A strong Barwell side came up against the league leaders on the back of an excellent win the previous Saturday. However, Brackley are not at the top of the table for nothing and were well on top for the first forty minutes. The visitors went two down early on but managed to pull a goal back before half time.

Despite a much improved second half performance, the home side held on for a hard earned victory as the Canaries were threatening to equalise but to no avail.

Brackley pushed hard from the start and looked likely to open the scoring which they did in the 7th minute. A ball crossed from Marvin Robinson found Steve Diggin ten yards out from goal. He controlled the ball and shot low past Liam Castle giving him little chance.

Barwell’s first shot in anger came on 13 minutes as Nick Green drove from the right side of the box but the ball failed to make its way through a crowded defence.

Two minutes later, Liam Castle was again called into action as Diggin was bearing down on him, forcing him to clear with a well timed kick.

Brackley went further ahead on 22 minutes as Glenn Walker’s free kick was directed into the net by Brett Solkhon who rose to head from eight yards.

Barwell did respond just after the half hour with first Scott Hadland and then Nick Green attempting shots – both well wide of the target.

Brackley managed to put the ball into the net for a third time after 38 minutes as Glenn Walker capitalised on a mistake by Guy Sanders to feed Owen Story but his ball to Steve Diggin found him offside as he slid the ball into the net.

Barwell responded well and a corner from Nigel Julien found Rob Oddy who squared for Guy Sanders. Sanders drove powerfully from the edge of the box and the ball flew into the net beating the efforts of Billy Turley.
This was the Canaries’ first shot on target throughout the half.

Barwell were enjoying a purple patch as the half drew to a close. Luke Barlone met a ball with a sweet volley but it was charged down in the area as the game went into stoppage time at the end of the first half.

The second half saw a more determined Barwell and on 50 minutes, Nigel Julien shot viciously but his effort was blocked by Tom Marshall.

Four minutes later Luke Barlone received a ball from Jamie Towers but his shot went past the right post.

Barwell continued to press for the next few minutes and Nigel Julien put a quality ball into the box but it was well defended away.

The away side did not have things all their own way, however, with Robinson driving at the Barwell defence on 57 minutes only to find Mason Rowley easily matching him and able to draw a foul from him.

On the hour, a well constructed attack by Brackley saw Robinson backhead the ball into the path of Diggin but Castle was equal to it and hoofed the ball away under pressure.

Brackley continued to push as Owen Story crossed with three to choose from but Barwell’s defence held firm in a well organised rear guard action.

After 64 minutes Luke Barlone found Nigel Julien who forced a good save from Turley under pressure.

After 67 minutes, Guy Sanders became the first player to receive a yellow card after pulling down Elliot Sandy on the edge of the Barwell box.

Substitute Sandy was causing problems for the away defence and on 71 minutes he slipped through again and found Robinson but the tall forward was offside – even though we missed the target.

Two minutes later Solkhon had a chance to shoot at the Barwell goal only to find Castle well placed to save. Although the ball slipped out first time, the Barwell stopper gathered at the second attempt.

Brackley continued to press and Carl Palmer made an incisive solo run into the Barwell area. He shot drawing an excellent point blank save from Liam Castle.

Jamie Towers fell foul of the referee, Mr. Fox as he was booked on 80 minutes for a late tackle on Billy Turley. In the same incident, Tom Marshall was shown a yellow card for dissent.

The players were tiring on both sides as the game went into its final stages. Another yellow card was brandished after 85 minutes for substitute Pete Saunders after a two footed tackle on Marvin Robinson.

Brackley should have extended their lead on 89 minutes as a ball given away by Rikki Bains found Story who floated a ball across the six yard line for Sandy who had a simple header. However, Sandy mistimed and headed wide.

In the last minute of normal time, a foul on Towers gave Nick Green a chance to set up Nigel Julien who fired from 6 yards past the post.

In the dying seconds, a choice word or two saw Brackley manager Jon Brady receiving the attentions of Mr. Fox who banished him from the dugout following a reaction to a refereeing decision.

Although the home side had much the better of the exchanges early on, Barwell came more into the game as time progressed and towards the end they looked the most likely side to score. However, the Saints held on to a slender lead and deprive the visitors of their point.

Guy Sanders has grown into his role which has allowed him more freedom to venture forward. His goal was evidence of an excellent performance.
Liam Castle worked hard throughout and kept a cool head under significant pressure. He made a number of excellent stops and earned himself Man of the Match.

Team: Liam Castle, Rob Oddy (Scott Lower 77), Guy Sanders (Pete Saunders 77), Rikki Bains, Mason Rowley, Nick Green, Jamie Towers, Scott Hadland, Luke Barlone, Tom Weale (Kev Charley 45), Nigel Julien.
Subs not used: Matt West, Chris Anastasi.

Goal: Sanders 42 (assist Oddy).

Yellow Cards: Sanders 67, Towers 80, Saunders 85.

Man of the Match: Liam Castle.

Attendance: 146