Brackley Town promoted to the National League after final day drama

Brackley Town have been promoted to the National League for the first time in their history after winning the National League North on the final day of the season.

A 5-0 win over Farsley Celtic at St James Park saw them leapfrog Kidderminster Harriers, who had been in top spot on the final day only to lose 2-1 away at Southport.

The combination opened the door for the Saints, who after years of play-off heartache have now managed to reach the fifth tier of English football for the first time.

Gavin Cowan’s side were able to take the promotion Brackley had been close to for several years, with the Saints having been beaten in the play-offs in the last 5 completed National League North seasons, including being losing finalists in each of the last two play-off finals.

Brackley entered the final day on the back of a run of 5 straight games, having bounced back from a home defeat by Kidderminster to begin the final day level on points with Harriers.

Against a Farsley Celtic team that had already been relegated, Brackley set about their task with gusto. Danny Newton put them in front in the opening five minutes, before goals by Tyler Little, Connor Hall and Tommy O’Sullivan gave them a 4-0 half-time lead.

News was then brightened for the Saints when it came through that Kidderminster had fallen behind at Southport, with spirits further lifted when Southport made it 2-0 just after half-time.

Kidderminster would strike a goal back, but an equaliser would ultimately prove elusive for the side managed by Phil Brown as they slipped to defeat on Merseyside.

A late goal by Scott Pollock wrapped up the 5-0 win for the hosts, as they managed a thumping win to confirm their elevation.