O'Connell Keeps Hat-trick Joy To A Minimum

Bracknell Manics 1st team had more to prove this weekend as they begin to settle themselves in the Premiership. Manics missed Gary Sarney this weekend, but welcomed back Simon Blay, Tim Roake and Mark Robertson.

The game was end to end, Ascot Utd struck a fine shot after only 15 minutes, beating James Robinson, but rebounding off the crossbar luckily for the Manics.

Manics fought back though, playing excellent football leading to their first goal. Some great one touch football, and Alan Matthias played the ball to Barry O'Connell who chipped the keeper sweetly on the outside of his right foot for an amazingly well-taken goal.

Manics kept the pressure on, but when Ascot equalised through an own goal, the Manics side were in disarray with Mark Gates clearance, slicing off his boot and over Robinson into the net, after a free kick was awarded from Glenn Evans' hand ball.

In the second half, Manics and Ascot both continued to push on... Manics went 2-1 up through O'Connell, Gavin Baker assisting the goal.

Ascot then equalised and then took the lead minutes later, Manics caught out at the back without the players back helping the defence.

Manics made a couple of changes, Gareth Jones, already booked for a desperate challenge would be replaced by Tim Roake, Alan Matthias was subbed in a straight swap for Mark Robertson; and Simon Blay came on to replace Elliott Fairs in midfield.

Fortunately though, in the remaining minute, a penalty was awarded to Bracknell Manics after a dubious handball decision in the Ascot Utd box. Nevertheless the referee's decision remained the same, and O'Connell took his first penalty and slotted it home taking the keeper the wrong way, earning his hatrick, and providing a point for the Manics side.

Scorers: O'Connell (3).
Assists: Matthias (1) Baker (1).

The Manics Man of the Match and the Referee's player of the match went to Barry O'Connell.

Thanks to the fans who came to watch this weekends end to end match!

Final Result: Ascot Utd 3 Bracknell Manics 3

Man of the Match
	"Bring on the Twigg.."
Barry O'Connell

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