Second-placed Curzon Ashton hosted fifth-placed Brackley in an absorbing game won by the visitors as the home side failed to convert their possession into clear cut chances as a resilient and organised Saints side did enough to earn three valuable points and extend the winning run to four games.

“Full credit to the lads after another tough game away against a team that will be in contention come the end of the season,” Gavin Cowan said. “We put in a well drilled and disciplined performance. They are an excellent team and coming into the game we give them respect but equally we have a lot of belief in ourselves.”

Matt Lowe struck the winning goal on 61 minutes after Connor Hall headed on from Alfie Bates’ cross, Lowe’s second goal in two games. Minutes later Morgan Roberts flashed a shot just inches wide as Saints enjoyed a rare spell of pressure on Bobby Jones’ goal.
Shane Byrne’s volley found the crossbar and Hall’s header was pawed away by Jones at full stretch in the first half as Curzon dominated possession but could find no way past a determined Brackley back line and a team defending as one. Jonny Maxted twice saved well in the first half, first from Will Hayhurst and then unsighted through a crowded penalty area, before being called into action in the second half to keep out Isaac Sinclair and Adam Barton as The Nash moved the ball well but without finding penetration close to goal.
A fourth win and third clean sheet in four games lifts Saints into fourth place, three points off top spot.

Brackley Town: Maxted, Carline, Lyttle, Dean, Griffin (Lilly 60), Calder, Lowe, Byrne, Roberts, Bates, Hall (Donawa 67). Subs unused: O’Sullivan, Arlott-John, Abbey.

Curzon Ashton: Jones, Sobowale, Poscha, Griffiths (Mahon 79), Buckley-Ricketts (Afuye 89), Sinclair, Spencer, Mols, Hayhurst, Richards, Barton. Subs unused: Lacey, Ollerenshaw, Darby.

Referee: Johnathan Maskrey Assistants: Matthew Murray and Daniel Clenton 4th official: Benjamin Stott
Attendance: 377

PIC by Richard Tymon