Another fine performance by Brackley brought a comfortable win over Northamptonshire rivals Kettering and took Saints into top spot over King’s Lynn who were engaged in FA Cup action.

“It was a solid win,” Roger Johnson said. “We started well and took the game to them going ahead with a great goal. Then great finishes in the second half to make it secure.”

The home side almost went ahead in the very first minute as Adam Rooney’s header was tipped over by Kettering keeper Harrison Foulkes.
Martin Woods’ fierce effort was deflected just over and Cosmas Matwasa went close before Woods struck the first goal on the half hour. Cosmas was fouled bringing a yellow card for Kettering’s George Cooper. Woods’ free kick was charged down but the midfielder struck the rebound first time and sweetly giving Foulkes no chance.

Jordan Richards’ shot almost doubled the lead going into the break but Saints got the important second goal shortly after the interval, the first of two goals by Jimmy Armson.

On 51 minutes Armson stabbed home from 10 yards after fine work by Callum Stead on the left and Armson doubled his tally for the afternoon on 83 minutes, put through on goal finding the net past Foulkes. Armson was denied his hat-trick at the last as Rooney unselfishly set up the chance as Brackley threatened to increase the lead.

Kettering rarely threatened Danny Lewis in the Brackley goal as Saints recorded another clean sheet to extend their unbeaten run to eight games with a fifth successive win.

“There was a brilliant atmosphere around the ground which is pleasing“, Johnson added. “The supporters play a massive part and they made a good noise today getting behind the boys.”

Brackley Town: Lewis, Carline, Walker (Flanagan 46), Woods (Murombedzi 72), Calder, Dean, Matwasa, Richards, Rooney, Armson, Stead. Subs unused: York, Makama.

Kettering Town: Foulkes, Morley, White (Sheriff 46), Gascoigne, Bennett (Sault 81 (Agustien 90)), Stohrer, Ward, Cooper, Hill, Myles, Lewthwaite. Subs unused: Toseland, Gregory.

Referee: Shaun Taylor Assistants: Callum Fisk and Harry Tarrant
Attendance: 807