Despite a valiant effort Bracknell lost to Oxford in a thrilling end to end match 4-5.

Despite a valiant effort Bracknell lost to Oxford in a thrilling end to end match 4-5.

After last week’s solid win Bracknell travelled away to Oxford brimming with confidence. Unfortunately due to injuries and unavailability Bracknell only went with the bare 11 and this would come back and haunt them.

Bracknell started briskly and took the game to Oxford. A swift passing move from one side of the pitch to the other released Tony Heaver who crossed the ball into the D for Dan Ray to notch his 4th of the season. A 1 goal lead quickly turned into a 2 goal lead as dynamic Bracknell winger Paul Kaplanski was bundled to the floor resulting in a penalty. This was comfortably converted by Sean Hardingham and Bracknell were cruising. However not be outplayed Oxford struck back. An excellent exchange of passes released an Oxford forward to slot the ball passed the advancing Dave Harris. Almost from the restart Bracknell struck back. Young left back Ciaran Ryan smashed a cross into the D catching the oxford goal keeper by surprise who could only kick the ball into the goal for an own goal. With a 2 goal lead again Bracknell looked to consolidate and sat back. An innocuous shot came off the keeper and into the air and Sam Fox-Harvey reacted playing the ball above his head. The umpire following the rules had no choice and a penalty was awarded which was converted to get Oxford back into the game. Half time arrived with the game finely balanced.

The start of the second half saw Bracknell completely take their foot off the gas. With the midfield trying to conserve as much energy as possible due to no sub, Bracknell sat deeper and deeper. This allowed Oxford to apply greater and greater pressure to the Bracknell goal and despite every efforts the dam gave way. Oxford stormed into the lead with 3 unanswered goals during a 15 minute period. Shell shocked and finding themselves 5-3 down Bracknell regrouped and gradually clawed their way back into the game. The last 10 minutes saw Bracknell play some of their best hockey, pegging Oxford back and creating panic at the back. This saw Oxford reduced to 10 minutes as a desperate tackle was deemed too unfair and the player was sin binned. The extra player told as Bracknell scored through Paul Kaplanski who swept home from a Dan Ray perfect pass. Oxford then began to really panic and Bracknell turned up the heat again. Time and time again Bracknell threatened to score a deserved equalizer. A last minute short corner was awarded and Bracknell committed to it. Unfortunately Bracknell couldn’t convert and just ran out of time for their second defeat of the season.

A great effort by all 11 players and had a full squad been taking who knows what would have happened. A home fixture against West Hampstead 2nd XI awaits this Saturday where Bracknell will look to bounce straight back.