Brackley Town slip closer to National League relegation zone following Altrincham defeat
Brackley Town slipped to a third successive Enterprise National League defeat under new head coach Andy Whing, beaten 2-0 by Altrincham at St James Park.
Jake Cooper’s unorthodox finish from an Eddy Jones corner just before half time and Declan Howe’s goal in second-half stoppage time were enough to earn the away side the win, dropping Brackley down to 20th and only three points clear of the relegation zone.
The Saints, in a changed back-four formation, were brilliant in the opening half an hour or so, maintaining the lion’s share of possession and racking up a host of good chances. But Altrincham, who cleared several Brackley efforts off the line, weathered the storm.
Left-back Ryan Haynes went closest for the Saints in the first half, unleashing a rocket from no fewer than 30 yards. It would have nestled into the far top corner if it wasn’t for a fingertip save from Luke Hutchinson.
Haynes, who had another near miss from a 25-yard free-kick, was forced off with a hamstring injury just after the interval. All then turned rather scrappy in the second half, suiting Altrincham as they aimed to run the clock down and hold on.
The Robins were dramatically denied a second goal when skipper Tom Crawford headed home from a corner but referee Rob Massey-Ellis had already blown his whistle. There was confusion at St James as to what had been given, before it turned out to be an Altrincham penalty.
Howe stepped up for Altrincham, but his spot-kick was saved by Brackley goalkeeper Jonny Maxted’s feet, straight down the middle. The away side were furious that their goal had been ruled out – and even more so when Howe failed to convert from the spot.
But those frustrations soon turned to elation in the away end as Howe took advantage of a Zak Lilly slip to have the last laugh, rounding Maxted and finding the net to make it 2-0 and put the result beyond doubt.
To make matters worse for Brackley, fellow relegation battlers Braintree Town secured a huge 3-2 win away at bottom side Truro City, courtesy of a 95th-minute Aidan Francis winner. The Saints are now just three points clear of the drop, albeit with two precious games in hand.