"Bucks battle Brackley on Tuesday evening"

Match Date : September 27th, 2022 7:45 pm
Competition : National League North
Ground : New Bucks Head
Kick Off : 19:45

AFC Telford are back in action at the New Buck Head again this Tuesday, when Brackley Town will be the visitors.

Usually slow starters, the Saints got off to a great last season, which subsequently set them up for a tilt at the title. In fact, Kevin Wilkin’s men were one point clear with six games to go, but then won just one of those final half dozen games, allowing Gateshead to sweep to the title. Brackley then lost out to York City in the playoffs.

This term, Brackley have once again not got off to the sharpest start; an opening day victory over Scarborough was followed by three straight defeats. However, the Saints did then go four unbeaten in the league, picking up three wins and three clean sheets in that time, before registering another lose this weekend – a 1-0 defeat at Alfreton. Wilkin’s side are currently 11th.

Brackley’s up and down start is perhaps as a result of Wilkin having to make significant changes to his squad this summer. A number of long-serving key players departed St James Park this summer, including right back Ellis Myles (Boston United), right winger Matt Lowe (Accrington Stanley) and target man Lee Ndlovu (Boreham Wood). Meanwhile, centre back Louis Lomas, who impressed after arriving from Norwich City, departed for Southend United. Replacements include right-sided player George Carline (Chesterfield), centre back Ciaren Jones (Gloucester City), forward Callum Stead (Kettering Town), and left wing back and former Buck Riccardo Calder.

The Saints have won six of the last ten meetings between the two sides, including both games last season – Brackley won 2-0 at the New Bucks Head and 2-1 at St James Park. But the Bucks did push the then-title-chasing Saints all the way in March’s match in Northamptonshire, so Paul Carden’s men may well fancy their chances on Tuesday.

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MATCHDAY INFORMATION

Tickets for Tuesday’s fixture will remain on sale up until kick-off and are available for purchase online here.