Andy Whing unveils what is ‘key’ about his new squad as Brackley Town begin with win at Telford United

Goals from attacking midfielder Kai Yearn and central defender Josh Tomlinson early in the second half set the Saints on their way before Matt Stenson netted a mere consolation for the hosts in stoppage time.

There are lofty expectations for the Saints after a successful summer squad overhaul but you never truly know how things have gone until competitive action returns.

Whing, who was serving a touchline suspension that had carried over from last season, admits Brackley were not at their best but still did enough for the three points.

“It was frustrating being in the stand and not down there, but it gave me a great insight into seeing the pitch a bit more,” Whing said post-match.

“I don’t think we were great in the first half and, to be perfectly honest, we could have been two down at half time. Telford were miles better and quicker than us.

“But the one thing with this group is, I don’t have to raise my voice or anything like that. We kind of change things and they listen.

“We went out in the second half and took the game away from them. I think we deserved those two goals in that period of time.

“We were fantastic. We landed on second balls, we were quicker, we were sharper. We penned them in a bit and we had the quality.”

Although the performance wasn’t pretty at times, especially in the first half, Brackley dug in and operated as a unit to seal only Whing’s second-ever league win in charge of the Saints.

It’s still very early days but the boss will be hoping the result can act as a stepping stone to challenge for promotion back up to the National League.

“I’m really pleased with the lads because they worked their socks off,” Whing continued.

“We can get miles better and can improve but I’m really happy that we came away and won a game of football.”

Brackley are next in action this Saturday, August 15, as they host Hebburn Town. That fixture kicks off at 3pm at St James Park.