Brackley came into the game without a home win, Harborough without an away win. In a one-sided game dominated by Mitch Austin’s Harborough side it was the home side that came away with the three points somehow defending an early lead as the visitors could not convert any of their many goal chances.

“First and foremost I am delighted we got the three points because over the last few weeks we have deserved more so we perhaps deserved some luck today,” Saints boss Andy Whing said. “But we were poor on the ball and didn’t create much today. I can’t fault anybody because we stuck at it but we know we have to be better.”

Harborough started on the front foot and could have been ahead before Brackley scored, Tom Fogarty getting the final touch in a scramble after a well-worked corner on 15 minutes.

Bees captain Connor Kennedy struck the post, the follow-up shot being cleared and Rory Mcauley’s header was wide as the visitors were knocking on the door of an equaliser as Saints somehow reached the half-time break with the slender lead intact.

Andy Whing’s side began the second half more brightly but it was not long before Harborough were again in the ascendency peppering Harrison Rhone’s goal with shots and headers. Only brave goalkeeping kept the ball out as Rhone dived among flailing boots to save from George Carline’s header, substitute Paul Malone’s header was inches wide and three times Harborough threatened to level in added time as Saints held out.

Brackley Town (4-4-2): Rhone; Harmon, Fogarty (Lissimore 77), Armitage, Tomlinson; Cooper, Williams (Pennant 69), Ellis, Morris; Yearn, Campbell. Subs not used: Worby, Roberts, Sturridge, Edwards.

Harborough Town (4-3-3): Taylor; Carline, McCauley, Morris, Bello; Kelly-Evans, Kennedy (Walsh 84), Mancelli (Malone 74); Powell (Arlott-John 66), Assombalonga (Newton 60), Jacobs (Osborne 57). Subs not used: Putman, O’Sullivan.

Referee: Tom Wall Assistants: Matthew Ball and Hantea Laurentiu 4th official: Connor Mackay

Attendance: 928