A spirited second-half performance wasn't enough for Manchester United Under-21s to overcome a senior Brackley side who showed a ruthless streak to capitalise on mistakes and lead by two goals at the break.
The young Reds played with real rhythm and confidence at times, but were faced with an in-form Brackley goalkeeper in Jonny Maxted, who pulled off several fine saves.
The hosts had led early on when Danny Waldron finished one-on-one past Will Murdock, and doubled their lead with a scrappy corner goal by Connor Hall.
United pushed hard to get back into the game but could only find a first goal in second-half injury time, as Jacob Devaney stooped to head home from a right-sided corner.