TITLE RIVALS GET STUCK IN THE MUD!
BRACKLEY TOWN 0 HARROGATE TOWN 0
SECOND-PLACED Harrogate and third-placed Brackley shared the points in a game of high intensity and no little quality in atrocious conditions.
Driving rain throughout the game fell onto an already sodden pitch.
Both managers praised both sets of players for their application on a difficult surface.
“It was right to play the game and for the neutral it was an exciting game,” said Brackley boss Kevin Wilkin, whose side last weekend sealed a Wembley date in the FA Trophy final.
“Both sets of players need to be commended. Both sides continued to pass the ball even on a surface that asks a lot of players’ energy levels.”
For the visitors, Simon Weaver was equally fulsome in his praise. “I am glad the game was on and credit to every player for giving it their all,” he said. “We saw two honest teams out there.”
The first half was an even affair with both sides unable to make the most of their chances, the best of which fell to the home side. Brackley enjoyed the better of the second period, had the clearest chance of the game and were aggrieved not to be awarded an 86th-minute penalty when substitute Joe Iaciofano appeared to be felled.
“It was a great shout for a penalty and the decision cost us an opportunity to win the game,” Wilkin said.
Weaver agreed saying: “The penalty decision probably went for us. The ball got stuck in the mud as the keeper came out and we got away with it today. But both teams warranted a point. It was a fair result overall.”
Shane Byrne’s swerving effort for Brackley was just inches too high early in the first half, Jimmy Armson hooked an effort just over and captain Gaz Dean’s header flashed wide with 34 minutes played. As half-time approached, Armson’s shot was cleared off the line and his fine 20-yard effort was turned expertly round the post by a
diving James Belshaw.
For Harrogate, Jake Wright’s run created a goalmouth scramble that Saints eventually cleared and Joe Leesley’s shot caused problems for Danny Lewis before Wright’s follow-up effort was blocked in the closest that the visitors came to a first half breakthrough.
Brackley created a golden chance to take the lead in the 74th minute as Aaron Williams was put through on goal by substitute Jordan Nicholson but the shot was straight at Belshaw who saved well.
A fine move on the right after 84 minutes saw Lee Ndlovu unable to get enough contact on Shane Byrne’s cross as another chance went begging.
The goalless scoreline maintains Brackley’s 13-month unbeaten home record and marks the first time this season Harrogate have failed to score.
The draw benefitted leaders Salford whose home win edged them further ahead of their two closest rivals.