Brackley Town

Brackley go to Hereford in the FA Trophy, with possible absences after two red cards still unconfirmed

Wednesday 11 November 2026 · By Seth Calderbank

Brackley Town go to second-placed Hereford in the FA Trophy second round on Saturday, and possible absences after two red cards in their last league match are still unconfirmed. Gareth Dean’s side did not play in midweek and remain 18th on 19 points from 16 matches, three above the relegation zone. They then visit 23rd-placed Southport in the league on 21 November.

On 7 November they lost 0–1 at home to Chester, who scored through a Connor Woods penalty on 88 minutes, and finished with nine men, O. Ellis among those sent off. No ban has been stated in the available reporting, and none is assumed here. The attendance that day was 883. The BBC form line is WLLDWL.

Hereford have 30 points from 16 matches, two behind South Shields, and drew 2–2 at Morecambe on Tuesday after coming from a goal down to lead. A Trophy trip there is a meeting with a promotion-chasing side. Southport have 10 points from 15 matches, six from safety, and have conceded 30 league goals, the most in the division, so the following Saturday’s league fixture has a very different profile.

Marine, Merthyr and Brackley are all on 19 points. Radcliffe are 21st on 16, in the drop zone on goal difference, and Scarborough are 20th on 16 after a 1–3 home defeat by Marine on Tuesday. The bottom four, from 21st to 24th, are relegated.

South Shields lead on 32 from 15. First place is promoted automatically, and second to seventh contest the play-offs. No National League North club is in the FA Cup second round. No first-team league or Trophy game is scheduled today. The BBC table was last updated at 07:36 on 11 November.

The BBC table, last updated at 11:13 on 9 November, still shows Brackley Town 18th on 19 points from 16 matches, with a record of 5 wins, 4 draws and 7 defeats. They have scored 18 and conceded 27, for a goal difference of minus 9. Those numbers have not changed since 31 October, because no National League fixture has been played in this window. The FA Cup, National League Cup and county cups do not count in the standings. Brackley Town occupy three points above the relegation zone.

The next first-team programme is the FA Trophy second round on Saturday 14 November, with ties listed at 3pm. Hebburn host Guiseley, Bridlington host Macclesfield, Spennymoor host Scarborough, and Radcliffe host Marine. Avro host Chester, Darlington host Bury, Alfreton host Southport, and Chorley host Buxton. Worksop host South Shields, Leek Town host Morecambe, Bedford host Chesham United, and King’s Lynn host Stourbridge. AFC Telford host Chelmsford, Hednesford host Hemel Hempstead, Hereford host Brackley, and Newmarket Town host Oxford City. Merthyr host Harborough, and Enfield Town host Spalding. No National League North club is in the FA Cup second round, after all four went out on 6 and 7 November; that draw was made on Monday 9 November.

St James Park

St James Park

Cricket Club End Small covered terrace South Bank Covered seating + open terraces Main Stand (Social Club) Small covered seating Open Open Dugout Side Standing + some seating (dugouts on this side) Rough scale diagram – goals in front of Cricket Club End & South Bank

Welcome to St James Park, the home of Brackley Town Football Club in the Northamptonshire market town of Brackley. This is not the famous St James’ Park in Newcastle; instead it is a classic non-league ground that offers an intimate and welcoming experience for visiting supporters. With a capacity of around 3,500 to 4,000, of which only a few hundred are seated, the ground keeps fans close to the pitch and creates a genuine atmosphere on matchdays.

The layout is straightforward and typical of many step 2 and step 3 grounds. Behind one goal sits the Cricket Club End, so named because of its proximity to the local cricket pitch. This end features a small covered terrace just a couple of rows high, with open standing around it. When segregation is in force (which is relatively rare), visiting supporters are frequently allocated this end, complete with its own facilities in many cases. Opposite lies the South Bank, which has been developed in recent years. It offers a covered seating stand directly behind the goal, flanked by fair-sized open terracing on either side. Both ends give a good view of the action and put you right behind the goals.

Along one touchline is the Main Stand, positioned in front of the social club building known as The Venue. The covered seating here is modest – only four or five rows – and sits slightly off-centre, closer to the Cricket Club End. Supporting pillars run along the front, which can restrict the view from some seats, but open standing areas exist on either side of the seating. The opposite touchline is known as the Dugout side. Facilities here are more limited, consisting mainly of a pathway and standing area along the perimeter, with the team dugouts located on this side. Some additional seating has appeared in places, but it remains a more open, traditional standing area that brings you close to the play.

Segregation is not the norm at St James Park. On most occasions home and away fans mix freely around the ground, so you can choose your preferred vantage point. When segregation is required, check with your club or Brackley Town for the exact allocation, as it has historically been the Cricket Club End for visitors. The overall atmosphere is friendly and relaxed, reflecting the ground’s pleasant rural setting away from the bustle of a big city. Home supporters are generally welcoming, and the close proximity of the stands makes for an engaging experience even for modest attendances.

Facilities are solid for the level. The Venue clubhouse is usually open to both sets of supporters unless a match is fully segregated. Inside you will find a bar, snacks, and often a big screen showing other live sport before kick-off. Refreshment kiosks around the ground serve the usual matchday fare of burgers, pies, chips and hot drinks. A club shop stocks official merchandise, and the award-winning matchday programme is on sale. For those driving, limited parking is available at the ground for a modest fee (currently around £3.50) on a first-come, first-served basis. Street parking is available nearby, and Blue Badge holders can reserve spaces in advance by contacting the club with their vehicle registration. Public transport options exist via bus from nearby stations such as Banbury.

Tickets are best purchased online in advance through Brackley Town’s website, with prices typically around £18 for adults on the day of release, rising slightly if bought later at the ticket office. Concessions and junior prices are available. Turnstiles usually open from around midday for Saturday games. Whether you stand on the open terraces, take a seat in the Main Stand or South Bank, or join the atmosphere at one of the ends, St James Park provides a proper non-league football experience. Arrive early, explore the nearby town pubs if time allows, and enjoy your visit to the Saints’ home. Up the Saints – or at least up your own side!