Team news boost for Brackley Town ahead of tricky Harborough Town clash
Andy Whing is thrilled to welcome back a pivotal defender as Brackley Town play host to National League North newbies Harborough Town this Saturday.
Kicking off at 3pm at St James Park, the Saints will be eager to bounce back after a 2-2 draw away at Chorley – a game in which Brackley gave up a 2-0 lead.
Whing’s men will also be keen to make it up to the supporters after last Saturday’s home game against South Shields was abandoned midway through the first half, due to heavy rainfall.
The Bank Holiday weekend was far from straightforward as Brackley had just two fully-fit defenders, with centre-back Will Armitage rushed back from injury as a result.
But the outlook is much brighter against Harborough, with Armitage shifting back towards full fitness and, crucially, fellow centre-half Josh Tomlinson returning from suspension.
Tomlinson missed the draw at Chorley through a one-match ban, picked up for two yellows in the 2-1 defeat at Macclesfield FC.
Right-back Kieran Coates, who saw straight red in that same game, remains unavailable this weekend as he serves the second of his two-match suspension.
It’s likely that either midfielder Kai Lissimore will fill in at right-back again, or one of the three centre-halves - Tom Fogarty, Armitage or Tomlinson - will shift across. George Harmon, meanwhile, will line up at left-back.
On the subject of Fogarty, it remains unclear whether Brackley will extend his loan from Tamworth. As it stands, the former Birmingham City man will head back to his parent club on September 11.
In Harborough, Brackley face a tricky opponent. Although the Bees are newly-promoted, they have started the season brilliantly, winning three, drawing two and losing just one.
Currently sixth in the National League North standings, Mitch Austin’s side are brimming with confidence, ready to kick on and earn more points.
What’s more, Marquee signing Britt Assombalonga - yes, that Assombalonga - has already scored three goals in the English sixth tier.
The former Nottingham Forest and Middlesbrough striker, who once cost £15 million, could prove to be a handful for Brackley’s defenders.
Tomlinson’s return, therefore, could be pivotal in the Saints’ chances of a positive result.