Added February 28th 2007 -

Brackley Town 2 - 0 Rothwell Town

Rothwell Town's five-game unbeaten run came to an end at county rivals Brackley. However they gave the league leaders a real run for their money and only two goals in two minutes just before the hour gave the home side victory.

The second of these was highly controversial and it was that strike that ultimately rocked the Bones back on their heels. A long-range shot from home skipper Andy Williams passed well wide of the target and Tom Smith's covering dive was two feet away from touching it. To everyone's amazement, the referee signalled for a corner, even his assistant on that side had flagged for a goal kick. From the resulting set-piece, Rory May, recently signed by Brackley from Solihull Borough, headed home from close range. However, he would not have made the header had he not climbed all over Adam Sturgess with both hands on his shoulders for all to see.

Despite protests from most of Alan Biley's team, the goal stood, with Jon Darby and Adam Sturgess picking up yellow cards for their troubles. Before the goals, the visitors had matched the home side well and had, in fact, come closest to scoring with Darren Lynch in the thick of it. On the half-hour, the Bones striker had seen a shot from 20 yards take the paint off the crossbar and just before the break, he shot into the side netting.

Seven minutes into the second half, home keeper Richard Knight had to pull off a super save when Lynch hit a screamer on the turn. But just as Rothwell looked to be getting on top, Brackley got their noses in front when Robbie Beard's cross was headed back across goal by May and Elliott Sandy forced the ball home from close-range.

Two minutes later came Brackley's much-disputed second, which knocked the stuffing out of Rothwell, and after that, there was no way back for the Bones. May and Sandy continued to give the Rothwell defence work to do, but they had handled this well.

Overall, Brackley probably deserved the points. It was just a shame that this game was ruined by some bad decisions. The Bones remain five points off a play-off spot with still plenty to play for.

Report: courtesy of the Evening Telegraph.

Rothwell Town host Cinderford Town this Saturday (March 3rd) at Cecil Street, k/o 3pm.