BRACKNELL Town manager Jon Underwood yesterday (Tuesday) boosted his squad with the return of former Robins captain Neil Baker to the Southern League Division One (South & West) side.

The defender, who quit the club after a falling out with former boss Alan Taylor in April, has joined the club following a stint at Leatherhead this season.

Underwood has been keen to capture the centre-half after Bracknell’s lacklustre start to the campaign which has seen them concede 26 goals – the second highest in the division.

The Robins chief is expected to sign three other former players – Ben Edwards, Stuart Tansfield and Michael Cook, who has been training with the club, – tonight (Wednesday) with the promise of more new faces as Underwood looks to pull his side away from the relegation zone.

Underwood’s men are without a win all season and are slumped in the bottom two of the division after picking up just three points from three draws.

He insists it is essential they strengthen before their next competitive game at home to Didcot Town on November 10 after being dumped out of the FA Trophy at the hands of Woodford United a fortnight ago.

“It’s a cliche but we have to concentrate on the league now,” said Underwood.

“I am expecting half a dozen new faces to join us in the coming weeks, hopefully sooner rather than later, as there is no doubt that we need to improve the squad if we are to pull away from trouble.

“I’m delighted that Bakes has joined us and hope to add more faces in the coming days.

“I have also made an official seven-day approach for another ex-Robin but cannot say who it is until the player makes his decision whether to rejoin or not, but I’m very hopeful of a positive outcome.”

With no competitive game on Saturday, Bracknell hosted reigning Suburban League champions Basingstoke Town Reserves on Saturday and played out an goalless draw.

Underwood fielded Edwards and Tansfield in midfield and put Mark Bartley, normally seen on the right side of midfield, upfront with Ian Harvey and the two of them formed an extremely quick partnership.

Edwards was denied a penalty in the first half despite what looked to be a justified appeal, while Tanfield also saw an effort disallowed for offside.

Goalkeeper Chris Grace was given a deserved start and pulled off a number of good saves as Bracknell and Basingstoke settled for a draw.

The Robins were in action against neighbours Windsor & Eton FC last night (Tuesday) in the Berks & Bucks Cup before visiting Staines in a friendly on Saturday.

BRACKNELL TOWN: Chris Grace, John Rimmer, Adam Kennedy, Jason O’Connor, Billy Matthews, Ross Hogston, Ben Edwards, Jermaine Lowe, Mark Bartley, Ian Harvey, Stuart Tansfield.

Brint’s late show seals historic tie

ANDY BRINT sent Bracknell Town in the first round of the FA Youth Cup in  extra-time after his late winner sealed a 2-1 win over Maidenhead United.

Mark Hayward opened the scoring for the Robins midway through the first half after latching onto a ball from Ian Harvey, and driving the ball home.

Bracknell looked to be heading into the next round before Maidenhead struck in the 96th minute after a halfclearance sailed past Chris Grace to take the game into extra-time.

But with five minutes remaining, Rob Nicholas broke down the right to cross for Brint who coolly slid the ball home to the delight of his team-mates.

Keen said: “It’s a pleasure working with a set of boys with such positive attitudes and I don’t know yet how good this team can become.

We should be very proud of what they have achieved.”

The Robins will face either Oxford City or Aldershot Town, who play this week, with an historic first round at Larges Lane next Wednesday.