Once again, a mixture of trialists and first team players took to the pitch in overcast conditions, offering crucial minutes for players as the season opener against Scarborough Athletic FC approaches. Brackley started the game on the front foot, with some good chances being created down the right wing following good interplay between various players. Wes York and recent signing Callum Stead led the line well, pressing the Diamonds defence, winning battles and proving a nuisance.

Stand in captain Jimmy Armson led the team well throughout, ably assisting the creation of a host of chances throughout a dominant first half performance, including a header from Jordan Culinane-Liburd from a set piece that went over the bar. The first goal came from a set piece, nodded in at the near post by Jimmy Armson, despite the best efforts of Diamonds keeper Dean Snedeker, who kept the hosts in the game in the first half. For large parts of the first half, Ali Worby remained untroubled in the Brackley goal.

The second half brought a host of Brackley changes. Brackley started well, and created some good chances throughout the second half, including a lobbed attempt by Wes York, and a chance from close range for Fabio Lopes who was unable to convert. The equaliser came from Rushden’s Jenson Cooper, whose finished calmly on 62 minutes past Worby to level the scores. The game became more even after the hour mark, with chances dropping in frequency.

Positives to take from the first half in particular for Brackley, and on the work rate and desire shown throughout for Diamonds. Thank you to the travelling Brackley fans for your support!"