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Positive signs as Town stretch unbeaten run Leacock delighted with Thatcham’s progress after two more impressive results

By LIAM HEADD liam.headd@newburynews.co.uk @liamh_nwn

Newbury Blues scored an impressive win at Bracknell on Saturday Big step forward for Blues NEWBURY Blues head coach Paul Archer believes the 30- 21 victory away to Bracknell will give his side huge momentum going forward. The bonus-point win for Blues saw them end Bracknell’s 100-per-cent record in the South West 1 East as they kept up the pressure on the teams above. Newbury sit in fourth place and just six points separate the top four teams . Archer said: “I am very happy for the boys because we have had a few disappointments this year, especially when we have been playing teams who have been top of the league. “We have had some tough losses against Banbury and Oxford Harlequins and they were games that we could have got something out of. “To learn from those games and go to Bracknell and not just win, but win in the fashion that we did is a massive testament to the players and the coaching staff.” Archer added: “We had a week off where we gave some bodies time to rest and to come off from that and put in a big performance was important for us because it gives us that self- belief as a squad. “It is great that we can keep moving forward and it’s another game ticked off towards our overall goals.” On Saturday, Blues return to Monks Lane when Buckingham are the visitors and Archer aims to keep moving forward. He said: “The focus is still one at a time and Buckingham coming to Monks Lane will be a challenge for us. “One good win shows us where we can be, but we need to keep moving forward.”

THATCHAM Town manager Jamie Leacock was happy with two positive performances, which saw his side extend their unbeat- en run to four games. On Saturday, the Kingfishers drew 1-1 with Westfield in the Isthmian League South Central Division at the Stacatruc Stadium, before earn- ing a 2-2 draw at Binfield on Tuesday evening. Speaking about Saturday’s home draw, Leacock said: “We played well and even though we conceded a slop- py goal and were slow in the first half, we reacted well in the second half and we got the equaliser. “It was well deserved. We dominat- ed the game then and we got a penal- ty, but we missed it and only came away with a point.” During Tuesday’s draw with Bin- field, Thatcham twice took the lead and Leacock was happy with how his squad performed. He said: “Binfield have started very well this season, but our squad now has lots of confidence. “We played really well, we took a lead, but then we conceded right on the stroke of half-time and I think we showed a bit of naivety. “We came out in the second half and played well and away from home and against a good side, it is a very good point.” Thatcham have not lost a league game since October 27 and Leacock

Action from Thatcham Town’s clash with Westfield at the Stacatruc Stadium on Saturday

stead – who are below them in the table – and Leacock is aiming for all three points. He said: “In an ideal world, I need to turn some of these draws into wins

so we’ll go into the game with lots of confidence. “They are a team in and around of us and when you play these teams it is important that you get something.”

said: “We have gone five games with- out losing, so we’re building a bit of momentum and the performances have been really strong.” On Saturday, Thatcham host Chip-

Nicky aims to enjoy Carnival NICKY Henderson is confi- dent that Brave Eagle can run a strong race in the Ladbrokes Trophy at New- bury tomorow (Saturday). The £250,000 steeplechase is the featured race of the Ladbrokes Winter Carnival, which kicks off today. “I don’t see why he shouldn’t run a very decent race.” Across the two-day meet- ing, the Seven Barrows han- dler is expected to send a very strong team to his local track with the likes of Jonbon, On The Blind Side and Mister Coffey all expected to run. but he has to get used to it.” The Ladbrokes Long Dis- tance Hurdle is the featured race on day one of the Winter Carnival and On The Blind Side will take his chance. “He has done a lot of work, plus a gallop at Newbury, so he should be well ready,” ad- mitted Henderson.

A field of 22 horses was confirmed at the five-day confirmation stage and Brave Eagle is the Lambourn train- er’s only runner in the race. “He is in good form,” said Henderson. “He’s not exactly going to be one of the favour- ites or the frontline short- priced horses, but on the oth- er hand he is a good each-way price. “We have kept him for this and he has had a run under his belt [at Chepstow] hav- ing ran very well after a long time off because of an injury to a hock.

Jonbon made a winning start to his career in Eng- land when he won a National Hunt Flat Race at Newbury in March. With that under his belt, he’s due to line up in a Maid- en Hurdle today – which will see him run in front of a crowd for the first time. “He was due to be in the first race, but they have switched it to the third race for television purposes. “It would’ve helped him if he was in the first race as the atmosphere will be different,

“There is always a ques- tion mark as to whether he is quite at that standard. “He had a fantastic time last season and he was very consistent, but you’re up against the top dogs now.” Earlier in the week, clerk of the course Keith Ottesen provided an update to the ground by saying it was good to soft. “It is properly good to soft and I don’t see it drying out, so it should be fair for every- body,” he said.

Nicky Henderson