Abigail Byrne officiated as Brackley Town hosted Carlisle United at St. James Park in a National League match that remained goalless until the final stages, where Carlisle snatched a late victory.
The first half proved to be a cautious affair, with both sides struggling to create any significant chances. The combative nature of the match was highlighted in the 27th minute when Carlisle’s Georgie Kelly received a yellow card for a foul. Despite the physical play, neither team managed to break the deadlock before the half-time whistle.
The second half saw a slight increase in tempo, although clear-cut opportunities remained scarce. Brackley’s Zak Lilley was cautioned in the 62nd minute for a foul, quickly followed by teammate Jon Maxted in the 66th minute, also for a foul. In the 70th minute, Brackley made a double substitution, introducing Connor Hall and Tyler Lyttle in place of Danny Waldron and Scott Pollock, respectively, in an attempt to inject fresh energy into their attack and strengthen their defence. Carlisle responded with a substitution of their own in the 71st minute, bringing on Luke Armstrong for Alex Gilliead in a tactical switch.
Brackley made a further change in the 75th minute, with Zak Brown replacing Jack Price in midfield. As the clock ticked down, the intensity of the game increased, resulting in a flurry of yellow cards in the 78th minute – Morgan Roberts of Brackley and Gabriel Breeze of Carlisle both being booked.
The game’s only goal came in the 79th minute when Regan Linney scored for Carlisle United, assisted by Jack Ellis. Brackley then made a further substitution in the 80th minute, replacing Morgan Roberts with Bailey Hobson, in an attempt to find an immediate response. Carlisle then brought on Josh Grant for Stephen Wearne in the 82nd minute.
In the dying moments of the match, Brackley desperately sought an equaliser, but Carlisle defended with resolve. Carlisle made two late substitutions in added time, introducing Aaron Hayden for Terell Thomas and Callum Whelan for Regan Linney in the 92nd minute. The final whistle confirmed a 1-0 victory for Carlisle United.
This result sees Carlisle United move up to 3rd position in the National League table with 14 points. Brackley Town, meanwhile, remain in 13th position with 8 points.