Following quickly on from Tuesday night’s late drama against Alfreton Town sees Paul Caddis’ side make the relatively short trip to another fellow play-off contender in the shape of Brackley Town.
It’s a visit to the divisions richest club on paper and the side that just might provide our local derby opposition next season, or our playoff opposition this term!? Our nearest opponents in 24/25 could be any one of 9 clubs who may go up, come down and hang on their current status.
Brackley are regular opponents and although we have their measure at home, it’s a dismal story of defeats and more defeats in Northamptonshire. No points so far and just one goal to date. That needs to change.
Traditionally, the Saints concede few, but score just enough to reach the play-offs every season where they inevitably are painfully eliminated. Is that scenario worse than finishing mid-table each season?
Brackley are a standard to reach so for us to be just a few points behind them this term, is a clear indicator of our progress. Brackley’s home record of 11-4-4 is virtually identical to our own. Goal scoring virtually the same, the key difference is goals conceded. Their defence is the 4th best in the division. Town’s home defeats were to all rather unexpected to Scarborough, Kings Lynn, Rushall and Curzon none of whom have worried the League pacesetters… so they are very much beatable.
A few of Brackley’s players are veterans. Key central defender Gareth Dean and attacking midfielder James Armson both joined Brackley in 2016. Antique goalkeeper Danny Lewis, a few months short of his 42nd birthday, joined in 2017. That trio probably played in every match against the Bulls. Other familiar names are ex-Bulls Zac Lilly in central defence and Tommy O’Sullivan in midfield. Considering their reputation of their attacking players, Brackley don’t score that often. Standout is striker Danny Newton with 14 goals. Newton’s been around a bit, he was full time for the previous six seasons, most recently with Boreham Wood. Their other main strikers have to play wide or sit on the bench.
Online in advance ticket prices are adults £15, concessions (over 65) £10. Best to pay up front as prices are £2 higher on the day and you will need to visit the ticket office. Although Brackley’s attendances are improving, their average of 689 doesn’t suggest long queues.
Car parking is £5 a time on a first come first served basis. Do try the bar as the facilities are the most lavish at our level, with the exception of South Shields.
Hope to see a lot of familiar faces there to support our team. Every point matters.
As ever, BBC Hereford & Worcester and the Radio Hereford crew will be on hand to relay all the action.
Simon Wright
