An open and entertaining first half saw Saints take a one goal lead into the break but both sides could have gone ahead in the opening few minutes as goalmouth action switched from one end to the other. Tom Platt’s header was tipped over by Brackley ‘keeper Danny Lewis in just the second minute while Danny Newton was thwarted one on one with Darlington ‘keeper Tommy Taylor moments later.

Shep Murombedzi’s shot was pushed out by Taylor, the ‘keeper adjudged to have brought down on-rushing striker Connor Hall conceding a 16th minute penalty. Newton sent Taylor the wrong way finding the bottom corner to put Saints ahead.

Captain Gareth Dean shot wide as the ball fell at his feet from a corner and Morgan Roberts’ effort was well saved only for Riccardo Calder to put the rebound wide as Brackley threatened to extend the lead.

Quakers’ manager Steve Watson changed things round at the break with substitute Adriano Moke making an impact as the visitors enjoyed the lion’s share of second half possession without creating scoring chances. Matty Cornish’s 30 yard shot was deflected away and a cross flashed across the face of goal as Brackley defenders saw off the threat to record a fourth clean sheet in five games and pick up three valuable points.

Gavin Cowan said, “I felt we were well worth the lead in the first half. We were dominant and had plenty of chances but were unable to convert so that made it a more difficult second half. For the goal it was a great strike from Shep that the ‘keeper saved well and Connor was alive to it and proactive getting to the rebound. It was a great penalty from Danny. They had a lot more of the ball and played in our half in the second half but we were not really threatened. This is a good three points for us and another clean sheet. It was brilliant to be back here with our supporters. They have been great all season.”

Brackley Town: Lewis; Calder, Dean, Lilly, Lyttle; Murombedzi, O’Sullivan (Armson 89), Matwasa (Carline 87); Hall (Turner 79), Newton, Roberts. Subs unused: Bates, Gudger.

Darlington: Taylor; Hedley, Lees, Lawlor (Moke 46), Griffiths (Ngandu 87), Platt; Hatfield, Siddik, Cornish; Main, Curry (Nelson 62). Subs unused: Liddle, Salkeld.

Referee: Ashley Clarke Assistants: Craig Thompson and Jason Porter

Attendance: 829