Brackley Town FC

 One of only two national league clubs I've not visited, the other being Boston. A rare trip to see my team in action, York City, with us being in good form too I was buoyant pre match.


I arrived in Brackley far too early, on the plus side the turnstiles open at St James Park (there 3rd one I've visited after Newcastle and Exeter) at midday, so at least I had shelter from the horrific weather conditions, swirling torrential rain and an ice cold wind. On the downside, due to the game being segregated we were not allowed the warmth of the bar, but I was under cover and soaking up all the pre match excitement. I'd not seen city play since Solihull away last season. Unfortunately for me, the club shop at Brackley is also in the home end of the ground, however very helpfully I obtained my obligatory pin badge from the ticket office portakabin in the car park, well done for some forward thinking Brackley!


Onto the game I'll try and give my unbiased review, city dominated possession, went ahead through Greg Olley with his first goal for the club, we then fell asleep at the back and went 2-1 behind through 2 preventable goals. Workaholic Josh Stones got us back into it just before half time as he bundled in at the back stick, all to play for in the second half. It was tense and the conditions didn't help for a good spectacle but wow, Ollie Pearce, not noticed all game and scored the winner, sign of a proper striker and that he certainly is, excellent finish and his record speaks for itself.


Excellent 3 points on the road in front of 461 City fans. 


Food in the away end was a van in the fan zone, I didnt visit it, I got my spot on the terrace and stayed there, I'd eaten pre match with some pastries from the nearby Waitrose. For tea, I visited a chippy in Banbury post match for Scampi and chips. All in all a club probably punching above their weight but we're a big awkward side to play against and seem very well run off the pitch, I hope and think they will survive, good luck to them, as for City, WE ARE YORK!


To get to Brackley, if arriving by train, you must travel to Banbury, there is no station at Brackley, then catch the 500 Stagecoach bus the 10 mile of so to Brackley, £3 each way.


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