RESULT: Brackley Town 1 FC United 0

A goal by Brackley Town skipper Gareth Dean condemned FC United to a second consecutive away defeat on a poor day in Northamptonshire.

The home side started the brightest, with James Armson, who scored a brace for Solihull at Broadhurst Park least season, forcing goalkeeper Dave Carnell to beat the ball away.

On 11 minutes, the home side had the ball in the net when a pass was played through to Lee Ndlovu who finished into the net, only to see the flag raised for offside. It was a very close decision with Ndlovu looking level at worst.

On 25 minutes, Nathan Lowe did fire in a shot for FC United but it went wide. In truth this was the only view near goal for the Reds, the home side seeing the vast majority of the ball.

The Saints almost took the lead on the stroke of halftime when a superb cross from Glenn Walker just eluded Ndlovu with the goal at his mercy.

During the break, the heavens opened with a violent thunderstorm that forced the referee to extend the interval by 10 minutes. When the half started, it seemed the increased break had worked well for FC as they began well.

Twice in the space of two minutes, George Thompson tested Laurie Walker in the home goal, Walker beating the ball away then having a free-kick shot straight at him.

This period was short lived though as Brackley soon took charge again. Ndlovu hit the post with a shot and the dangerous Armson saw an overhead shot land in Carnell’s arms. On 67 minutes Steve Diggin saw a pile-driver hit the post as the home side turned the screw.

It was only a matter of time before they took the lead and minute later the goal did come. A corner was headed goal wards by Dean. Carnell thought he had tipped it over but only managed to touch the ball towards goal. The ball was cleared but the referee’s assistant ruled that it had crossed the line first.

On 75 minutes, Kieran Glynn was given a run out and he looked bright and sharp. He was integral in the best move of the game for FC as he combined well with Chris Chantler, who crossed for Thompson, who saw his shot fly over the bar. The lead almost doubled immediately when Ndlovu was denied by the legs of Carnell.

It was a FC display that seemed short on inspiration and imagination, the only bright spot being the introduction of Kieran Glynn who added skill, calmness and a willingness to take on the opposition, something sadly missing from the rest of the game.

The Bank Holiday weekend continues with a very tough test against Darlington at Broadhurst Park, where FC will need to produce much more than what was seen in Northamptonshire on Saturday.

Website man of the match: Kieran Glynn- Only on the field for 15 minutes but showed his ability in his short cameo. He looked calm, skilful and assured, playing with a confidence that belied his age.

Report by Steven Wood

Stats and updates of Brackley Town v FC United on Saturday 27th August ko 3pm.

Saturday 27th August ko 3pm
Vanarama National League North
Brackley Town v FC United of Manchester

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