Stalemate at a snowy New Windmill as Mikes give Brakes a testing time

With snow falling and the pitch passing a referee's inspection 90 minutes before kick-off, this was a day for real supporters to turn out and cheer on their team. It speaks volumes for Brakes fans that, despite some indifferent recent results, 423 of them went to the New Windmill Ground and gave the kind of vocal backing that secretary Brian Knibb had appealed for. Unfortunately, they were not rewarded with a win, but this was not for lack of effort and determination on the part of the players who gave their all.

Recent signing, Jody Mckay, made his debut in the number 9 shirt and showed good touches, particularly in the air. He looks likely to give Brakes some physical presence up front to complement the skills of Richard Adams and, with the right service, will add to his already impressive goal tally.

Ryan Parisi returned to the heart of the defence and Morton Titterton to the midfield. However, a swollen right knee restricted Neil Stacey to 45 minutes of play, being replaced by Tom Sidwell at the start of the second half. Brakes' captain, Leon Morgan went off not long after with a hamstring injury, having played a storming first half helping the defence clear a number of dangerous inswinging Mikes' corners.

Mikes were a strong side, quick to the ball and strong in defence. They came into the match on a winning streak that has seen them climb the table. Captain Robert Simcox led by example and went close with a long-range shot after 12 minutes. Brakes came near to scoring in the 28th minute, when Morgan shot from close-in, but Daniel Parker and 'keeper Richard Anstiss cleared between them. McKay got into the action six minutes later rising to meet a Morgan cross from the right, only to see his header deflected for a corner. Then, with half-time approaching, Josh Blake crossed low from the left, but the ball flashed across the face of the goal with no Brakes forward able to capitalise. With Mikes launching one more attack right on 45 minutes, Richard Morris (who also had a good match) saved low down at the foot of the post.

In the second half, Morris comfortably saved a header from Mykel Beckley and then watched as Stuart Grosvenor put his shot over the bar from a good position. Jon Adams set up his brother Richard whose volley was only just over. However, the best chance of the match fell to Beckley who raced clear into the penalty area, but Morris saved well with his feet.

There were bookings for Morgan, Neil Watkins (for a foul on Richard Adams) and Timothy Gould (for a foul on Jon Adams).

Assistant Manager, Keith Orme, thought the draw was a fair result, adding "There was not much between the two sides and we said at half-time that one goal would win it. We could have scored with a half-chance that came Richard Adams' way, but his volley was just high. However, Richard Morris made a good stop near the end which enabled us to keep a clean sheet. Jody made a pleasing debut and, with more fitness and match practice, will be even sharper."

Leamington Richard Morris; Jon Adams; Darran Tank; Neil Stacey (Tom Sidwell 46); Ryan Parisi; Morton Titterton; Stuart Herlihy; Leon Morgan [Capt.] (Ryan Howell 49); Jody McKay (James Husband 74); Richard Adams; Josh Blake
Subs Not Used: Kristian Kelsall; Paul Shepherd

Boldmere St Michaels Richard Anstiss; Richard Langford; Neil Finan; Robert Simcox [Capt.]; Daniel Parker; Neil Watkins; Stuart Grosvenor (Tom Bayley 74); Mykel Beckley; Timothy Gould; Kevin Charley (Jason Holmes 82); Matthew Rutter (Adam Hadley 90)
Subs Not Used: Steven Moore; Robert Clarke

Attendance 423