Brackley Town reach FA Cup First Round after beating Hartlepool in replay

Brackley Town will be in the First Round of the FA Cup after they defeated Hartlepool United in a replay at home.

The Saints came from behind to win 3-1 at St James Park, with the result seeing the Northamptonshire-based side dump out the National League former EFL side from the North East.

Gavin Cowan’s side will host another National League side, as they will welcome Braintree Town to Northamptonshire in the First Round of the FA Cup. That tie will take place on the weekend around Saturday November 2nd 2024, with a specific date and kick-off time to be announced in due course.

Progression is the first time in four years since Brackley reached the First Round of the FA Cup, having done so in the 2020/21 season. As that came during the UK’s lockdown for covid-19, this will also be the first time Brackley will play in the FA Cup First Round with supporters present since the 2016/17 season.

Having gone to a replay after a 1-1 draw in the North East at the weekend, Brackley hosted the Pools in a tie following a quick turnaround.

Mani Dieseruvwe had put Hartlepool in front with a penalty in the 31st minute, but Morgan Roberts was able to bag a quickfire equaliser for the Saints to bring them level two minutes later.

Scott Pollock would then end up being the man who took control of the contest, with two goals by the former Northampton trainee in the second half establishing a 3-1 lead for the home side that would confirm their place in the FA Cup proper.