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Bracknell Aces F.C manager Chris Lancaster has challenged his team to convert some strong performances into wins and start to climb the East Berkshire League Division One table.
The Aces are making their league debut this season and after a difficult start which resulted in five defeats in six matches, albeit all against teams currently in the fight for promotion, Lancaster’s men are beginning the show signs of improvement.
Bracknell have now won in four of their last six league games to climb up to seventh place in the Division One table and still with an outside chance of securing a top-half finish this year.
Lancaster explained: “While the results haven’t always gone our way, the performances on the pitch have been encouraging. We’ve consistently been praised by our opponents for our quality of play and our ability to control the game. Our biggest challenge right now is converting those strong performances into wins.
“We’ve identified our weakness, which is conceding goals, and we’re working hard to address that. We go into every game with confidence, knowing that we have a strong team with the potential to achieve great things.
“The first half of the season has certainly presented its challenges, but we’ve used those experiences to grow stronger as a team. We are not where we want to be in the standings, but we’re confident in our ability to turn things around and get back on track.
“We’re focused on the future and excited to see what the second half of the season brings.”
The Aces have arrived in the East Berkshire League full of ambition and with the aim to challenge for promotion into the Premier Division in the future.
“From the very beginning, our vision has been to build more than just successful team,” Lancaster explained. “We strive to create a true footballing family where players support and respect each other, and that everyone shares a deep passion and commitment to the club.
“Our goals are ambitious: we want to develop a team that can compete at the highest level and consistently challenging for wins. We’re aiming to finish at the top of the table and put ourselves in a strong position for promotion. It’s a journey we’re all excited to be on together.”
Bracknell Aces suffered a 4-1 defeat at the hands of F.C. Bracknell earlier in the campaign but will have the chance for some revenge when the new rivals go toe-to-toe in the Battle of Bracknell: the third game in the Showcase Match series at the Arbour Park Stadium in Slough.
The Battle of Bracknell takes place this Friday night with a 7.45pm kick off. Click here to purchase your match tickets at the discounted online prices.
Looking back on that first meeting in this blossoming rivalry, Lancaster commented: “In a fiercely contested local derby, both teams were eager for the victory. Unfortunately for us, F.C. Bracknell capitalised on our mistakes and made the most of their opportunities, whilst we struggled to convert ours. The match was fairly well balanced, with chances at both ends.”
The boss added: “Since that encounter, our team has made significant strides forward. We’ve recovered from injuries and brought in new players to further strengthen our squad.
“F.C. Bracknell currently sit at the top of the league, and we commend them for their accomplishments thus far. We recognise that this upcoming Showcase Match will be a challenging one.
“F.C. Bracknell’s defensive strength is evidence in their impressive statistics in regards to goals conceded, and they possess a formidable attacker who poses a constant threat in front of goal.
“We believe that complacency could be a potential weakness for them, especially as we approach the derby game as the underdogs. We’re ready to give our all and make a strong statement on the pitch”
The Battle of Bracknell has smashed all previous East Berkshire League records for online ticket sales, with the Showcase Match expected to be watched by around 500 spectators this Friday night.
Lancaster is always grateful for the support fans put behind The Aces, and explained the Showcase event has generated a positive vibe around the football club.
He said: “The support that we receive from our fans is truly unbelievable, especially on a match day and even in the harshest winter conditions. We’re incredible grateful for their dedication and commitment. We’re excited to put on a great performance for our loyal supporters as well as those making a special trip for the Showcase game.
“We’re particularly thrilled to have the youth in attendance, as we hope they can be inspired by the adult football on display.”
The Aces manager added: “The excitement and anticipation surrounding this match is palpable, both on and off the field. Every player has emphasised the importance of this game, and for some it feels like a cup final.
“Our focus remains on maintaining a grounded approach and preparing diligently for the challenge ahead.
“We’re grateful for this opportunity and extend our best wishes to F.C. Bracknell.”
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