Brackley boss Cowan ready for tough FA Cup test

Gavin Cowan has been Brackley Town boss since May 2023

Brackley Town boss Gavin Cowan says playing in the first round of the FA Cup is another important step in the club's evolution.

The Saints face National League club Braintree Town on Saturday and are looking to earn a place in the draw for round two for only the fourth time in their history.

Only 13 places separate them in the non-league pyramid, with Brackley 10th in National League North after reaching the play-offs in 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 told BBC Radio Northampton's Non-League Scene.

"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."

Braintree have lost their past three league games and are in 21st place in the fifth tier, while Brackley have won their previous two matches.

Iron boss Angelo Harrop told BBC Essex following Saturday's 1-0 home defeat by Sutton United that he felt the "pain" of the supporters but continued: "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."

He said the Brackley tie was not in any sense a 'break' from their normal routine, adding: "It's a big game for the football club - every game this year is big."

Opposite number Cowan played in the FA Cup for Canvey Island, Shrewsbury Town and Nuneaton and has no doubt about the competition's importance.

He said: "(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."

He added: "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."