Young Brakes Get It Together But Lose Opener

Coleshill, playing their second game after a 5-1 win over Boldmere, were bigger and stronger than Brakes who missed both central defenders: McKinley at U18s Schools Trials and Ward, injured. Though Baden played magnificently out of position many Brakes players were playing as a team for the first time after a largely washed-out pre-season programme, and it showed. But there were promising signs in the second half that this could become a very good team as young Brakes got it together against a powerful Coleshill who are certain to do well this term.

Coleshill started much the brighter as Brakes tried to find their feet and each other. It was no surprise when they went ahead in the 13th when a 6'6" player moved up to make it 1-0 nodding in under the bar from a corner. This was the biggest youth side I've seen in three years of watching young Brakes.

But there were good signs as Brakes started to find themselves and fought back against a team that has already showed form after last season's promotion. They had their reward after Cromwell had powered into the area only to be brought down in the 18th. Lewis stepped up to convert the penalty with a powerful strike that went through the 'keeper, 1-1. But the new team's naivety showed as Coleshill immediately broke away down the left and made it 2-1 in the 19th with brakes still reliving their short-lived equaliser.

However, Brakes were now the equal of their big opponents and Leaver sped up the left touchline to set up Crowley who saw his shot well saved. Baden was playing superbly at the heart of the defence with the tall, effective Lockyer and other heartening performances were given by Coleman and Thiara in the middle. Leaver and Crowley were buzzing up front with Lewis promising to be more effective once his control returns as he cannot always rely on getting balls to run on to which is what he does best.

Brakes seemed likely to equalise as they began the second half on top. Lewis went close after a free kick in the 49th and the languid Cromwell, playing below his best, had a golden opportunity in the 50th when he was put through on goal but his shot was charged down by the advancing Coleshill 'keeper.

Crowley and Leaver won several corners and, with Hampton on for the struggling Bhangal in the 66th, the defence looked fairly sound with Baden continuing to impress as the night's star performer. Then, as so often happens when a team is pressing forward looking for an equaliser, Coleshill made it 3-1 in the 80th minute with a scrambled goal after a goalmouth tussle that should have seen the ball despatched into the local equivalent of Hansen's row Z, the nearest tree, more than once.

Alex "Bomber" Harri came on too late to make much difference but, overall, this wasn't a bad performance for a first outing and I'm sure that this team will improve when they have played together more often. The return of some key players will help the process.

Leamington Youth: Richard Morgan; Paz Bhangal (John Hampton 66); Jamie Coleman (Alex Harri 81); Jac Sheppard; James Lockyer; Satty Baden; Tom Leaver [Capt]; Vinny Thiara; Will Cromwell; Chris Lewis; Kyle Crowley
Sub(s) Not Used (3 From 5 Used): Sean Rellis

Team News: Andy McKinley on trials (above); David Ward injured (2 weeks); Kevin McGarvey and others on holiday.