Can Brackley Town reach the promised land of the FA Cup third round?

The Saints are bidding to book a place alongside the giants of the English game for the first time
By Jon Dunham
Published 26th Nov 2020, 07:00 BST
James Armson was the hat-trick hero when Brackley Town famously dumped Gillingham out of the FA Cup in 2016James Armson was the hat-trick hero when Brackley Town famously dumped Gillingham out of the FA Cup in 2016
James Armson was the hat-trick hero when Brackley Town famously dumped Gillingham out of the FA Cup in 2016

Brackley Town will be aiming to reach the third round of the FA Cup for the first time in their history this weekend.

The Saints travel to two divisions higher Tranmere Rovers on Friday night knowing victory would see them into Monday’s draw alongside the cream of English football.

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This is the third time Brackley have reached the second round proper since they first entered the tournament in 1987/88.

On both previous occasions, they have knocked EFL side Gillingham out in the first round.

Glenn Walker - still playing for the Saints - scored the only goal in the replay against a Gills side who were three divisions higher in the pyramid.

Brackley subsequently lost at Macclesfield in the next round.

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In 2016/17, it was a case of deja vu as Brackley again drew at Gillingham - this time 2-2 - before beating them 4-3 in a thrilling replay.

James Armson was the hero that night with a hat-trick, with Gills keeper Stuart Nelson also putting through his own goal.

Brackley lost 1-0 at Blackpool in the second round.

Related topics:Brackley TownBrackleyGillinghamEFL

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