Brakes Reach For the Top

A goal in each half clinched three points for Brakes at lowly Alveston to take the club back into top spot in the increasingly close race for the Midland Combination Premiership title.

Last year's fixture was played on a balmy April evening against the backdrop of the shock news of a possible ground sharing arrangement with Stratford Town. The goalless draw was the start of a disappointing end to the season which saw Brakes' hopes of promotion shattered. The visiting fans, who made up the majority of the 283 strong crowd (up on last season's 275), could have been forgiven for thinking that lightning might strike twice, but goals from Vernor Sleem and Mark Simmonds won the game for Brakes to put the pressure back on rivals Romulus and Rugby Town.

There was no place in the line-up for fit-again striker Paul Nicholls nor wing-back Dave Care. A snow flurry greeted players and spectators as the match kicked off, but Brakes were soon into action with Darren Timms heading a Harj Dhesi free-kick just wide in the second minute. Home 'keeper Warren Ayres got into the action gathering a Steve Thompson free-kick before Alveston's Kevin Chisholm had the first shot for the home side on eight minutes.

It was a mistake by the experienced John O'Brien which turned the match Brakes' way on 13 minutes when his back-pass fell short of Ayres and Vernor Sleem stepped in to score against his old team (1-0). The hardworking Stuart Herlihy then combined with Timms for another goal-scoring chance before Andy Gregory went close heading a Simmonds corner just wide on 19 minutes.

Sleem was causing a lot of problems holding and shielding the ball and, in the twenty-ninth minute, Jeff Arnold was booked for an unfair challenge. As the first half came to a close, the sun shone in a blue sky and spirits were high for what promised to be an exciting second period.

Alas, it was not to be and, apart from the substitutions, there were few incidents worthy of putting in the note pad. Fortunately, one of them resulted in Brakes' second goal three minutes into the half (48th minute). Ryan Parisi looks intent on seizing his chance now that he is getting an extended run in the team and, following good work out on the right, his cross was smashed into the roof of the net by Mark Simmonds to make it 2-0.

Skipper Steve Thompson could have extended the lead further on 56 minutes when he dispossessed O'Brien, but the ball bobbled on the bumpy turf as he made his run for goal. Then, a shot from Steve Thompson was palmed away by Ayres into the path of Gregory who saw his effort strike the Alveston bar. With seven minutes to go, Gregory was in action at the other end to clear an Arnold shot off the line and deny Alveston a consolation goal. As it was, Brakes had done enough to make it five wins in a row and extend their unbeaten run to ten matches.

Youth team central defender Andy McKinley made his debut coming on as a substitute for Simon Walker (who had his usual immaculate game) and overall Brakes were in total control against opponents who are again struggling to recapture their glory days which saw them win the League in 1998-99.

Manager Jason Cadden was delighted, saying "we controlled the game and everyone worked hard. Stuart Herlihy was outstanding in midfield and it was good to be able to give Andy McKinley a chance to come on. This has been a tough month with seven matches and we now have a welcome rest until next Saturday."

Leamington: Richard Morris; Ryan Parisi; Harj Dhesi; Simon Walker (Andy McKinley 79); Andy Gregory; Darren Timms; Stuart Herlihy; Mark Simmonds (Jonny Burgess 73); Josh Blake (Martin Thompson 68); Vernor Sleem; Steve Thompson [Capt]

Team News: Chris Hanrahan more visits to physio next week; Tom Sidwell holiday; Glen Webb long-awaited knee operation next week; Baz Shearsby still carrying injury; Paul Nicholls, David Care, Niels Kristensen all there supporting the team.