McClurg urges players to learn from mistakes

Sportsdesk • Published 27 Aug 2010 10:30 Comments 1 Comment

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Physical: Action from Bracknell Town’s defeat against Slimbridge on Saturday. Pictures by Cliff Withers

BRACKNELL Town joint-boss Steve McClurg has told his players they must learn from their mistakes as they prepare for a massive Bank Holiday weekend.

The Robins face a mammoth task this Saturday when they travel to Isthmian League Division One South outfit Walton & Hersham in the FA Cup first preliminary round (3pm ko).

And that will be followed by a mouthwatering Hellenic League Premier Division clash against rivals and tenants Wokingham and Emmbrook at Larges Lane on Monday (3pm).

It will be a testing few days for Bracknell’s young players who suffered their first setback of the new season last weekend when they lost 3-2 at home to Slimbridge.

The defeat ended Robins’ unbeaten start to the campaign and was hard to swallow after they had fought back from 2-0 down to level things at 2-2 only to concede a third in stoppage time.

McClurg said: “We were outplayed first-half but we raised our game after the break and played very well.

“But we need to adapt to things a bit better in this league and not give so many set-pieces away. We can’t afford to because we’re not the biggest side in the world.

“Slimbridge had some big lads and their delivery from set-pieces was excellent all game. It caused us problems and it did for us in the end.”

Despite a bright start from Bracknell, the visitors missed countless chances to break the deadlock before Mervyn Roberts fired them in front in the 26th minute.

Roberts then doubled their lead from the penalty spot eight minutes later after Calum Whitty had brought him down.

In truth, Bracknell were relieved to be just two goals adrift at the break, but they came out fighting for the second-half after strong words from McClurg.

It seemed to work as they grabbed a 54th minute lifeline through Robert Yorke-Goldney’s converted penalty after Ben Lyden had been fouled.

Then Yorke-Goldney smashed home a spectacular equaliser from long-range with seven minutes remaining after good play from Lyden.

Yet there was still time for one final Slimbridge attack and it paid off when Joe Tustain headed home the 90th minute winner from a poorly defended corner.

“It was gut-wrenching,” added McClurg. “But we have to learn quickly. We proved we can compete with anyone in the second-half and we have to focus on the positives.”

As for Saturday’s trip to Walton & Hersham, the Robins will travel to Stompond Lane with nothing to lose.

“We’ll go out there and try our best,” admitted McClurg. “I can’t fault the lads for their effort so far and as long as we give 100 per cent we can’t really complain.

“No-one expects us to win and I just hope we enjoy the experience. We don’t want to get stuffed but it’s the cup and anything can happen.”

And then comes Monday’s clash which Bracknell and Wokingham fans have been waiting for.

“It’s great for the area and for the Hellenic League,” argued McClurg. “There’s us and Wokingham as well as Ascot, Binfield and Reading Town in the same division which shows the strength and depth of football talent around here.

“We’ll be trying to beat them next week, of course, and it’s great for the region and especially the fans.”

Bracknell Town: Tilson, Wyatt (Wright), Bursill, Woozley, Whitty, Ryan, Nugent (Christian), Yorke-Goldney, Knight`, Lyden & Thomas. Subs not used: Campbell, Nicholas, Sayers.

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harryo10
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Sep 1, 14:02
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is it me or does anyone else think that this seasons going to be the same as last season more heartbrake and has anyone else seen henleys results 2 winds and a draw

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