couple of corners however shortly after the quality dropped. Royals chipped long balls high from the back and Saracens never made the ball stick or won enough challenges. Cahill (right) was, dispite the new look, having a "mare", possibly caused by his world still spinning and the wrong sort of spirit affecting his play.
Midway through the first period poor clearances led to a long range effort from the Royals midfielder. A slight deflection carried the ball over the diving Twiggy to level the scores. 1-1.
Half-time came and went.
The second half was an even more drab affair, so I'll try to keep this short. Royals took the lead from a corner, the player left unmarked to head in. 2-1.
Nothing much happened for the next 35 minutes, then with 10 left to play and Saracens pushing men forward, Whitty latched onto a loose ball and ran at the defence. Taff, who was probably one of the better players on the day made the option and lofted the ball acurately over the onrushing keeper. 2-2.
Luckily the hangover of the 90 minutes before hand was quickly washed off by the Saracens players, but not by the Royals. A poor backpass was caught by Twyman and his blocked effort rolled kindly to Jon Callaway to pass in. 2-3.
Enright soon made the game safe. A powerful header from a corner found the back of the net. 2-4.
In the second period of extra time a real comical error put the game even further from Royals. Warren Twyman ran clear and passed square toward Whitty. The home goalkeeper then tripped up his own defender leaving both stranded. Whitty accepted the present. 2-5.
So, 30 minutes of additional play were required again by Saracens but they carry on the winning run in the Berks and Bucks cup. Again a win's a win in the cup, but performances will have to improve if Saracens are to defeat opponents with any class or true quality.
Saracens: Twiggy (Scruby), Bennison, Enright, McGuire, Sharp, C Callaway (W Twyman), Whitty, J Callaway, L Twyman, Taff, Cahill.
You guessed it another postponed match. Too much snow.
As this is being written, snow is falling in Bracknell - Yes, Christmas is coming.
There was 1 league game last weekend:
Goals: L Twyman, Taff, J Callaway, Enright, Whitty.
As we approach Christmas and we remember the birth of baby Jesus... oops sorry wrong website... Back to cup competition this weekend. Our European Cup journey continues into round 3.
There were 4 league games last weekend, only 1 was played however:
Well it's obvious that Scott Bennison's rain dance was ineffective. As usual he didn't attract the sun or the ladies, maybe he did help get England a decent draw in the world cup though.
Saracens will hope for good weather before this game after last week's cancellation.
There were 4 league games last weekend, only 2 were played however: