Andy Brown showed nerves of steel to score the winning spotkick as National League North side Brackley Town stunned Bromley to claim the Buildbase FA Trophy 5-4 on penalties.
Bromley were seconds away from the title after Omar Bugiel’s first-half strike only for a Roger Johnson own goal in the final minute of added time to see the game finish 1-1.
And after a goalless extra 30 minutes, Bugiel and captain Jack Holland missed Bromley’s fifth and sixth penalties with Brown holding his nerve to bury his kick and lift the trophy.
BUGIEL WITH TIMELY OPENER
Bugiel was released by his parent club Forest Green Rovers at the beginning of May but he took his chance when it fell to him in the first half at Wembley.
A charging run by man of the match dam Mekki saw the left winger into the Brackley area and he fed 23-year-old Bugiel who fired home low and hard with his left-foot.
It wasn’t the perfect send-off however as the striker sent Bromley’s fifth spot kick high and wide knowing that, had he found the back of the net, it would have sealed his side the trophy.
PERSISTENCE PAYS OFF
Brackley Town created a host of opportunities in the second half as they struck the post and saw an effort cleared off the line, but their patience was eventually rewarded.
Aaron Williams had his effort on 59 minutes blocked before James Armson hit the woodwork and a goal-line clearance from Bromley’s Jordan Higgs kept the final at 1-0.
Armson also went close on 67 minutes before drama right at the death as long-range Matt Lowe effort bounced off the woodwork and struck defender Roger Johnson and into the net.
TOWN NEVER SAY DIE
Town’s spirit would not be broken and after the latest of late goals, the match went to penalties with Brackley’s Shane Byrne seeing his opening spot kick saved by David Gregory.
Trailing 1-0 after the first round of penalties, there were no further misses until Bugiel stepped up to take the fifth Bromley kick only to send his effort wide of the mark.
Glenn Walker’s successful effort sent the shootout into sudden death before Bromley’s Jack Holland hit the post and Brown sent the Brackley faithful wild.
WEMBLEY ROCKING
This was the third time the Buildbase FA Vase and Buildbase FA Trophy finals were held on the same day at Wembley Stadium and it paid off once again with a brilliant atmosphere.
An incredible 31,430 fans were at Wembley on Sunday afternoon with the Bromley and Brackley fans creating an incredible atmosphere throughout the Buildbase FA Trophy Final.
The Bromley fans packed out an entire end of Wembley but it was the Brackley Town supporters who will be celebrating long into the night after their dramatic triumph.
THE CHERRY ATOP SAINTS’ FINE SEASON
Brackley were beaten in last week’s National League North play-off final and must have thought history was repeating itself after trailing for much of the final.
But, after recording their highest finish in the football pyramid, third in the National League North, their incredible character shone through at Wembley to claim a remarkable victory.
Their previous best run in the competition saw them reach the quarter-finals and their never-say-die attitude meant they wouldn’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime chance at the Home of Football.
