A memorable but ultimately disappointing season ended in defeat in the sunshine at Carlisle United in a first ever visit to Brunton Park. With relegation settled several games before and Carlisle preparing for next weekend’s play-off semi-final the game had an end of season testimonial feel to it at times as Carlisle took an early lead and eased to a comfortable win.

“The performance was good and we have done everything but score,” Andy Whing said. “But they have that bit of extra quality to be clinical and ruthless in the box and we weren’t.”

Brackley passed up an early opportunity to take the lead before Carlisle did just that, Luke Armstrong finishing from close range on 6 minutes. Ephraim Yeboah shot close before Jack Ellis doubled the lead on the half hour as Ryan Galvin’s fierce effort struck the crossbar and with keeper Harrison Rhone floored Ellis was first to react to touch the ball into the unguarded goal.

Brackley finished the first half strongly without reducing the deficit and a low key second half concluded with a third goal for Mark Hughes’ side from substitute Georgie Kelly’s strong header on 90 minutes. Kelly’s long range strike was close to adding to the score while Ben Wodskou was unlucky to see his shot find only the inside of the post with ‘keeper Archie Mair beaten.

“We have a big summer ahead,” Whing added. “We want to play exciting, aggressive and expansive football. I am looking forward to making it an exciting future for the club.”

Brackley Town: Rhone, Lilly (Nottingham 81), Dean, Lowe (Morrison 81), Elliott-Wheeler (Haynes 73), Byrne, Tripp, Roberts, Pollock (Brown 73), Wodskou (Hall 73), Lyttle. Subs not used: Maxted, Worby.

Carlisle United: Mair, Hayden, Ajiboye (Luamba 62), Whelan, Galvin, Wearne (Conn-Clarke 73), Ellis, Williams (Atkinson 62), Yeboah (Kelly 85), Mugabi, Armstrong (Wyke 62). Subs not used: Davies, Harper.

Referee: Steven Copeland Assistants: David Holmes and Tyler Dutton 4th official: Lewis Dawson
Attendance: 7334