Saturday 16th September
FA Cup 2nd Round Qualifying
Kingstonian: 1. Tolfrey 2. Rodgers 3. Goode (Little) 4. Gogonas 5. Page 6. Vilcu 7. Federico (Fiddes) 8. Thompson (Bell) 9. Derry 10. Sappleton 11. Haysman
Manager: Craig Edwards
Brackley Town: 1. Lewis 2. Lowe 3. Gudger 4. Byrne (Kaziboni) 5. Graham 6. Dean 7. Walker (Franklin) 8. Byrne 9. Ndlovu 10. Brown (Williams) 11. Walker
Manager: Kevin Wilkin
Formations:
Kingstonian began in a 4-2-3-1 formation similar to their 2-1 defeat against Met Police on Monday night. Gogonas and Thompson formed the double pivot in midfield while Derry was shifted out to the wing. Sappleton came in for striker Taylor and played as the target man.
Brackley played in a 3-4-1-2 formation. Walker and Lowe were the full backs tasked with providing the width. Byrne had a free role behind the two strikers aiming to get in between the lines and using the half spaces. Ndlovu and Brown were the strikers.
Brackley’s wing backs
Walker finding space on the left
Kingstonian struggled against Leatherhead’s attacking full backs earlier in the season. Leatherhead’s Clohessy assisted 3 times in a convincing 4-0 win. Kingstonian toiled again on Saturday as Walker and Lowe advanced at every opportunity. Walker was their main channel on the left and he was free on several occasions due to Kingstonian’s midfield not tracking back or the defence bring too narrow. Both Brackley’s wing backs were outstanding and were excellent at switching play to each other. Brackley’s third goal originated from this as Walker crossed for Lowe to finish. Both wing backs were exceptionally adept at defending and held their position when Kingstonian attacked.
Brackley’s wing-backs switching play
Passing and aeriel threat
Brackley are currently 3rd in the Conference North and showed their quality throughout. Their passing was flowing especially their short passing and movement. Brackley’s back three passed the ball around without any pressing from Sappleton which meant they could build play effortlessly. Kingstonian were unsure whether to keep their shape or press. Brackley had a strong aerial threat especially centre-back Dean but it was Ndlovu who scored the first goal from a set piece. Their main outlet though was Walker as he had many openings to cross for the strikers.
Space between the lines
Brackley found success through their No 4, Byrne who played just behind the strikers. Byrne was excellent at finding space between the lines of Kingstonian’s midfield and defence. Byrne also located positions in the half spaces where he could either feed the strikers or bring the wing backs into play.
Byrne finding space between the lines
Conclusion
Brackley were impressive and had numerous threats. The wing backs and Byrne provide them with exciting options. Centre back, Dean is looking a really impressive player at this level. For Kingstonian it is back to the drawing board. Their defence and central midfield look strong but seem to be lacking an attacking threat at present.
Between the Lines 