Young Brakes Frozen Out of League Cup at Sutton Coldfield

The pitch changed from a soggy morass to hard and brittle during this game as frost crept along the metal barriers then onto the pitch which had a white sheen before the end. Extra time may not have been possible but that ceased to be a concern as Sutton dominated a first half sweeping into a 3-0 lead. Given the travelling fans expectations at this stage a 4-0 defeat must count as a vast improvement in the second-half and, indeed, young Brakes could have pulled back at least one. Sutton, with seven players in the Birmingham County FA representative side, and a 100% league record after nine games with only six conceded, were always that little bit better. But young Brakes should not be too disheartened; they know now what to expect when the two teams meet again in the league next Thursday and there were signs, in the second-half at least, that Sutton are not invulnerable and that a little more belief and communication may yet surprise a team on top of their game.

Although a cup match Sutton's reputation precedes them because they have swept all before them in the league. The teams hadn't met beforehand this season and manager Stacey opted to play striker Lewis deep, knowing that he can run through, to support the midfield while Brakes had a look to see what made such a successful team tick.

Early pressure from Lewis and Powell looked promising when Lewis was nearly through in the 7th yet was back to head clear in defence two minutes later. But Sutton were waiting to pull the trigger and, one mixed metaphor later, played their Ace; which was speed. Brakes lost the ball in the centre of the pitch, a quick through ball and a young gazelle ran through to slide a perfect strike low into the corner giving Morgan no chance, 1-0 in the 17th.

Sutton were first to every ball now and, when Brakes did win the ball, they gave it back again. But there were frailties in the Sutton side and their defence, though parsimonious in the league, looked breachable. Coleman was being given a torrid time by as nippy a player I've seen at this level and he was already off the pace with a pull. Coleman is one of the best tacklers I know but, inevitably perhaps, he came unstuck and, though the referee seemed to recognise there was no intent by not booking him, a penalty was awarded in the 29th and duly despatched, 2-0.

A beautiful, one-touch movement by Brakes in the 39th, involving Lewis, Leaver, Powell and Cromwell, deserved better and though Brakes were definitely second-best at this stage there was a feeling that one goal might change the game. Brakes were giving the ball away every time when all it needed was a bit of control and making the time to make a pass count. Most of all it needed the players to stop hiding and make themselves available in position for a pass and to let each other know that they were there and expecting a pass. But that comes from confidence and Brakes received two more blows before the half was over. The influential Coleman finally limped off in the 45th and, with added time counting down, Sutton swept in the killer to make it 3-0 at the break.

Brakes threatened the Sutton goal at the start of the second half and Cromwell blasted over after exchanging passes with Lewis in the 56th but Sutton, again, picked up the ball from a defensive error and broke quickly to make it 4-0 in the 61st. In the 67th Cromwell, who was putting himself about a lot more and winning balls, set up Brakes' best chance of the match slipping an inch-perfect pass into the path of Goodall who struck the ball well, beating the 'keeper, and was unlucky to see his shot rebound off the post.

This was now a much more even contest and, if Brakes carry on where they left off next Thursday in the league, they must have a chance. The lanky Lockyer nearly capped a commanding performance but hit over the bar in the 72nd and Goodall, seemingly playing a more forward role, looked dangerous. But Sutton continued to impress and that arch shot-stopper, Morgan, saved the day with point-blank saves on three occasions but could only watch, in disbelief, as he was rounded on another occasion and the Sutton striker hit the side-netting having done the hard work.

Leamington Youth: Richard Morgan; Simon Goodall; Jamie Coleman (Paramdeep Bhangal 45); James Lockyer; Andy McKinley [Capt]; Dave Ward; Ashley Powell (Sean Rellis 68); Ashley Kitchen (Anvinder Thiara 85); Will Cromwell; Chris Lewis; Tom Leaver [Capt]
Sub(s) Not Used (3 From 4 Used): Masango Mwetaminwa

Team News: Kevin McGarvey injury still swollen; Kyle Crowkey has left for pastures new - good luck Kyle; Joe Wright was cup-tied having played in this competition for Stratford; Jamie Coleman got a bad knock but no prognosis yet; Ashley Powell got a knock on the head but is believed to be OK.