Brackley Town manager Andy Whing has received a significant defensive boost ahead of Saturday's National League North fixture against Harborough Town. Josh Tomlinson is available again after serving a one-match suspension, which is welcome news for a squad that has faced defensive shortages.
Tomlinson missed the 2-2 draw with Chorley due to a ban. He picked up two yellow cards in the 2-1 defeat at Macclesfield FC. His return comes at a good time. Right-back Kieran Coates remains unavailable as he serves the second game of a two-match suspension for a straight red card received in that same Macclesfield match.
Whing's defensive planning has been complicated recently. During the Bank Holiday weekend, the Saints had only two fully-fit defenders. Centre-back Will Armitage was rushed back from injury to help cover. With Coates still out, Whing may need to get creative for the right-back position.
Midfielder Kai Lissimore is one option to fill in on the right side of defence. Alternatively, one of the club's centre-halves could shift across. Tom Fogarty, Will Armitage, or the returning Josh Tomlinson could all potentially cover that role. On the opposite flank, George Harmon is set to start at left-back. The defensive reshuffle is a key factor as Brackley look to improve on their current league position of 20th. They have taken five points from their opening five games, with a record of one win, two draws, and two losses.
Saturday's visitors are not to be taken lightly. Newly promoted Harborough Town have adapted well to life in the sixth tier. Under manager Mitch Austin, they sit sixth in the standings after six matches, having won three, drawn two, and lost just one.
Their squad includes a notable marquee signing. Striker Britt Assombalonga, formerly of Nottingham Forest and Middlesbrough, has already scored three goals this season. The forward, who once commanded a transfer fee of £15 million, adds considerable threat to the Harborough attack. This makes the Saints' defensive organisation even more important for the 3pm kick-off at St James Park.
The Saints' season has been inconsistent so far. Their recent form reads DLLDW, and they have scored six goals while conceding eight. They currently find themselves 11 points behind early league leaders Macclesfield. The 2-2 draw with Chorley last time out was a mixed bag. Brackley led 2-0 but were pegged back, sharing the points. Their scheduled home game against South Shields was also abandoned midway through the first half due to heavy rainfall, disrupting their rhythm.
Looking beyond this weekend, Brackley's next scheduled league fixture is at home to Oxford City on December 26th. Fans can track the full schedule on the club's fixtures page. The immediate focus, however, is squarely on halting Harborough's positive start. The return of Tomlinson provides more stability at the back, which Whing will hope can lead to a more positive result. Tom Fogarty, who is on loan from Tamworth, will also be aiming to make an impact before his loan spell concludes on September 11th. The full squad list is available on the official squad page.
Andy Whing acknowledged the importance of the returning player. "Andy Whing is thrilled to welcome back a key defender as Brackley Town play host to National League North newbies Harborough Town this Saturday," he said. The report also highlighted the threat posed by the visitors' star man, noting, "What’s more, Marquee signing Britt Assombalonga - yes, that Assombalonga - has already scored three goals in the English sixth tier." Brackley Town's immediate task is clear: use their reinforced defence to contain Harborough's attack and climb the table.
