Young Brakes Second Best After Taking Lead

Young Brakes followed the depressing pattern laid down at Coleshill by conceding immediately after scoring. This time they took the lead through Cromwell in the 50th then lost it within 90 seconds. But, to add to the woe, Gornal took the lead two minutes later and there was no way back for a stuttering Brakes' side who always looked vulnerable against Gornal's nippy strikers.

With international football on the television a respectable crowd of 55 saw Brakes get off to a busy start with Rellis showing well. But their early chances were long range with both McKinley and McGarvey shooting from 30 yds whereas Gornal's fast twin strikers always looked capable of getting past Brakes' flat defence.

McGarvey had two good chances early in the second half, the first bringing a good save from the Gornal 'keeper and the other just over. Then, in the 55th minute Brakes were ahead, 1-0, through Cromwell who turned well on the 6yd line to slot home after a defensive fumble.

But within 90secs Gornal were level and two minutes later ahead. They broke upfield at speed to smash home the equaliser, 1-1 in the 57th, and then, with Brakes reeling, scored the best goal of the match giving Morgan no chance, 1-2 in the 59th. This second goal immediately followed an excellent passing movement by Brakes but, once the ball was lost, it was delivered over the top of the defence to leave the Gornal strikers clear.

Lewis came on to add some bite but spent his half-hour mostly foraging for the ball on the wings, or deep in defence, rather than getting passes to run onto in front of goal which is what he does best. In fact the Brakes' display was now disorganised with players beating two, three or more defenders in individual displays of skill that, predictably, foundered and left the opposition in control; this was not a team display.

There were some late chances, particularly from set pieces, where Brakes could have snatched a draw but Morgan had to be alert at the other end to prevent the lead growing. The hare that ran the length of the pitch at the senior game the previous night reappeared at about the same time but didn't stay to watch this time.

Leamington Youth: Richard Morgan; Paramdeep "Paz" Bhangal; Jamie Coleman; Jac Sheppard (Anvinder "Vinny" Thiara 82); James Lockyer; Dave Ward; Tom Leaver [Capt] (Ashley Kitchen 63); Kevin McGarvey; Will Cromwell; Sean Rellis (Chris Lewis 63); Andy McKinley
Sub(s) Not Used (3 From 4 Used): Luke Warby