Match Report

Brackley Town kept their slim play off hopes alive with a hard fought 2-1 victory over FC United of Manchester at Broadhurst Park on Saturday afternoon.

The Saints captain Gareth Dean got the opener in the first half followed by an equalising penalty from Nathan Lowe in the second half. Just two minutes after the spot-kick, James Armson got the visitor’s winner.

Brackley dominated the opening exchanges , having particular success down the right through fullback Ellis Myles. Myles was the provider of numerous balls into the box, none of which bore fruit.

Somewhat against the run of play, United displayed some neat passing that resulted in a free-kick on the edge of the area, George Thomson missed the chance by a whisker.

It was the visitor’s turn to play some one touch football, which allowed striker Lee Ndlovu acres of space in the box but he hit his shot woefully wide.

Moments later, United’s on loan goalkeeper Ryan Schofield parried a fierce drive from Steve Diggin, wide and out for a corner. As Brackley piled on the pressure they won a controversial corner after it appeared Schofield had let the ball run dead without touching it. The intial corner was cleared but a second cross again from Myles on the right, found skipper Dean who headed home powerfully to break the deadlock.

The home side tried in vain but were restricted to a couple of long range speculative efforts from Lowe Brackley also had the ball in the net but it was disallowed for offside .

After two second half substitutions, the Reds began to get a foothold in the game with Kieran Glynn looking dangerous every time he had the ball at his feet. It was from a clever Glynn through ball that United got a lifeline after Tomi Adeloye was brought down in the area. Lowe scored the penalty in front of a jubilant St. Mary’s Road End.

Just two minutes later though, Armson restored Brackley’s lead. This time a cross from Alex Gudger on the left was headed in.

United pressed for another equaliser often leaving themselves open to the counter attack. Schofield made a couple of fine saves to keep the home side in the match but ultimately Brackley were good value for their three points.

Man of the Match: Jordan Fagbola. The centre half was excellent all afternoon, rarely putting a foot wrong, winning the majority of headers in a powerful and commanding fashion.

Report by Neil Lees