Saints stay friends as Brakes take cup back to New Windmill

Pre-season matches do not always provide a reliable form guide to the real action that lies ahead but, in winning this Friendship Cup to celebrate Saints' Centenary, Brakes have got their campaign off to a good start. The visit to the New Windmill of Southern League side Evesham United on Saturday will, however, provide a sterner test.

Ex-Bedworth United defender Kristian Kelsall had an impressive game on the right side of defence in the place left vacant by the departure of Ben Adams. He is expected to sign on Thursday joining goalkeeper Paul Shepherd (Rugby United), striker Ben Usher (Tividale) and the experienced Moreton Titterton (Solihull Borough). There should be competition for all the places this time.

Brakes started well here with Jon Adams placing a shot from the edge of the penalty area wide of Saints' 'keeper Jason Pearcey in the 3rd minute, 0-1. However, the lead didn't last long, as hot-shot Tom Thacker levelled in the 10th when the Brakes' defence failed to deal with a corner from the right, 1-1.

As Brakes came back into the game, Pearcey foiled Leon Morgan and Richard Adams within a minute of each other before Richard Morris denied Dano Cramp at the other end. On 38 minutes, Martin Thompson went off with a slight injury to his right foot and, as half-time approached, Pearcey spilled a shot from Morgan but gathered the ball just in time as Jamie Coleman closed in. Right on the whistle, Richard Adams shot just wide after a fine solo effort.

In the second half, chances fell to Paul Nicholls before, in the 78th, Andy Gregory ran through to thump the ball home and restore Brakes' lead, 1-2. With two minutes remaining, Richard Adams showed blistering pace to collect a long ball down the right from Kelsall, but Pearcey got down well. However, the 'keeper followed through with feet up as Ryan Howell approached and referee Mike Bingham awarded a penalty. Up stepped Nicholls to convert well, in the 88th and give Brakes a comfortable 1-3 winning margin.

With four players in the Saints' side who have been at the New Windmill at one time or another, there was always likely to be added bite to the game. As I have promised not to upset people with my reports this season, I won't name the one who was a little too competitive, given the nature of the encounter. At the end, Leon Morgan stepped up to receive the trophy from President Rex Sharples who was reminded by the visiting fans that Brakes have a long history as well, dating back to 1891.

Saints' manager Curly O'Callaghan was not downhearted saying "we had five players missing and I felt we were better than the scoreline suggested. Leamington are a couple of weeks ahead of us and the difference in fitness showed in the end."

Jason Cadden has been assured of his position for the whole of the season and can look forward with confidence to the task ahead. He described the win as "a good workout, given that we had ten players unavailable. Ryan Parisi had a good game and I have said to young Jamie Coleman that, with players absent, he has a chance to impress and make the step-up from youth level."

The only downside was the injury to Jon Adams which necessitated a visit to hospital to check on possible concussion. Dave Care is back in training and looking to return in September and Martin Thomspon was taken off as a precaution.

Editor's note 21 July: "Jon [Adams] is fine" (says Jim Scott who took him to the hospital). "He was eventually seen by a doctor at about 11.30 pm. After examination he was allowed home. Severe headache but blurred vision returned to normal whilst at hospital. Did not go to work today [Wed] but was well enough to go to [clubhouse sponsors'] opening night tonight [Wed]. He will be fit to train Thursday." Rumours that seeing two Jim Scotts delayed recovery are unsubstantiated - Ed.

Leamington: Richard Morris (Paul Shepherd 46); Kristian Kelsall; Darran Tank; Andy Gregory; Ryan Parisi; Jon Adams (Jonny Burgess 63); Leon Morgan; Richard Adams; Martin Thompson (Ryan Howell 38); Ben Usher (Paul Nicholls 46); Jamie Coleman

Southam United From: Jason Pearcey; Wayne Britton; Rob Brassington; Matty Graham; Lee Scott; Jamie Cramp; Barry Shearsby; Chris Hanrahan; Dano Cramp; Tom Thacker; Neil Stacey; Kalvin De-Voisey; Dean Burrows; Ian McVarish; Paul Wilkinson; Lee Chung