Sunday 14th January 2007
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Rustiness costs Manics dear as Manor hold firm

	James Robinson
Chris Mitchell	Simon Blay	Mark Gates	Ryan Warman
Darren Barton	Adam Barnard	Aaron Goddard	Gareth Evans
	Mark Robertson (C)	Barry O'Connell

Bench: Lee Brown, Brian Rooney

Being Drowned by Peacocks

Bracknell Manics hadn't played a competitive game of football since the 12th November 2006, so it was little surprise they got off to a tentative start. Winkfield were struggling to settle too, but carved out the better openings. There were the inevitable late challenges, but the referee handled them sensibly, and also dished out a yellow card to Gates.

Getting Shot By a Spider

After about 18 minutes, sleeping at the back-post cost Manics dear as the stocky, but lively no 9 controlled the ball perfectly then drilled in a low finish past Robinson. Manics, although not clicking at all as a team, were bitterly disappointed to be one down.

Midgets Spying on You

On the half hour mark, Manics really began to play as a unit. Some clever triangles down the left hand side involving Goddard, Evans, Blay and Barnard released Warman on two blistering runs that deserved to bring the sides level. Evans and Robertson both squandered great crossing opportunities as the misfortune mounted for the blues. Ryan Warman had a chance to level as the pressure mounted, but his shot was drilled directly at the keeper who saved well.

Ghost Cows

Half time came just as the Manics were reaching a crescendo. They were positive that with the slope they could come away with two or even three goals from tired Winkfield defence. However disaster struck early on. An out of sorts Mark Gates was caught out by the jinking run of the Winkfield winger and conceded a 47 minute penalty. The same player who was felled took the spot kick but blasted it over.

Sun Blows Up, Creates a Black Hole and We All Get Sucked Into It

The remainder of the 2nd half became an awful spectacle. Despite the best intentions of the Manics to get the ball down and play, they could not get past the resolute Winkfield back-line. A number of corners and free-kicks came to nothing. The referee got himself muddled up on occasions which contributed to the stop-start nature of a dour second half. Goddard missed a chance and got booked later in frustration. Barnard tried his luck once or twice from long range, but the Winkfield keeper was rarely tested as the ball rarely ventured into Manics territory.

Small Dogs with Big Eyes

Despite dominating possession and playing fine football at times, the Manics will rue their slow start. A real battle begins now as the Blues look to win their first game all over again. This season so far as been utterly forgettable.

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S.Oakbutter.

The Manics Man of the Match and the Referee's Player of the Match went to Adam Barnard.

Thanks to the fans who came to watch the game!

Final Result: Winkfield & Manor 1 Bracknell Manics 0

Man of the Match
	"sumone get gatesy an alarm clock - I was the sexiest man on the pitch today"
Adam Barnard

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