On his fifth appearance, against Whitby Town in the FA Cup, he scored his first senior goal from a free kick, but the run of games was ended by a groin problem,[5] followed by a bout of pleurisy,[6] and he played just twice more that season.
[6] He was a member of the Hartlepool United youth squad that took part in the 2004 Dallas Cup, and converted a penalty to open the scoring in the under-19 final, in which they beat New York/New Jersey MetroStars U19 4–1.
[8] Described by his club profile as "an aggressive and tough-tackling defender, [who] also possesses a lot of skill and [whose] sweet left-foot means he is a threat from set-pieces",[2] Brackstone came into the side for a run of six games in February and March 2005, but his season was ended prematurely by an attack of glandular fever.
[14] He played little: apart from four games in November between Ryan's hamstring injury and the arrival of loanee Lee Ridley[15] he made just two appearances, and was released at the end of the season.
[16][17] Brackstone signed for Conference North club Gateshead,[18] but failed to establish himself in the side, was transfer-listed in November, and transferred to local rivals Blyth Spartans in February 2009 for a £3,000 fee.