A tense National League match at the EBB Stadium at The Recreation Ground concluded in a 2-2 draw between Aldershot Town and Brackley Town, a result punctuated by late goals and a game-changing red card. Referee Richie Watkins oversaw the contest.
The first half unfolded cautiously, marked by a series of yellow cards. Aldershot Town’s Ben Jackson was cautioned in the 20th minute for a foul, with Brackley Town’s Gareth Dean (37th minute) and Morgan Roberts (46th minute) following suit. However, it was Josh Barrett who broke the deadlock for Aldershot in the 41st minute, granting the home side a narrow lead as they headed into the break.
Brackley Town began the second half with renewed energy, though their progress was hampered by further yellow cards issued to Shane Byrne and Aldershot’s James Clarridge and Charlie Penman. The game’s turning point came in the 65th minute when Ben Jackson received his second yellow card for another foul, resulting in a red card and reducing Aldershot to ten players. Shane Byrne converted the subsequent penalty in the 66th minute, levelling the score at 1-1.
Exploiting their numerical advantage, Brackley Town pushed forward and took the lead in the 82nd minute through Matt Lowe. Just when Brackley appeared poised for victory, Aldershot responded rapidly. Substitute James Henry, who had entered the match only two minutes prior, assisted Archy Taylor’s equaliser in the 84th minute, making the score 2-2.
Throughout the second half, both teams made tactical substitutions. Aldershot introduced Hady Ghandour and Jed Meerholz in the 63rd minute, followed by Ryan Jones and James Henry in the 80th minute. Brackley Town brought on Bailey Hobson and Riccardo Calder at halftime, and later Scott Pollock in the 76th minute and Danny Waldron in added time, all in an attempt to swing the game in their favour. Despite these efforts, neither side could find a decisive goal in the remaining minutes.
The draw leaves both teams on nine points. Aldershot Town now sit in 12th place in the league standings, while Brackley Town occupy 14th position.
