Brackley and Darlington came into the game both in strong form and level on points in mid-table.
A game of few clear cut chances, it was an open, absorbing encounter that the home side eventually won, the winning goal from defender Zak Lilly who struck late to deny the visitors.

Cedric Main produced the two solitary moments of goal threat for The Quakers in a first half dominated by Saints and lit up by Danny Newton’s seventh goal of the season. Referee Alex Beckett should take credit for allowing the advantage after a foul as Morgan Roberts made ground down the left at pace putting in a perfect cross that Newton finished neatly past Peter Jameson to give Brackley a 27th minute lead.
The second half was more evenly contested. Kallum Griffiths’ fierce effort brought a save from Saints’ keeper Jonny Maxted before Darlington levelled on the hour, Main making no mistake from the penalty spot following a foul.

Roberts’ header was too high from Kade Craig’s fine cross, Brackley felt harshly treated as two penalty appeals were waved away and Connor Hall was inches away from connecting with Roberts’ cross, the goal at his mercy, as Saints pressed for the winner.
It came from a free-kick on 88 minutes as Lilly gathered and turned on the edge of the penalty area firing in a low shot that beat Jameson at the near post.

“We kept knocking on the door and were worthy winners,” Gavin Cowan said. “Credit to the referee for allowing play to continue after Morgan [Roberts] was fouled and it brought a great first touch by Danny [Newton] and fine second touch to finish the move. They have such good quality in their team that we had to be patient in and out of possession. We weren’t able to create lots of chances but were dominant and they had a spell in the second half but the lads’ energy and mentality were excellent. They are stepping up and need to keep doing it because the fixture list is relentless. You have to be 100% plus every game.”

Brackley Town: Maxted, Carline, Lilly, Lyttle, Craig, Lowe, Bates (Cross 80), Byrne, Roberts, Hall (O’Sullivan 90+1), Newton (Abbey 69). Subs unused: Ryley, Worby.

Darlington: Jameson, Barrow, Lees (Salkeld 88), Forbes, Hatfield, Maskell, Main (Alshabeeb 72), Flint, McGowan, Griffiths, Leesley. Subs unused: McGrath, Payne, Rivers.

Referee: Alex Beckett Assistants: James Cliffe and Tom Viles 4th official: Ben Schofield
Attendance: 818