Saturday 27th January 2024
Pitching in Southern League
Premier Division South
Beaconsfield Town 3 Bracknell Town 0
Holloways Park Att - 238

Ram of the match - Jacques Kpohomouh

Beaconsfield Town completed the league double over Bracknell Town with their second 3-0 win this term, having also eliminated the Berkshire club from the Berks and Bucks cup it seems The rams may have the sign over the Swans this season.

Here, Rams’ defender Jacques Kpohomouh bookended a fine personal performance with the Rams’ opener after 90 seconds and a last-ditch sliding, goal line challenge at the death to preserve his sides’ clean sheet.

At the other end of the formation, Tom McElroy again showed why he can take much of the credit for the team’s recent resurgence.

Leading the line in what is becoming a trademark tenacious ultra-competitive style.

His relentless chasing, harrying, and pressuring opponents is tiring to watch at times. Although his opportunities on goal were few here. The trouble he caused and attnetion he demanded were a constant source of problems for defenders and allowed his colleagues to benefit from frequent turnover ball. Particularly in the first half where he really got under the Bracknell defences somewhat thin skin and relished it.

Matters began with a bang, Beaconsfield forced a corner inside a minute and The Bracknell defence struggled to get the ball clear. Asher Yearwood fed Josh Payne 20 yards out with time and space the midfield maestro’s effort wasn’t his best. The miscue fell to Kpohomouh in a crowd 15 yards out. There seemed little danger as the big man had the ball under his feet and was surrounded by Blue shirts. Undaunted he plumped for the audacious option and delivered a well-struck back heel, that flew straight into the bottom corner, totally wrong-footing Michael Eacott in the Bracknell goal.

The visitors responded well, the outstanding Ethan Burden at the heart of everything good they did all afternoon.

Beaconsfield, strengthened by the inclusion of Sean Frazer in the starting midfield stood firm, maintained a good shape and their discipline reducing the visitors to efforts from distance which seldom extended Matt Rowley in the Beaconsfield goal.

Asher Yearwood arrived late to double the advantage after 24 minutes, cooly making space for himself before firing past Eacott.

Then, almost from the kick-off off, it was Three. Bracknell dwelt in possession and Yearwood worked the ball to Joel Rollinson he fed Jake Gosling who opened his Beaconsfield account with a cool finish from the edge of the box.

As it turned out the game was largely over at that point. This being Beaconsfield though the faithful struggled to get away from the edge of their seats waiting for the wheels to fall.

This latest version of Jon Underwood’s Beaconsfield Town is a different proposition though. Despite the loss of Zidan Akers to Totton and earlier midfield departures, the players drafted in as replacements bring a good mix of experience and energy and importantly are unencumbered by the memory of the various collapses that marked out the early season experience for The Rams.

Jake Gosling and Sean Frazer stood out here. Gosling linking with Dan Bradshaw, reborn as a right back, supporting the attack protecting possession probing but making good decisions. Frazer adding composure to the sitting midfield position alongside Josh Payne. Stepping in to break up attacks, organising and prompting counters, allowing Payne the freedom to step forward and be Josh Payne. They may lack some of the energy of those they have replaced but as the man said, “Age and experience trump youth and a silly haircut every day of the week.”

On the left flank, Joel Rollinson, making his full Rams debut, showed signs that he can be an effective Akers replacement. He may not possess Zidans’ propensity for banging them in from 25 yards but based on this performance he has pace, good awareness and is developing a good understanding with James Dobson.

Half Time 3-0

Bracknell tried to rally after the break but found a resolute Beaconsfield difficult to break down and when they did create openings Rowley was on hand. Saving brilliantly from Billy Stedman. Tipping away his curling effort from the edge of the box.
Bracknell had a lot of possession but in truth The Rams were quite happy to let them have it.
They weren’t against adding to the tally and had they been a little more clinical they could easily have done so but they were comfortable to keep their shape and hold on to what they already had.

In the end, despite Bracknell’s dominance of possession and territory Eacott was the busier keeper, denying Joel Rollinson one on one and twice preventing Asher Yearwood from adding to his tally, as Beaconsfield largely held them at arms length to run out handy winners.

Next up The Rams head to Bolitho Park to take on Plymouth Parkway
On Tuesday evening kick of 7-45pm.