Charlie Cooper scores directly from corner but Brackley Town held to draw by Scarborough Athletic

Gareth Dean’s first National League North game in charge of the Saints got off to the perfect start as captain Charlie Cooper scored directly from a corner in the first half.

Albeit likely a fluke, Cooper’s goal was a brilliant one as the whip on his corner was fierce enough to fool Scarborough goalkeeper Ryan Whitley at his near post.

However, as has been the case so often this season, the Saints fell to a set-piece as Kieran Weledji equalised for Scarborough on 55 minutes.

Weledji poked home from close range after a cross was headed down by aerial threat Jake Hull. Brackley goalkeeper Harrison Rhone got a hand to it but not enough to claw it away.

It was cagey for much of the game but Brackley had the better of the opportunities to win the encounter, particularly late on.

Substitute DJ Sturridge had a glorious chance to clinch it for the hosts as he sprinted through from a Tahvon Campbell flick-on, but the forward’s low shot was well saved.

The Saints struck the woodwork a few minutes later as Kieran Coates’ low cross flicked off a Scarborough defender’s leg and looped onto the crossbar.

There was then a scare for Whitley as the Seadogs ‘keeper fumbled Campbell’s driven effort from range, but, much to his relief, he was able to recover the ball before it crossed the line.

Not even the experienced Kieron Morris could bring it home for Brackley as his powerful 25-yard strike deep in stoppage time fizzed wide.

Despite the winner evading Brackley, there were plenty of positives to take as the likes of George Harmon, Kieron Morris, O’Shea Ellis, Tommy Fogarty and goalscorer Cooper put on excellent displays.

Dean’s side, now 21st in the standings, will be hoping they can escape the bottom four on Tuesday night, when they play their game in hand against South Shields – also at St James.