Brackley followed up last Saturday’s win over Scarborough with a vital win at South Shields on an afternoon of high drama at the top of National League North with the gaps to first and second placed Scunthorpe and Kidderminster closing and chasing teams also losing ground.

“The lads were very disciplined and professional today,” Gavin Cowan said. “It was always going to be a tough afternoon against a good footballing team. I am really pleased for the lads. They deserved it.”

George Carline’s 36th minute goal proved decisive in a tight game in which the hosts remained a threat throughout with leading scorer Paul Blackett always dangerous.

Gaz Dean’s early header was tipped over and Morgan Roberts could not convert when well placed while Jonny Maxted saved well from Blackett at the near post to keep the game goal-less before Carline struck. Tyler Lyttle’s cross was headed down and Carline fired in from close range. Maxted was again called into action to keep out Blackett saving low down on the stroke of half-time.
Both sides had chances in the second half without converting as a patient Saints side defended deep at times looking for the break. Matt Lowe’s late chance would have put the game beyond The Mariners but Gavin Cowan’s side navigated the closing stages and four minutes of added time to earn the points and edge the promotion race one step closer to what is looking to be a nerve jangling and tense conclusion to the campaign.

Brackley Town:  Maxted, Lilly, Carline, Dean, Donawa, Lyttle, Byrne, O’Sullivan, Roberts (Bates 62), Hall (Newton 70), Lowe (Okafor 78).   Subs unused:  Pollock, Calder.

South Shields: Seymour, Myers-Smith (Crossley 64), Sloan, Briggs, Shepherd, Heaney, Carson, Smith, Jenkins (Ward 76), Blackett, McGowan (Stephenson 64). Subs unused: Boney, Taylor.

Referee: David Jones Assistants: Stephen Birkett and Nick Vincent 4th official: Jack Birch
Attendance:   1706