Blues Match Preview: Brackley Town v Chester FC

After a two week hiatus, the Blues return to action with a trip to Brackley Town on Saturday, as Calum McIntyre’s men look to continue our positive run of form.

Prior to a 1-1 draw at Warrington Town, the Seals had won three league matches in succession, over Needham Market, Chorley and Oxford City.

Brackley were also on a three-game run of league victories before to their defeat on the road at Scarborough Athletic on Tuesday night, when Alex Brown netted a 99th minute winner for the Seadogs.

THE OPPOSITION

The Saints sit just outside the play-offs at present, as they recovered from a shaky start to the campaign with a string of positive results between September-November.

The aforementioned defeat against Scarborough was a first in the league in six outings, a run which included important away victories at Needham Market, Buxton and Rushall Olympic.

Last season’s play-offs ended in heartbreak for Brackley as they fell to defeat at home to Boston United, after a 1-0 win in the semi-final over Chorley.

It is the Saints’ 13th consecutive season in the sixth tier, a period that has yielded seven top four finishes, but that has never led to promotion to the National League.

Connor Hall bagged the only goal in the reverse fixture in August at the Deva Stadium as all three points headed back to Northamptonshire.

THE GAFFER

Gavin Cowan has been the boss at St. James Park since his appointment in May 2023.

The 43-year-old’s first role in management saw him steward AFC Telford United for over three years at this level, before his departure in October 2021.

During his tenure at the New Bucks Head, Cowan almost led the club into the play-offs in the 2018/19 campaign, but missed out on goal difference to Bradford Park Avenue.

The boss’ playing career started at Braintree Town and included spells with Shrewsbury Town, Fleetwood Town and Solihull Moors.

ONE TO WATCH

Attacking midfielder Morgan Roberts has been a key cog in Cowan’s system so far as a creative force to a forward line which includes Danny Newton and Connor Hall.

The 23-year-old bagged a crucial equaliser in the 89th minute on the road at Spennymoor Town, and has also found the net in wins over Curzon Ashton and Peterborough Sports.

Roberts is in his second spell with the Saints after a loan stint from Northampton Town in the 2020/21 campaign.

The Welshman has has also featured for Swindon Town, Aldershot Town and Banbury United.

LEAGUE FORM GUIDE

Brackley Town | W9 D3 L6 | F21 A15 | Pos: 11th

Last three

Buxton (A) | W 2-0 | Scorers: Connor Hall, Matt Lowe

Rushall Olympic (A) | W 1-0 | Scorers: Miracle Okafor

Scarborough Athletic (A) | L 2-1 | Morgan Roberts

Chester FC | W9 D5 L5 | F24 A19 | Pos: 9th

Last three

Chorley (H) | W 2-1 | Scorers: Tom Peers, Harrison Burke

Oxford City (H) | W 3-1 | Scorers: Tom Peers x3

Warrington Town (A) | D 1-1 | Scorers: Harrison Burke

Match Preview by Tom Bird.

MATCH DETAILS

Kick off is 3pm at St James’ Park on Saturday.

The address for the ground is: 

Churchill Way, Brackley, Northants, NN13 7EJ.