It's an FA Cup Second Round weekend, which starts with a visit to Prenton Park and Tranmere Rovers who take on Brackley Town (19.55). We know all about Tranmere, don't we? Which Tier is it in? which country? Which Division?
Brackley is another matter. The club is from Northamptonshire, play in the National League North (Sixth Tier), at St James' Park. Sadly they are away today, but of course the club hopes for a fruitful replay soon. The town has a modest population of just over 13,000.
There are two other less prestigious clubs in Brackley, "Sports" along with a ladies section and "Athletic" a flourishing junior set up.
Historically the town gets its name from "Bracca's glade or clearing" (1086 Domesday Book)) and gets a mention in the Magna Carta (1215). It was a place chosen for an important meeting between the King John's representatives and the Barons. Maybe this was because it was easily reached both from the North and the South of the country. The castle "earthwork" is located between Hinton Road and Tesco!
This location proved ideal for the local wool (loads of sheep) and lace, with easy access to large markets for a successful trade. Today, the town might be best known by the anoraks of motor racing with Silverstone and Mercedes AMG Petronas on their door step. Ironically the nearest stations a at least 6 miles away. Its original station closed in the 1960s. The local hand made soap factory, H Bronnley and Sons provides luxury soaps to the Queen and Charlie.
The "Morris Men" of Brackley is one of only 7 traditional "Cotswold sides" left in the country, the only one in the county and date back to the 1600s. They apparently produce "witless buffonery", coloured ribbons and gaudy finery. Below is the Morris "side", not the Football team!
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