After falling just short on matchday ten, Bernard and Jonno’s men will dust themselves down and go again at St James Park this weekend. After Olly Thornley and Rick Smith’s return to the starting eleven, as well as Tunde Owolabi putting himself back on the scoresheet in Radcliffe colours, there is plenty of belief that the first three points of the season could be right around the corner.

The two clubs have never been in the same division historically, and have not crossed paths in either the FA Cup or the FA Trophy, therefore this will be the first meeting between the two sides.

The Opposition

Brackley Town have spent the previous twelve seasons in the National League North, since winning the Southern League Premier in the 2011-12 campaign. Since their first campaign in the division, the East Midlands side have only finished outside of the play-offs in four consecutive seasons between 2013-14 and 2016-17.

After a rocky start to the current campaign that saw four defeats in the opening seven matches, it seems that Brackley are back to their usual winning ways as they haven’t lost in their last seven matches in all competitions, and have won two of their last three league games. So far in October, they’ve endured a a 2-0 win over Peterborough Sports, a 1-0 win against Marine and a goalless draw with Southport.

The Saints are in the midst of a successful cup run as they have successfully progressed into the First Round Proper of the FA Cup, as Gavin Cowan’s side brushed past National League Hartlepool in a 3-1 win on Tuesday night, after the first meeting finished level in the North East. Brackley fans will surely feel that reaching the second round is a real possibility, as they were drawn against struggling National League side Braintree Town.

Ones to Watch

Scott Pollock has been the man in form for Brackley in recent weeks, as the attacking midfielder has scored three goals across the previous two FA Cup Qualifying Rounds. The 23-year-old has seven goals to his name in 14 appearances in all competitions, he will be a threat to the Radcliffe defence on Saturday.

Connor Hall is another danger man that will likely be a handful for the central defenders on Saturday. A prolific striker at step two, in his three seasons at Chorley he scored 46 goals in 106 appearances and last season scored nine goals in 21 appearances whilst on loan at Brackley. His four goals so far this season have been worth six points and progression in the FA Cup.

Stat Pack

24th – League Position – 13th
10 – Games Played – 10
4 – Points – 14
0 – Wins – 4
4 – Draws – 2
6 – Losses – 4
13 – Goals For – 11
23 – Goals Against – 10
Hancock (4)– Top Goalscorer – Roberts (3)

Matchday Information

Date: 19/10/24
Time: 3pm kick-off
Location: St James Park

Saturday’s game will not be segregated, therefore Brackley and Radcliffe fans will be mixed and are free to enjoy the match from wherever they’d like to watch from inside St James Park.

Radcliffe supporters are encouraged to purchase online tickets in advance, however the ticket office will be open on Saturday for anybody wanting to gain admission on the day, with a small price increase per ticket.

Online ticket prices –

Adults – £15
Concessions – £10
Under 18s – £7
Juniors (U10) – £2
Child (U5) – Free

Tickets can be purchased online here.

Ticket office prices (12pm – 3pm) –

Adults – £19
Concessions – £14
Under 18s – £9
Juniors (U10) – £6
Child (U5) – £2

Read our away information article here.

Can’t Attend The Game?

Listen to live kick-by-kick commentary over on Radcliffe Radio, click here to tune in from 2:45pm.

Around the Grounds

Alfreton Town v Chorley
Chester v Scunthorpe United
Curzon Ashton v Hereford
King’s Lynn Town v Buxton
Needham Market v Kidderminster Harriers
Peterborough Sports v Marine
Rushall Olympic v Darlington
Scarborough Athletic v Southport
South Shields v Leamington
Warrington Town v Oxford City