Brakes Back on Top Thanks to "New Tommo" Stunner

Given the uneven and bumpy pitch and a strong crosswind, the travelling faithful could not expect a classic encounter. So it proved with a scrappy match that never really got going. However, a well struck shot from the edge of the penalty area on 80 minutes by debutant Martin Thompson sealed the victory that sent Brakes back to the top of the Midland Combination Premier Division.

The return of captain Steve Thompson added some urgency to the play and it was from one of his long throw-ins in the fifteenth minute that Simon Wickson forced home 'keeper Paul Fellows into action to tip his goalbound header over the bar. Paul Nicholls and Thompson combined on 21 minutes to create another chance, but again Fellows did his stuff in saving. The breakthrough eventually came on 29 minutes when a shot from the edge of the penalty area by David Care deceived everyone to creep into the left-hand corner of the net (1-0).

There was a hold-up in the match in the thirty-seventh minute when Harj Dhesi went down injured in making a clearance. However, the sight of substitute Jonny Burgess warming up helped his recovery and he soon took his place back on the pitch. As half-time approached, Thompson twice went close to increasing the lead but Leamington had to settle for the one goal advantage at the break.

Sports almost levelled the scores within two minutes of the restart, but James Gettings again showed why he is the number one 'keeper at the club with a point-blank save. The introduction of ex-Rugby Town striker Martin Thompson on the hour brought a new dimension to Brakes' play and an increased sense of urgency. The North Bank sang "there are only two Tommos" to welcome the latest signing. Brakes pushed forward and Wickson had a header saved on 62 minutes, Steve Thompson headed just wide five minutes later and Nicholls had a shot blocked on 74 minutes. However, any thoughts of a home comeback were shattered with ten minutes remaining as Martin Thompson raced powerfully into the penalty area and struck a stunning shot low into the corner (2-0). What a start!

Manager Jason Cadden was relieved at putting the previous week's defeat behind him, saying "we improved our workrate and dominated the game. The defence was again outstanding and well supported by all the midfield. Martin did just what we signed him for and it was great for him to get off the mark in his first game."

Leamington: James Gettings; David Care (Jonny Burgess 82); Harj Dhesi; Tom Sidwell; Andy Gregory; Darren Timms; Simon Wickson; Josh Blake (Chris Hanrahan 79); Vernor Sleem (Martin Thompson 60); Paul Nicholls; Steve Thompson [Capt.]

Team News: Simon Walker injured