F.C. Bracknell are putting everything on the line in pursuit of an historic East Berkshire League Division One title win

PICTURE: F.C. Bracknell have been mightily impressive in East Berkshire League Division One this season, winning 12 matches in a row to open up a six point lead at the top of the table.

F.C. Bracknell manager Bailey Gandolfi has explained that his stars are putting everything on the line to make history for the football club.

Bracknell are making their debut in the East Berkshire League this season and already proven themselves to be one of the best newcomers in recent history.

Gandolfi and his young guns suffered defeat on the opening day of the campaign, going down narrowly 6-5 in a thrilling contest away at Hype Train, but the team has been on a remarkable run of form since.

Bracknell have won in all 12 of their last matches in Division One and currently lead the chasing pack by six points, although they have played at least one game more than their title rivals.

“I think the season has gone very well for F.C. Bracknell, better than expected,” said a thrilled Gandolfi. “The team has played some lovely football across the whole season and are getting some very good results as well as some eye-catching victories.

“As a new team in the East Berkshire League, the club didn’t set any big targets for the team, but the goal has always been to secure a top-four finish. I feel we’re on target to achieve our goals for the season and make history for the club.

“To win the Division One title would mean everything to the team and the football club. It’s the club’s dream to become a Step Six side in the future and this is the first step in the right direction.

PICTURE: The Battle of Bracknell between Bracknell Aces and F.C. Bracknell is the third match in the Showcase Match series this season. The match takes place at the Arbour Park Stadium in Slough on Friday 28 September with a 7.45pm kick off. Click the link here to purchase tickets at our discounted rates now.

“On a personal level, being one of the youngest managers in the non-league pyramid, it would mean a lot to me to have F.C. Bracknell in the East Berkshire League Premier Division next season. It would be a real statement for the club and for local football within the area.”

F.C. Bracknell have beaten Prospect, Taplow United Swans and Eton Wick in their last three league games, scoring 13 goals in the process and conceding just the once.

The team were beaten on penalties by Slough Heating Laurencians Reserves in the Semi Finals of the Slough Town Junior Cup, and Gandolfi admits their only disappointing performance was a 5-0 drubbing at the hands of Premier Division leaders, Britwell, in the Second Round of the League Cup competition five weeks ago.

“I think our form has been very good in the last five games,” explained Gandolfi. “We let ourselves down and didn’t play to the best of our ability in the defeat against Britwell. We know we can play better on our day.

“The three league wins have been very good, we’ve played some beautiful football and scored some beautiful goals. The team are fighting for every point and playing every game like it’s a cup final, putting everything on the line.

“We drew against Slough Heating (0-0 in the Slough Town Junior Cup) and again the boys know we didn’t play to our best ability and should have won the game in 90 minutes. The defence did its job but we just couldn’t score. The boys put it all on the line however, and I couldn’t ask for much more.”

Andre Jardim will be the main danger for F.C. Bracknell in the upcoming Battle of Bracknell against new rivals Bracknell Aces, the third match in the Showcase series this season. Jardim has scored an impressive 15 goals in 16 games this season. The Aces will need to keep taps on Calvin Grainger and Ben Clarke too, who have scored eight and six times respectively in this campaign.

PICTURE: Kids go for just £1 when wearing their Bracknell Aces or F.C. Bracknell shirts at the Showcase Match on Friday night. All Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult.

Grainger bagged a brace and Jardim also hit the back of the net when F.C. Bracknell and Bracknell Aces first locked horns back in October, a 4-1 win for Gandolfi and his stars at the Great Hollands Recreation Ground.

Gandolfi commented: “I don’t think we played as well as we could have the last time we played Bracknell Aces but we still came away with a win, with two nice goals and two penalties. I don’t think we can look too much into the previous game as that’s in the past and we need to look forward.

“The Aces have got stronger as the season has gone on. They have some good players who we respect, but we know how to play against good teams so we will come with a game plan to win.”

The Showcase Match event at the Arbour Park Stadium in Slough next Friday (28 September, 7.45pm kick off) has smashed all previous East Berkshire League records and set a new record for online ticket sales. Click here to buy your tickets now and take advantage of our discounted prices.

Gandolfi encouraged: “My message for everyone coming to support, is to be loud and proud of the team. It will be amazing to see all the youth teams players and coaches in their F.C. Bracknell kits. The team loves all the support from everyone and always appreciates it. This will, hopefully, be a great club evening for all to attend.

“The players are looking forward to playing under the lights but we know we have got a job to do. We will look at it as just another game to go out and win. We’re looking forward to the challenge on the night and hope that the game will be a great one for all the fans that are coming out to show support to F.C. Bracknell.”