Day one of the opening day of the new Bracknell Sunday League season saw a bonanza of goals, 121 in total across the 20 games played (average of 6 per game). Highest aggregate scores featured in the games between Bracknell Athletic v. Newbold College (8-5) in division 2 and Bracknell Titans v. Crownwood Dukes (4-9) in division 4.
It was a good opening day for newly promoted teams and teams new to the League.
Promoted Premier Division side Crowthorne Inn defeated FC Fernhill 2-1 in what was described by secretary Marcus Simmonds as a “hard fought victory”. Inn led at half-time through goals by Leon Mannion, a free-kick, and a headed goal by Simmonds himself. Fernhill increased the pressure in the second half and pulled back a goal late on. Elsewhere in the Premier Division newly promoted Intercity drew with “new boys” Twigg Vets 2-2 and in the only other game played in the Division Senior Cup winners Morale Madrid were beaten at home 3-4 by Golden Farmer Rangers.
In Division 1 this weeks featured team Loveman United got off to a flying start defeating a strong Finchampstead Athletic Reserves side by 5-3. Star for United was Alfie Sparrow bagging himself a hat-trick whilst United’s other goal scorers were Ben Poynter and Reece Simpson. Last seasons Division 2 Champions Binfield Royals got off to a flying start defeating an experienced Raglan 5-3 whilst fellow promotees WAB drew 1-1 away to AFC Crowthorne.
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Pacesetters in Division 2 are 3M, new team Athletico Ascot, Woodley United and Bracknell Athletic, all with wins whilst Bracknell Saint-Germain and Warfield United shared 6 goals.
Other new teams to the League, in Division 3, in WAB Reserves and Bracknell Corinthians got off to strong starts. Other winners were Bearwood Wanderers Bracknell Falcons and Woodley Saints.
The Leagues new Division 4 opened with three fixtures that yielded an impressive 29 goals with Bracknell Cavaliers Reserves, Crownwood Dukes and Finchampstead Athletic A all winning.