Recap: Brackley 1-0 Harriers

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HARRIERS slipped to a 1-0 defeat at Brackley Town on Saturday as the hosts continued their march towards the title.

The Saints are still second in the table behind Gateshead, but have a game in hand on The Heed as well as still having them to play.

Their success this season has been based on a stern defence and, in truth, this was a battle between two back lines in reasonable shape – neither really conceding a huge number of chances.

It was the home side who were brightest early on with Armson and Lowe going close inside the opening 20 minutes – the former then touching the ball on to the post after 32 minutes as only the woodwork kept Harriers level.

Five before the break, Redmond struck wide for Harriers who had gradually grown into the game – controlling much of the second half without seriously testing former Aggborough man Danny Lewis until they’d fallen behind.

They did have one clear chance to go ahead before Brackley’s goal – Morgan-Smith had his back to goal and the angle against him two before the hour, but turned expertly on Sterling’s pass before blazing just past the angle of bar and post.

The only goal of the game came with 12 left to play and as a result of one of Harriers’ rare defensive lapses on the day. A deep cross into the area found an unmarked Lee Ndlovu, who planted back in the opposite direction and into Simpson’s far corner.

The visitors responded in the right fashion and immediately took the game to Brackley – Hemmings forced a parry from Lewis, Penny saw a corner cleared off the line and Sterling struck over, all in the final ten minutes.

In the end it was Brackley who held on for an important win.

Get full team line-ups and key match facts at The Match Centre.

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