By Roger Vincent

Stunning Brakes Floor Pershore

On a heavy, muddy pitch Brakes coped much better than heavy-legged Pershore and ran out comfortable winners to earn a semi-final place to be played over two legs. Nicholls scored in the 14th and Blake notched a second as half-time beckoned. Timms capped a commanding performance with a third in the 54th and, soon after, Brakes brought on all three substitutes including Brian Agar returning after injury and 19-year old Ryan Parisi who made an impressive debut. The 135 crowd sang happily as Brakes put in a stunning performance considering the conditions. Myles Day, returning after injury to his old stamping ground, looked unbeatable in goal behind an increasingly mature and solid defence.

A grey, drizzly, shortest day of the year and a heavy, slippery pitch did not dampen the spirits of a good-natured crowd who sounded louder than the official figure of 135. They soon had plenty to cheer as Brakes played remarkably attractive football given the conditions. Gregory and Sidwell were commanding in defence with Burgess and Adams running a bemused Pershore ragged in midfield. Blake was impressive on the wing and Timms was giving a masterful performance up front.

It was no surprise when Brakes made it 0-1 in the 14th through the prolific Nicholls, who seemed to be having more trouble than most staying on his feet in the early part of the game, but knocked home a cross from Timms who powered his way to the goal line after more good work by Burgess and Adams.

Brakes were close again with an offside in the 17th and Adams skipped over the mud to cross from the goal-line more than once before Timms went close with a far post header from a flighted Dhesi cross. This was becoming a football treat as Brakes stroked the ball around with nobody having a bad game. Ellis, who is proving an excellent acquisition with his control and reading of the game complementing a young Brakes side, was directing the game. In the 28th he released Timms who set Nicholls free to go close, then in the 31st Nicholls and Adams went down the right for Nicholls to cut in and drive over with Timms another option in front of goal. Within a minute first Blake, then Mort, released Adams on goal then Mort drove across the Pershore goal with nobody getting a touch.

Day, returning to his previous club for the first time, and also back from a serious injury probably a little sooner than anticipated because of Biffin's broken leg, was safe and secure in conditions that must be a goalkeeper's nightmare. He never fumbled, jumped well and anticipated danger in time to stop it. But despite another superb, passing move in the 38th involving Dhesi, Nicholls and Blake which was just cleared Brakes only had one goal for all their efforts. So it was with some relief that Brakes made it 0-2 in the 45th when Timms passed to Nicholls who released Blake with a superb through ball for him to run through and slide the ball past the advancing 'keeper.

The second half started with Blake's shot being saved and Mort driving just wide. Day turned a Pershore shot round the post to keep Brakes in the comfort zone shortly before Brakes increased their lead in the 54th minute to 0-3 when Nicholls picked up the ball on the line after Brakes' pressure and chipped a cross for Timms to rise and nod in the corner. Timms was playing magnificently and thoroughly deserved this goal. In one mazy run across the box he bemused three defenders with a combination of skills that belong at a higher level, alternately dropping his shoulder to go past one, rolling the ball under his foot for another and using a turn of speed to finish the job.

Now Brakes brought on the subs: Hanrahan, who must soon command a regular place in the starting line-up, Agar, returning after a long lay-off and 19-year old Ryan Parisi for his first game since signing from Central Ajax. Hanrahan, as he does so often, soon made his presence known by going close from distancee, Agar was revelling in goalmouth battles and Parisi was an eye-opener. The fans, already impressed with how he got down the line (and that was just warming-up), applauded some visionary passing and the seeming ease with which he got past, in one instance, three Pershore players to set up a chance. He is certainly one to look out for.

To their credit Pershore are a good side who met Brakes on one of their (really) good days. They never stopped trying and showed lots of spirit. They were good-humoured and never resorted to clogging tactics or other unpleasantries. This was helped by a superb display by the officials. In the 84th minute Pershore hit the post, Day eventually clearing his lines with some difficulty. By then I could almost have wished them a goal, and after the magnificent hospitality of the club, whose organisation made this one of the best away games I've been to, I might have wished them another - but it would have had to have stopped there!

Leamington: Myles Day, Jonny Burgess, Harj Dhesi, Andy Gregory (Ryan Parisi 70), Tom Sidwell, Ben Adams, Nick Mort, Andy Ellis (Chris Hanrahan 66), Darren Timms [Capt.], Paul Nicholls (Brian Agar 77), Josh Blake

Team News: Simon Walker was unavailable; Steve Thompson still injured - no prognosis yet.

Semi-Final News: Not that straightforward but here's an attempt:

There will be 2 legs, probably early March, and Brakes are away in the 1st leg.

Opponents: Fernhill County Sports have to play Alvechurch and the winners of that play Handrahan Timbers for the privilege of meeting Brakes.

Got that? OK, it gets worse - the other semi-final:
The winners of Highgate United Vs Pilkington XXX play the winners of Wilmcote S&S Vs Knowle BUT Romulus have appealed against losing their place (presumably because of some alleged irregularity) and may yet feature in this one.