Fourth Time Lucky Brakes Victorious at Biddulph

Biddulph had had some success of late and a pattern developed early with Brakes probing the Vics’ defence but making little headway though Biddulph looked even less likely to score on their occasional forays upfield. Morgan threaded a pass through for Blake to cross low and hard in the 13th but it eluded everyone then Blake was just wide after another Morgan pass.

But Biddulph showed intent at the other end when a saving tackle from Kelsall in the 17th took the ball off the toes of a striker in front of goal. Given the conditions this was an entertaining contest but though Brakes were playing the better football both sides were giving the ball away too readily.

Titterton was having one of his best games for Brakes, constantly inventive and making things happen, and Howell’s strength, with Blake’s seeming ability to ignore adverse conditions, were the powerhouse in Brakes’ attack. But the Adams brothers seemed out of sorts, particularly Richard for whom nothing seemed to come off.

But it was Jon Adams who went closest in the first half hour striking just over after a long ball from Morgan who, in turn, curled one just wide after being set up by Stacey. But Brakes’ possession and perseverance was rewarded soon after. A Jon Adams corner from the right was headed away by a Vics’ defender but Jon won the ball back, turned inside expertly, and crossed for Morgan to rise majestically and head the ball into the net for 0-1 in the 34th.

A screamer from Blake 35yds out threatened to double the score three minutes later and another Blake strike was just tipped over the bar by the excellent Biddulph ‘keeper. The half ended with Brakes in the ascendancy and Morgan skipping down the left touchline to create all sorts of problems in the Vics’ defence as the ball pinged back and forth.

This was an excellent first half by both teams in the circumstances with both sets of players mindful of the conditions but not allowing them to dictate events. The officials kept the game flowing and the first 45 ended bang on time without a single stoppage.

Biddulph came out for the second half with renewed vigour and announced their intent when a free kick from the goal line two minutes after the restart set up a chance in front of goal which was beaten out by Shepherd at point-blank range. Then a minute later, in the 48th, Biddulph snatched an equaliser when Burge was given too much room and rammed home from close range, 1-1.

This provoked Brakes into action and with the appalling prospect of arriving home in the small hours with yet another cup replay, this time on Thursday, they started to impose themselves but without making many clear chances. Frustration started to show as final passes went astray and moves broke down.

But there was only one team in it for the final 25 minutes with the best chance falling to Richard Adams who ran onto a Kelsall through ball in the 76th only to be thwarted by the Biddulph ‘keeper who came out well to deny Brakes’ top striker.

There was a notable drop in temperature with about 15 minutes to go, and ice on the car park soon after the 90 suggested that extra time might not have been completed. But there was time for the Adams brothers to work their magic and send Brakes through to next round at home to Liversedge this coming Saturday. Richard Adams turned and wriggled his way into the area to be floored by a Vics’ defender, more bamboozled than malicious, and Jon Adams coolly despatched the penalty low and hard into the corner of the net for 1-2 in the 84th.

Assistant Manager Keith Orme said after the game that he was pleased with how hard the team worked throughout the match. “We’d done enough to be worth our half-time lead but gave them too much room at the start of the second and were punished by the equaliser. But there was only one team in it for the final 20 minutes and our win was a fair result.” Keith added that the pitch was better than had been expected and that considering how much rain there had been in the area leading up to the match the Biddulph staff had done a tremendous job to make it playable.

Leamington: Paul Shepherd; Kristian Kelsall; Darran Tank; Ryan Parisi; Neil Stacey; Morton Titterton; Jon Adams; Leon Morgan [Capt]; Richard Adams (Martin Thompson 86); Ryan Howell (Steve Thompson 86); Josh Blake
Subs Not Used: Steve Smith; Andy Gregory; Richard Morris

Biddulph Victoria (From): Steven Intihar; Scott Burge [Capt]; Wayne Edwards; Aaron Kelter; Steve Jardine; Lyndon Hall; James McCarthy; Dean Ennion; Michael Steele; Martin Heath; Tim Alcock; Josh Ford; Simon Guest; David Eaton; Gary Clay; Alex Hutchinson

Attendance: 86

Players' News: Stuart Herlihy’s 35 days ended 4 December so he is available again; Paul Eden (hamstring) still injured; Nick McFarlane wasn’t signed when this match should have happened 19 November so wasn’t eligible.