Brackley’s second ever visit to Hartlepool produced an epic cup tie that must wait until the Tuesday night replay at St James Park to see which side comes out on top.

After a first half display of composure and style Gavin Cowan’s side should have taken more than a single goal lead into the break. Hartlepool players left the field to a chorus of boos around Victoria Park.

A triple substitution on 53 minutes brought a change as the home side began to exert pressure on Jonny Maxted’s goal and the home supporters rallied behind their team sensing a recovery. The equaliser came on 86 minutes as relentless pressure finally told yet there was still time for either side to grab the win.

Saints started brightly taking the game to Hartlepool. Twice Morgan Roberts was denied by goalkeeper Brad Young before George Carline’s coolly placed finish into the bottom corner put Brackley deservedly ahead on 33 minutes. Roberts saw a further close range effort saved after fine work by Scott Pollock to create the chance. In a rare scoring opportunity Manny Dieseruvwe’s touch onto the post rebounded kindly for Maxted.

The second half began as the first had ended with a controlled performance by the National League North side but slowly the tide turned with Saints increasingly hemmed in and only last ditch defending and scrambled clearances kept Hartlepool at bay. The break-through came on 86 minutes as Maxted could only parry a fierce shot and the rebound was fired into the net by substitute Adam Campbell.
There was still time for Connor Hall to create a chance after an excellent break-away and in the dying moments Danny Newton’s cross saw Roberts’ header too high.

“We were confident coming into the game and for large parts we were the better team,” Cowan said. “After the first half we ought to have been out of sight really. I am disappointed to come away with the one-one to be honest. For the effort and desire the players were absolutely superb today.”

Brackley Town: Maxted, Carline, Newton, Pollock (Hall 86), Bates, Lyttle, Lilly, Dean, Roberts, Lowe (Craig 82), Byrne. Subs unused: Worby, Cross, O’Sullivan, Abbey.

Hartlepool United: Young, Dodds, Ferguson (Campbell 75), Parkes, Waterfall (Sass-Davies 53), Mancini, Charman (Mutherin 53), Grey, Sheron, Sloggett (Featherstone 53), Dieseruvwe. Subs unused: Smith, Onariase, Steel.

Referee: Darius Bradley Assistants: David Holmes and Curtis Wood 4th Official: Glen Hart
Attendance: 2012