Bracknell Town ended their winless start to the season with victory over Hook Norton in the Bluefin Insurance Brokers Challenge Cup.
Against Uhlsport Hellenic League Division One opposition, it was a game that the Robins had been expected to win but Ben Knight’s hat-trick and Gary Newson’s (pictured) headed goal ensured that the proverbial banana skin was dealt with in consummate ease.
Knight opened the scoring in the third minute. Skipping in from the right side, he evaded three half hearted challenges before rifling the ball in via the underside of the crossbar.
The lead was doubled in the 13th minute as Newson climbed high to head home from a corner.
Newson then fouled Jason Tillcock earning the visitors a penalty and Jamie Wyatt coolly stepped up to score the spot-kick with aplomb sending Chris Adams the wrong way in the process.
Four minutes later and the lead was back to two goals. Alex Eastman and Harry Clowes combined in a one-two passing move before the former chipped the ball over the top of the defence and Knight raced in to slot home.
‘Hookie’ had a great chance in the 35th minute with Tillcock through on goal but Adams stayed big and saved well with his feet.
The missed chance was punished as the hosts went straight down the other end to make the game safe. Louis Wilson – who has been in great form for the youth team this term – did exceptionally well down the right side as he beat James Kite and crossed for the grateful Knight who stole in ahead of Jayson Mara to head home his hat-trick goal.
There were no further goals after the interval in the unseasonably blistering heat as both sides knew their fate and the pace slowed down considerably.
Although chances were at a premium, Elliott Rushforth fired over and Harry Swabey missed the target from twenty yards for the Robins.
For the visitors, Tillcock and Wyatt couldn’t beat Adams as their side came up short despite a brave effort.
It wasn’t a win in the league and valuable points which are desperately needed but Bracknell will be grateful of a victory which will hopefully kick-start their season.
Division one side Lydney Town will host Bracknell in the next round whilst the Robins travel to Rayners Lane this coming Tuesday as it is action in the other cup competition – the A.M. Print & Copy Floodlit Cup – to look forward to.
Full Time: Bracknell Town 4 – 1 Hook Norton
Bracknell Town: Chris Adams, Adam Kennedy, Gary Newson, Elliott Rushforth, Dan Sleet, Ian Harvey, Louis Wilson, Alex Eastman, Ben Knight (Jose Silva 77), Harry Swabey (Freddie Simon 81), Harry Clowes
Sub not used: Lee Simpson