As I was playing Father Christmas this weekend visiting friends in the south, I looked for something near to where they live and this FA Trophy tie between Brackley and Dartford at St James Park fitted the bill perfectly.
Brackley are currently top of the Southern Premier League whilst opponents Dartford occupy a top three position in the Conference South. On paper this appeared an intriguing encounter and represented a potential banana skin for the Kent visitors.
The reality was very different as a damp squib of game failed to ignite, Dartford producing a few of moments of quality to run out comfortable winners. Admittedly it was a slightly controversial penalty that gave them the lead, when the ball hit the hand of a Saints defender. It was only controversial because a few minutes earlier Brackley were denied a penalty in similar circumstances. Once Elliott Bradbrook dispatched the spot kick past Billy Turley (39) there was only going to be one winner. |
| Merry Christmas from Brackley Town! |
The Darts were more impressive in the second period and extended their lead when Jacob Erskine fired home a superb shot from the edge of the box (59) and the tie was sealed when Erskine tapped home after a good cross from the right (63).
Brackley had a couple of half chances late on but that would have been mere consolation as Dartford moved easily into the next round.
A fine day was rounded off by two belting GBG ticks, the Eight Bells in Long Crendon and the Cross Keys in Thame.
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| Elliott Bradbrook fires home from the penalty spot to give Dartford the lead |
Saturday 10th December 2011
FA Trophy 1st Round
Brackley Town 0-3 Dartford
Attendance: 291
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