Titterton Tilts the Balance

Blake snatched at a half-chance in the 2nd minute but it was Liversedge who had the best chances early on with Shepherd turning a shot from distance just round the post in the 8th then coming to the rescue again three minutes later cutting out a probing cross with the defence in disarray.

But it was first blood to Brakes in the 13th when Richard Adams made it 1-0 latching onto a Herlihy pass and smashing the ball into the net, his 50th goal for Brakes. A sweet move in the 20th involving Morgan, Richard Adams and Blake ended with Blake driving just over and a Jon Adams cross from the right skimmed the ‘Sedge bar as Brakes applied the early pressure.

But Liversedge were clearly a good footballing side and not about to fall over. Time after time Brakes’ attack came up against a superb defence with Asif Hussain supreme at the centre while up front they attacked with width and the excellent Richard Marshall provided a constant threat. This was now a “real cup-tie” with play switching from end to end and it was no surprise when Liversedge equalised in the 32nd when Marshall smashed home after Brakes failed to clear, 1-1.

Soon after Liversedge substituted the only weak link in their defence taking off Milnes, a confidence player with an excellent reputation but who was not coping well with the speed of Richard Adams and Blake. This was a brave decision so early in a game with extra time a possibility.

Shepherd, who was having an excellent game, saved well in the 54th but Brakes came back well and a magnificent move four minutes later involving both Adams brothers, Morgan, Howell and Blake just needed a touch as the final ball passed agonisingly across the face of the goal.

But it was Liversedge who gradually got on top at this critical stage, on top but not on target, as they forced corners and had three or four good chances without making any count. Brakes were pinned back and Herlihy, clearly lacking match fitness after a long absence, was replaced by Martin Thompson.

Now the bustling Thompson started to make inroads into the still-solid ‘Sedge defence and set up Jon Adams for a 30yd drive that was only just wide in the 77th, but a minute later ‘Sedge had another “free” header that was spurned as play switched back and forth.

But Brakes are made of stern stuff these days and, with play fairly even in terms of territory but ‘Sedge having the clearer chances, Howell touched the ball to Jon Adams whose excellent cross was met superbly by Titterton rising gracefully to head powerfully into the net for 2-1 in the 79th, his first goal for the club and one of the best this season from a player who seems to improve with every game.

Another missed “free” header by Liversedge two minutes later gave hope that a one goal lead would be enough as ‘Sedge seemed so adept at missing clear chances that their earlier goal began to seem like an aberration. Furthermore their solid defence was now being breached more often as they pushed for an equaliser and Brakes controlled the final 10 minutes with the best chance falling to Richard Adams in the 86th who broke clear on goal but, for once, failed to slip the ball past the ‘keeper for a scoreline that would have flattered Brakes and been a little harsh on the men from ‘Sedge.

Assistant Manager, Keith Orme, said after the game: “Liversedge were a good footballing side and their players worked hard for each other. They made us chase them and had three or four good chances but just couldn’t finish. Hussain in defence, and Marshall up front, were outstanding. They were a better side than most we’ve met this season so we have to be pleased with an excellent result on the day.”

Brakes now go into R4, as the draw goes national, to equal their previous best in this contest two years ago. The draw is Monday 12 December and will be on the website soon after with Saturday 21 January being the date when the remaining 32 clubs battle it out on their way to the final.

Leamington: Paul Shepherd; Jon Adams; Darran Tank; Ryan Parisi; Neil Stacey; Morton Titterton; Stuart Herlihy (Martin Thompson 62); Leon Morgan [Capt]; Ryan Howell; Richard Adams; Josh Blake
Subs Not Used: Kristian Kelsall; Steve Thompson; Nick McFarlane; Richard Morris

Liversedge: Kyle Sutcliffe; Jermane Manners; Danny Lowe (Wayne Crossley 83); Asif Hussain; Wes Milnes (Chris Brown 32); Craig Farrand; John Borland [Capt]; Andy Markham; Paul Walker (Chris Walton 55); Gareth Hamlet; Richard Marshall
Subs Not Used: Lee McKeown; Lee Williams

Attendance: 518

Players' News: Paul Eden (hamstring) hoping to get the OK on Friday to return to full training; Andy Gregory still some bruising (foot) but OK to play; Alex Rodman missed with a cold; Steve Smith not available for selection after missing through injury then a wedding but OK for Tuesday.

Other News: Ryan Parisi was announced as the supporters’ choice for November’s player of the month at half-time; congratulations Ryan from all of us.