FGR Preview- Brackley (A) 

FGR head to St James Park this Boxing Day to take on Brackley Town in a 3pm kick-off. 

Following a hard-fought away win on Saturday against Yeovil, Rovers will be looking to extend their unbeaten run in the league to nine games, with their last defeat back in mid-October. 

Ahead of this festive clash, here is everything you need to know about our opponents. 

The Opposition: Brackley Town 

League Position: 20th 

Nickname: ‘The Saints’ 

Brackley are having a tough season in the league, currently sitting just above the relegation zone and losing their last 5 games. 

However, despite their poor league form, the Saints beat Boreham Wood on penalties to progress to the next round of the FA Trophy. 

This game will be the first ever competitive meeting between the two sides. 

In The Dugout: Gavin Cowan 

The Brackley Town gaffer is Gavin Cowan. 

Last season saw Cowan finally lead his lads to promotion following two back-to-back playoff final defeats. 

Achieving promotion also saw Cowan named National League North Manager of the Season. 

Cowan will no doubt be looking to stop the current run of poor form for the Saints and has called on his team to ‘stand up and be counted’. 

Player To Watch: Shane Byrne 

Shane Byrne has made 15 league starts for the Saints this season, following the 24/25 season, where he was an integral part of their promotion campaign. 

The central midfielder has picked up 3 goals so far this challenging season. 

Byrne will, for sure, be hoping to get on the scoresheet and help his teammates turn this season around.