Brackley ready for 'relentless' National League

Gavin Cowan was appointed as Brackley boss following their defeat in the 2023 National League North promotion final

Brackley Town boss Gavin Cowan says his side have "set a standard" for the rest of the season by winning their first game at National League level.

The Saints were promoted as National League North champions last term after missing out in the play-offs in six of the seven previous campaigns.

And Shane Byrne's first-half penalty was enough to give them a home win over Eastleigh on Saturday.

"We knew what we were up against. They're a huge outfit in terms of size, great resources and really well established at the level," Cowan told BBC Radio Northampton.

"We wanted to fathom the level and understand where we were and what we were doing. First win, first clean sheet bodes well for the future."

A crowd of just over 1,200 watched the game at St James Park, Brackley's home since 1974.

"What an unbelievable moment for us to be playing in the National League - somebody was saying they watched us in the Hellenic League and now, all of a sudden, we're in the National League. For the supporters, I was overjoyed," Cowan added.

"The message to the players is to make sure they go and replicate that. We've set a standard and you can't just take your foot off the gas. It's a relentless season and a relentless league.

"Eastleigh have a team of big, strong pros and that's what we're going to be up against all year. We've got to compete with that week in and week out."

Brackley make their EFL Trophy debut on Tuesday with a home game against Blackburn Rovers Under-21s, but must then wait until 20 August for their second league fixture, when they will be away to Yeovil Town.

"I've got two hats on. I understand the magnitude of where we are and where we've come from and from a community perspective, a supporters' perspective, the people that love this club, just being here is incredible," Cowan added.

"But professionally, my job isn't to settle for that, my job is to pit our wits against the big clubs at this level, Eastleigh being one of them."