Brackley Town Manager Cowan Anticipates Challenging FA Cup Encounter

Gavin Cowan, who took charge as Brackley Town’s manager in May 2023, views the club’s participation in the FA Cup first round as a significant milestone in its ongoing development. The Saints are scheduled to host National League side Braintree Town this Saturday, aiming to secure a spot in the second-round draw for only the fourth time in their history. In the non-league football structure, a mere 13 positions separate the two teams. Brackley currently holds 10th place in National League North, having reached the play-offs in each of the past three seasons. “You play the cards you’re dealt. Thinking about different opposition or who it could have been or should have been (when the draw was made) is pointless, it’s Braintree at home,” Cowan stated during an interview with BBC Radio Northampton’s Non-League Scene. He continued: “We do our due diligence and make sure we cover every blade of grass in terms of analysis and understanding the opposition. Braintree are going to be arguably our toughest test of the season, they’ve been promoted (last season) and have got real depth in their squad – but it’ll be a tough test for them as well. We’re very ambitious, so we’re pleased with the draw, but do know we’re going to have to respect them and be at our best if we want to get to the next round.” Recent form shows Braintree in 21st position in the fifth tier, having suffered defeats in their last three league fixtures, while Brackley has secured victories in their two most recent matches. Following Braintree’s 1-0 home loss to Sutton United on Saturday, Iron manager Angelo Harrop expressed to BBC Essex that he empathized with the “pain” of the supporters. He added: “They have got the most passionate manager, without a shadow of a doubt. Look at Ipswich; fantastic manager, good side, gone up, haven’t won a game. I’m not saying we’re a Premier League side, but it’s the same scenario.” Harrop clarified that the upcoming match against Brackley was not a ‘break’ from their usual schedule, emphasizing: “It’s a big game for the football club – every game this year is big.” Manager Cowan, who previously played in the FA Cup for Canvey Island, Shrewsbury Town, and Nuneaton, underscored the competition’s profound importance. He remarked: “(To) My generation, when I was growing up, the FA Cup was bigger than the European Cup. To be able to get to the first round is a real privilege and the lads have worked extremely hard and put in some incredible performances to get there.” Cowan further explained: “We’ve gone with a relatively small squad this year to try and keep the quality of the group (consistent), and with more fixtures the onus is on the medical staff to make sure the treatment room is empty. Our focus is on the league but also on the FA Cup because it brings funds and revenue to the club and will help us evolve.”