Gavin Cowan’s side recorded an important win over in form, third placed Chorley as the battle for play-off places enters the season’s run-in.
“It is important to take points off teams in and around you in the table,” Cowan said. “Chorley are a very good side and we got it right on the night and could have won by more. It is not great for my ticker being at one nil but we held on in the end.”

Morgan Roberts fired Saints ahead on seven minutes with an emphatic finish beyond defenders and ‘keeper Max Dearnley into the top corner and Brackley never looked back. Chorley were rarely able to threaten Danny Lewis’ goal, a couple of late half chances not troubling the Brackley ‘keeper.

At the other end Danny Newton was close from Riccardo Calder’s fine cross and Roberts shot just over before the interval. In the second period Connor Hall against his former club found only the post with Dearnley beaten, his header from George Carline’s superb cross. Newton shot just wide in a blistering attack and only a last ditch scramble kept Saints out late on as they sealed a vital three points moving to fifth ahead of another home game on Saturday.
We spoke at half-time about being a little more aggressive,” Cowan continued. “That paid off as we created more chances. We were excellent in possession but just couldn’t get that second goal but good to win against a side of high calibre.”

Brackley Town: Lewis, Carline, Gudger, Lilly, Lyttle, Murombedzi, O’Sullivan, Roberts, Newton, Hall (Turner 90), Calder. Subs unused: Armson, Bates, Evans, Matwasa.

Chorley: Dearnley, Henley, Smith, Wilson (Blakeman 78), Ellis, Calvely, Maguire (Donawa 83), Glynn, Johnson, Ubaezuonu (Hazlehurst 63), Sampson. Subs unused: Shenton, Horbury.

Referee: Con Hatzidakis Assistants: Harry Price and Tom Hood