Second half goals from Connor Hall and Miracle Okafor overcame Needham Market’s shock first half lead to move Saints into third place and leave The Marketmen rooted at the bottom of the table.

“I am really pleased with large parts of the game and the way the lads managed the game,” Gavin Cowan said. “Needham played with freedom that was hard to combat and we were disappointed not to be ahead at half-time. But the players showed real character and managed the second half well.”

Brackley took control of the first half building pressure on Needham’s goal but without finding the break-through and it was the visitors who capitalised in a rare attack as a deflected free-kick found the net putting Tev Allen on the score-sheet two minutes before the break.
Saints were level on 47 minutes as Connor Hall made no mistake from the penalty spot after a handball but chances were spurned to go ahead as the visitors battled for a point that would lift them out of the relegation places. However, the crucial moment arrived on 75 minutes as Matt Lowe delivered the perfect cross inviting half-time substitute Miracle Okafor to head beyond Josh Blunkell on his first home appearance since signing following his successful loan spell.

Further chances came and went but the win was secured despite nervy final moments.

Brackley Town: Maxted, Carline, Lyttle, Dean, Lilly (Okafor 46), Calder (Donawa 78), Lowe, Bates, Roberts, O’Sullivan, Hall (Pollock 81).
Subs unused: Byrne, Abbey.

Needham Market: Blunkell, Dye, Smith, Hammond, K.Morphew, Lay (Savill 88), T.Allen, Hunter, Lambe, I.Allen, Wood (Fraser 81). Subs unused: Garnham, D.Morphew, Reynold.

Referee: Joe Moss Assistants: Paul Collier and Mark Reilly 4th official: Ian Butler
Attendance: 552

PIC: By Pete Keen.