“As we know in this league games can go either way. They are a very good footballing team and they caused us all sorts of problems in the early stages but in the second half we were completely dominant,” Gavin Cowan said. “We just need to convert more chances but it was a great goal by George. We were good value for the win.”

South Shields started well and had a chance to go ahead on 7 minutes when loan signing from Leeds United Joe Richards on his first appearance fired wide with only keeper Jonny Maxted to beat. The Mariners enjoyed the better of the opening exchanges but Saints gradually took over and finished the first half on top. Morgan Roberts’ deflected free-kick brought an acrobatic save by Myles Boney, Shane Byrne’s effort was well saved again by the keeper as Brackley’s quick free-kick caught Shields cold and Matt Lowe’s volley was just wide.
Gavin Cowan’s side dominated after the interval Danny Newton and Matt Lowe both going close before the break-through arrived with Carline sweeping the ball into the net beyond Boney after fine work by Lowe.

South Shields came close to an equaliser in the dying minutes finally putting Maxted under some pressure as first substitute Sam Hodgson was unable to connect with fellow substitute Kyle Crossley’s fierce cross and then only a last ditch challenge by goal scorer Carline denied the visitors.

This was The Mariners’ fourth successive away defeat, failing to find the net on each occasion, but a win for Saints lifting them to within one point of the play-off places.

Brackley Town (5-3-2): Maxted; Dean (Craig 78), Lilly, Lyttle, Carline, Lowe; Bates, Roberts, Byrne; Hall (O’Sullivan 86), Newton. Subs unused: Cross, Abbey, Worby.

South Shields (5-3-2): Boney; Morse, Briggs, Broadbent, Shepherd (Mee 54), Richards; Jenkins, Smith (Hodgson 84), Heaney; Blackett, Dudik (Crossley 60). Subs unused: Seymour, Bramwell.

Referee: Darren Rogers Assistants: Tom Durno and Lewis Smith 4th official: Mehul Karia
Attendance: 592

PIC by Ben Ashwin