Brackley Town 0
Gloucester City 1
by Simon Clark
A LATE goal from substitute Steve Davies sealed Gloucester City a superb three points at third-placed Brackley Town.
The promotion-chasing side were frustrated by a valiant City performance throughout the game, and the Tigers were rewarded late after a Tom Webb cross found Davies on the edge of the box to smash home.
David Mehew's men had never lost at Brackley going into the game, and this trend is set to continue for the time being.
The contest started at a frenetic pace and it was the Tigers who unleashed first, but a low drive from Lewis Hogg was well saved by Billy Turley in the Brackley net.
The Robins could've taken the lead after Mike Green cleared the ball into the direction of Steve Diggin whose improvised shot bounced into the side-netting, much to the keeper's relief.
It was City's turn to then pepper the opposition goal and a marauding run from left-back Danny Andrew resulted in a wickedly swerving shot well stopped by Turley.
The second half opened quickly and Brackley were almost rewarded after an in-swinging free kick from Owen Story caused havoc in the City box, only for a strong Matt Coupe header amongst the resulting mêlée to clear the danger.
After a period of inactivity in the game, it suddenly burst to life when Story was played in behind the City backline, forcing Green to make a smart save at his near post.
Then, with the prospect of the game ending in a dreary draw, Darren Edwards thrust the ball forward and found Tom Webb on the right hand side of the box. City's record appearance holder then struck the ball to the edge of the area where substitute Davies was waiting to drive the ball into the top corner for the lead.
Despite the best efforts of the home side, the Tigers managed to hold on for an unexpected win.
Brackley Town: B. Turley, J. Clifton, C. McDonald, G. Mulligan (Louis 53), T. Sharpe, R. Austin, O. Story (Robinson 84), B. Solkhon, S. Diggin, E. Sandy, E. Nisevic (Walker 45)
Subs not used: E. Odhiambo, L. Walker
Gloucester City: M. Green, S. Rawlings, D. Andrew, M. Coupe, C. Holland, T. Webb, L. Hogg, T. Hamblin, D. Edwards, A. Mann (Davies 67), J. Harris
Subs not used: M. Green, B. Graham, N. Mustoe