Bracknell Town were made to work very hard throughout but eventually defeated basement side Pegasus Juniors as late strikes from Liam Woozley and substitute Nick Matthews sealed a vital three points to ensure that the Robins strengthened their claim to avoid relegation.
The game was high on endeavour but low on quality and chances were at a premium in the first half. Steve Ryan’s right wing cross was headed at goalkeeper Nick Iles by Louis Wilson.
For the visitors, Keith Holmans headed Joel Skyers cross wide left before Chris Adams made a point blank save to deny Tom Watkins.
Tom Barratt opened the scoring in the 33rd minute following the first real injection of pace in the match. Jamie Lawlor surged forward from midfield and after some neat interplay between Ryan, Harry Swabey and Wilson; Woozley was able to cross for Barratt who took one touch to control the ball before smashing in for his first Bracknell goal from the edge of the area.
Pegasus equalised two minutes shy of half time. Skyers beat George Archer down the right and his cross was headed in by Tom Boyle who climbed above Dave Hancock to score.
Half Time: Bracknell Town 3 – 1 Pegasus Juniors
Juniors had the first real chances in the second half. Skyers fired over from the edge of the eighteen yard box before his corner was header over by the unmarked Derek Craddock.
With the clock running down, the hosts upped the tempo as they searched for a winner. Lawlor’s long ball freed Swabey who raced in unchallenged but his lobbed effort was over both the onrushing Iles and the crossbar.
Urged on by the fans, the Robins made a final push and moved ahead in the 84th minute. Barratt’s long throw was powerfully headed in by Woozley who dedicated his goal to the fans behind the goal.
Matthews made the game safe in stoppage time. He profited from another Lawlor ball over the top but he was able to outdo Swabey as his sublime finish chipped Iles before nestling in the back of the net.
Not the best quality game but an all-important three points for Bracknell who now sit seven points above the relegation zone.
Fellow strugglers Witney United visit Larges Lane this coming Thursday so get down to Larges Lane and support the side as they strive to avoid relegation.
Next Saturday sees the Robins made the journey to Wiltshire as they tackle Shrivenham who could be relegated if they fail to win.
Full Time: Bracknell Town 3 – 1 Pegasus Juniors
Bracknell Town: Adams, L Woozley (Asare Addai 89), Archer, Hancock, Smith, Nugent, Ryan (Engeron 55), Lawlor, Swabey, Wilson (Matthews 72), Barratt. Subs not used: C Arnett.
