Brackley Town 1-1 South Shields Vanarama National League North - Saturday 28th October 2023

Starting the day in 2nd and 5th place the sides shared the points in a well-fought contest that turned on key moments.

South Shields started well dominating possession while rarely threatening Danny Lewis in the Brackley goal. The turning point of the first half came with the home side’s first attack of note. Riccardo Calder’s cross sowed confusion in the away defence, Alfie Bates’ header was not cleared leaving Danny Newton to find the net for his ninth goal of the season.

The goal was like flicking a switch as Saints were suddenly in the ascendency and could have gone into the break with a greater lead. Newton’s touch let him down when well placed, Jimmy Armson’s first time effort was wide and Dan Turner’s fine turn and shot was deflected for a corner kick.

The second half started with goalmouth action at both ends as CJ Clarke twice had the goal in his sights and for Brackley Cosmas Matwasa’s cross needed a touch with Turner inches from meeting it with a header.

The 68th minute brought another game-changing moment as Shep Murombedzi was penalised for handball, the referee adjudging his arm to be away from the body as the ball struck the Brackley midfielder from close range inside the penalty area. Martin Smith’s penalty was superbly saved by Danny Lewis but Smith was first to the rebound and found the net to level the scores.

The tables were turned and it was now the visitors on the front foot. South Shields’ substitute Jordy Mongoy was a constant threat as The Mariners’ took the game to Saints creating a series of half chances but Saints’ defence stood firm.

At the other end Brackley had their own chances but not the finish as when Bates’ added time free-kick was wastefully high. In a game when neither side really tested the opposing goalkeeper a draw was the right result and keeps both sides in and around the top of the table but both dropping one place in the league standings.

“We were up against a very good side and I thought we were good value,” Brackley manager Gavin Cowan said. “From the time we got the goal it felt like we were in control with Danny [Lewis] not having a shot to save. The penalty decision took the wind out of our sails a little bit. It was a really disappointing decision.”

South Shields’ manager Julio Arca said,” We started well and the game changed with the goal. We had a reaction from the team in the second half. It looked like a penalty from where we were but it is one of those things. Neither team created clear chances and the ‘keepers had little to do so it is a fair result and we go home with a point.”

Brackley Town: Lewis; Lilly, Carline, Dean; Matwasa (Crawford 89), Murombedzi, Bates, Armson (Roberts 78), Calder; Turner, Newton. Subs unused: Gudger, O’Sullivan., McHale.

South Shields: Boney; Lufudu, Broadbent, Liddle, Adams; Clarke, Smith, Woods; Heaney (Hasani 66), Martin (Mongoy 66), James. Subs unused: Seymour, Morse, Abbey.

Referee: Ross Martin Assistants: Simon Parbery and Kieran Bailey

Attendance: 674