Graaf Shows Who Is Boss

Bracknell Manics missed 7 1st team players this weekend as the team continued to have a mixture of new faces for another week; with the Manics welcoming back Barry O'Connell into the side after 4 weeks out. Also new into the side James Kirwin-Williams would fill in.

The game started brightly for both sides; however it was soon obvious that it was going to be a hard fought game - both Finchampstead & Manics missing some good chances to take the lead in the first half.

Manics made changes in the second half. A half-injured Mark Robertson was the only player on the bench to bring on after Simon Graves would have to come off, also injured. Robertson joined Aaron Goddard in the centre of midfield (it became clear that Goddard and Gareth Evans were'nt a happy couple in the middle of the park with a squabble over 'who should mark who' midway through the first half).

They made up their differences at the break though; Robertson came off the bench, and Gareth Evans move back out to the right.

Still both teams had chances; Manics seemed to be lacking a final ball, whereas Finch just couldn’t seem to hit the target at the other end.

Finally Manics took the lead to make it 1-0. Mark Robertson played a great ball to Brent Marais to slide and bobble the ball past the keeper. In doing so, Marais pulled his hamstring, so with only one final sub Nikos Patsalides came on for the last 20 minutes in his place up front.

The back four remained strong soon after. Mark Gates made an amazing diving header and, soon after a goal line clearance to keep the Manics ahead, whilst Jason Graaff who was having a fantastic game at the back cut out any Finch long ball.

Finally, Manics got their second goal on the 80th minute. Simon Blay assisted Barry O'Connell to lob in his particular old style of finishing.

With 10 minutes remaining, Manics carried on their attacks hoping for more, but further chances were squandered, James Kirwin-Williams, Aaron Goddard and Gareth Evans missing chances to score finishing 2-0 to the Manics.

Scorers: Marais (1) O'Connell (1).
Assists: Robertson (1) Blay (1).

The Manics Man of the Match and the Referee's player of the match went to Jason Graaff.

Thanks to the fans who came to watch.

 

Final Result: Bracknell Manics 2 Finchampstead 0

Man of the Match
	"Finch flu hit by a double dose of Manics medicine"
Jason Graaff

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