DJ Sturridge nets late winner in Brackley Town's 2-1 victory over Spennymoor

Substitute DJ Sturridge scored two minutes after coming on to seal a 2-1 win for Brackley Town over Spennymoor, a result that lifts the Saints to 16th in the National League North table.

DJ Sturridge came off the bench to score a dramatic late winner for Brackley Town in a 2-1 victory over Spennymoor Town at St James’ Park on Saturday afternoon. The substitute striker struck just two minutes after his 65th-minute introduction, securing three vital points for the Saints.

Fin Roberts had given the home side the lead in the 18th minute, finishing a well-worked move involving Kieran Coates and O’Shea Ellis. Spennymoor responded before half-time when midfielder Jack Jenkins surged forward from his own half, driving through the Brackley midfield and defence before finding the net in the 36th minute. Brackley defender Alex Whittle protested to referee Grace Lowe that he was fouled in the build-up, but the goal stood.

The first half saw Spennymoor's Frankie Whelan booked for a foul on Roberts. Brackley's new signing, defender Alex Whittle, made his debut for the club, while Ben Pollock marked his 100th appearance with a key sliding challenge to deny a Spennymoor attack.

Sturridge entered the fray in the 65th minute and made an immediate impact. His winning goal, a fine-angled drive past Spennymoor goalkeeper Matt Unwin, came from interplay with Coates and marked his first for the club. Just before the hour mark, Roberts, who was later named man of the match, had a goal disallowed for offside. At the other end, Brackley goalkeeper Harrison Rhone was called into action, cutting out a dangerous pass and claiming a header to keep his side level before Sturridge's decisive intervention.

Spennymoor's Danny Johnson received a yellow card in the 76th minute. Referee Grace Lowe oversaw the match, which attracted an attendance of 660, with 35 travelling supporters making the trip.

League context and next steps

The win moves Brackley Town up to 16th place in the National League North, with 15 points from their opening 11 games. They now sit just three points outside the playoff positions.

This result provides a positive response to their FA Cup exit against Chelmsford City the previous weekend. Their recent form shows three wins from their last five league outings. The squad will now prepare for a tough away trip to face 12th-placed Hednesford Town next Saturday, October 17. Check the upcoming fixtures for all the details on that match and the rest of the schedule.