FA Cup: Pitt at the double as Saints book their place

David Pitt struck twice as Brackley Town cruised into the first round proper

Brackley Town are through to the first round proper of the Emirates FA Cup for the fourth time.

Saints cruised to a 5-0 victory in Saturday’s fourth qualifying round tie at Beaconsfield SYCOB, where David Pitt bagged a brace.

A late flurry of goals slightly flattered the Vanarama National League North outfit at the Evo-Stik Southern League Central Division strugglers.

Steve Diggin’s fifth minute header put Saints ahead and at times it seemed The Rams might be over-run. Diggin scuffed his shot on the half hour mark before bringing a fine save from keeper Sam Bunting with his downward header while Charlie Losasso fired wide at the other end.

Saints were almost left ruing their failure to close the game out in the first half when Beaconsfield missed a clear chance to equalise after the restart, Oli McCoy shooting wide and Ryan Hill bringing a flying save from Laurie Walker from 25 yards.

Glenn Walker threatened whenever he had the ball, setting up chances for Diggin and Jimmy Armson. Lee Ndlovu’s shot needed a strong save to keep it out and though Diggin was on hand to finish he was deemed offside as Saints struggled to kill the game off.

The crucial second goal finally arrived in the 79th minute when Pitt was brought down in the box and Armson converted. The spirited Beaconsfield resistance was finally broken with late goals from the visitors.

Pitt’s finish was clinical and completed a lovely move. Claudio Dias turned nicely and his shot found the corner to register his first goal for the club and Lee Ndlovu was well placed to apply the finishing touch after excellent work by Walker.