Care Seals Brakes' Vase Triumph

There was a tentative start to this match played before 712 people, some from other matches called off in the area after 36 hours of incessant rain. But the sky was clear at the start as Brakes had the early chances. Blake made it 1-0 in the 23rd minute, picking up the pieces after the Durham defence had got in a tangle, and Care ran through the middle for a superb goal in the 71st. With the Durham threat largely nullified Brakes didn't seem in danger but Dunwell replied for Durham in the 78th to set up a tense 12 minutes though it was Brakes who went closest in the final stages. Brakes are now in the final 32 with the R4 draw on Monday as the Vase goes national on Saturday 17 January. (Summary by Roger Vincent - full report by Paul Edwards follows)

Leamington emerged victorious from a thrilling FA Vase tie against Albany Northern League leaders Durham City to reach the last 32 of the FA Vase. Josh Blake and David Care netted the vital goals to secure a win which could turn out to be the shock of Round 3.

A strong start to the game was imperative, and Brakes had some early pressure, with Darren Timms narrowly failing to connect with a dangerous ball across the face of goal, and Steve Thompson tested City goalkeeper Paul Gilmore with a low shot. Durham showed their threat in attack, with Glen Robson going close with a 25 yard shot that fizzed past the upright. Paul Nicholls struck a half volley just past the right hand post after a long free kick from Barry Shearsby was headed down in the area.

The Durham number 11 Steven Stewart was clearly a danger man for the visitors and it was his cross in the 22nd minute that led to a shot which struck the bar, the rebound headed wildly over. However, within a minute, Leamington were in front. Durham keeper Gilmore and one of his defenders both went for a high ball up field, and with the tireless Nicholls superbly pressurizing them; the ball fell kindly for Josh Blake to sweep home into an unguarded net, 1-0 in the 23rd. Brakes were forced back a little as Durham searched for a way back into the game. Stewart again proved to be threat on the right wing, as he turned Steve Thompson out on the touchline and struck a cross-shot wide of Richard Morris in the Leamington goal.

Morris had more to do than his counterpart as the half drew to a close, but the home advantage could and should have been doubled two minutes before the break. Josh Blake headed on for Paul Nicholls to advance towards goal, and he looked certain to score, but Brakes leading scorer looks low on confidence at present, although he is working tirelessly, and he almost seemed to try and square the ball for Blake, but there was not enough power in the ball, and the danger passed.

Although an early corner kick was held under his crossbar by Gilmore, Durham continued to search for an opening, but were denied time and again by the confident Morris, and the ever reliable backline of Dhesi, Sidwell and Gregory. David Care was also working well, making some timely interceptions in defence, before he effectively sealed the game for Leamington on 71 minutes. He picked up the ball in midfield and began one of his surging runs that took him past the Durham defence. He bamboozled the last defender, and as Gilmore committed himself, Care lifted the ball over him and wheeled away, with his team mates in pursuit, 2-0.

Not content to sit back, Leamington continued to push forward when they had possession, and substitute Chris Hanrahan screwed a shot wide from a good position, before Durham ensured a nail-biting finale for the 712 strong crowd, by pulling a goal back in the 78th to make it 2-1, Michael Dunwell netting after a good cut back from Stephen Halliday. Brakes could have grabbed a third goal when Shearsby whipped in a right wing cross that was met at the near post by substitute Ryan Parisi, but his thundering header was just the wrong side of the post. Thankfully, this turned out to be irrelevant, as the final whistle blew and the celebrations began. The lads fully deserved their ovation off the pitch.
MoM: Josh Blake.

Leamington: Richard Morris; David Care; Harj Dhesi; Tom Sidwell; Andy Gregory; Darren Timms; Barry Shearsby; Mark Simmonds (Chris Hanrahan 62); Josh Blake; Paul Nicholls (Ryan Parisi 75); Steve Thompson [Capt.]
Subs Not Used (3 from 5): Jonny Burgess; Niels Kristensen; Vernor Sleem

Team News: No cautions. Simon Walker at the match, fit and well and looking good.