Saints fail to make the most of early advantage

Brackley Town’s first ever visit to Broadhurst Park ended in a 3-2 defeat in Saturday’s Vanarama National League North clash.

Despite getting off to the ideal start, Saints came home empty-handed against FC United of Manchester who enjoyed their first victory of the season in front of nearly 3,000 fans.

Saints took a fifth minute lead when Stephan Morley crossed for Steve Diggin to head home from six yards. But United equalised eight minutes later when Matt Wolfenden headed Liam Brownhill’s cross past keeper Dan Crane and the hosts went ahead ten minutes later when Sam Madeley converted following a corner.

Both sides had chances after the restart, Sean Cooke fired wide and Saints substitute David Moyo hit the woodwork. But United increased their lead in the 72nd minute when Tom Greaves raced clear to beat the advancing Crane.

Moyo reduced the arrears with seven minutes left when he took advantage of a mix-up between Nia Bayunu and keeper Dave Carnell but it came too late to alter the outcome as Saints slipped to back-to-back defeats.