HARROGATE 1 BRACKLEY T 2 HOT STREAK CONTINUES BUT NO JOY FOR SAINTS

A FOURTH successive away win was not enough to keep Brackley Town’s play-off hopes alive as Harrogate Town were overcome 2-1 at the CNG Stadium.

Both sides exchanged chances during a slow opening as Jack Emmett struck Lewis Turner’s pull back over the bar, before Lee Ndlovu dragged wide of the far post following Adam Walker’s through-ball.

Kevin Wilkin’s visitors took the lead five minutes before the interval as Glenn Walker’s cross fell to James Armson unmarked at the far post and the midfielder made no mistake beating Peter Crook.

Despite Joe Colbeck’s strong shot seeing Town start the second 45 on the front foot, the Saints extended their lead six minutes after the restart when Alex Gudger headed a corner into the ground and in.

A moment of magic from Joe Leesley then gave Harrogate a route back as the winger curled a free-kick into the top-left corner from 25 yards, moments before the hour mark.

Leesley’s strike looked to have galvanised Town, though the visitors had the next chances as Armson and Ellis Myles were denied.

Despite the introduction of Simon Ainge and JP Pittman, Brackley extended their impressive end to the season and are without defeat in their last eight.

STAR MAN: James Armson (Brackley Town) ENTERTAINMENT: ★★★★★