Battle of the FA Cup Giants – Only One Winner

Brakes ended Chasetown’s impressive 16-match unbeaten run with a comprehensive victory that would have been even bigger if Jon Adams had scored from a twice-taken, late penalty after brother Richard had slotted two goals, one in each half.

Remembering the state of the pitch in the televised game against Oldham, and with surface water lying on the surrounding fields, the pitch was in surprisingly good condition though the sight, on arrival, of home fans changing into Wellingtons in the car-park was a little disconcerting. “The Scholars” is an impressive set up clearly suited to higher levels with an excellent PA system, that could be heard clearly everywhere, and an informative announcer.

Chasetown presented Mick Brady, on the pitch, with an award before the game to mark Leamington’s FA Cup run, also matched by Chasetown’s own run which finished, as did Leamington’s, in the 1st Round Proper. The sun came out and a packed crowd of 541, a new record for Chasetown in the league, settled to watch a gladiatorial contest in the first meeting between two MFA teams who have made all the headlines this season.

New signing, Leamingtonian Andy Crabtree, signed in the week from Bedworth United, started in central defence and he was needed as Chasetown made the early running. For 15 minutes Brakes were on the back foot but, for all their pressure, a heartening sign for Brakes’ fans was that they forced many corners but didn’t deliver any dangerous strikes.

However, in the 17th, Richard Adams ran half the length of the pitch to cross into the goalmouth and, though he’d also outrun his fellow strikers on that occasion, a pattern became clear that, despite the pressure, the Chasetown attack was being contained well and their defence was vulnerable to speed and inclined to panic.

Howell, in a new role as wing back, made a saving tackle in the 21st but in the same minute Richard Adams earned a corner with another quick run and cross. Howell, with his strength and pace, performed his new role to perfection. He can tackle as well as shoot and has the youth and speed to patrol the length of the field. This may turn out to be an inspired decision.

This was turning out to be a thoroughly entertaining game with some good football from both sides and both sets of supporters helped to make it, already, a good day out. And it got even better for Brakes just before half-time when, after excellent work by Blake, Richard Adams drilled the ball low and hard into the bottom, left corner, past the despairing dive of ‘keeper Jenkins, for a 0-1 lead in the 45th.

The second half started much like the first with Chasetown making the running but unable to capitalise; but Brakes gradually took control after that initial period with debutant, Andy Crabtree, demonstrating why he is such a good acquisition for Brakes.

In the 57th either Adams brother could have scored but Jenkins saved well. A measure of Brakes increasing superiority was shown in the 59th when Herlihy released Jon Adams who raced to the line and crossed along the line with only a touch needed, and brother Richard turned the Chasetown defence inside out in the 62nd as Brakes turned on the style with Chasetown threatening to implode with squabbling in the ranks.

The deserved breakthrough came in the 70th when Richard Adams slotted his, and Brakes’, second to make it 0-2 first hitting the bar then driving in the rebound. Chasetown’s demeanour now matched that of their fans as they saw an excellent unbeaten run coming to an end. With 20 minutes to go they looked beaten. But an excellent save from Morris in the 73rd was a wake-up call. As Brakes know so well, “beaten” teams have a habit of being rejuvenated by a goal.

Martin Thompson came on for the clearly tiring McKay, who needs a few more matches yet before he is fully fit, and Rodman came on for goalscorer Richard Adams. Both players leaving the pitch had played a major role in their different ways, and there is another hard match at leaders Malvern Town on Tuesday.

Now the game was won and a third goal would have been a little icing on the cake. It could have come after handball in the Chasetown area with the game in added time after the 90. Up stepped Jon Adams to take the penalty, which was saved. However the ‘keeper was adjudged to be off his line. Maybe a good Chasetown side, who will be up there, with Brakes, at end of season, deserved not to lose by three clear goals as Jon Adams, uncharacteristically, drove his second attempt wide of the left post, then got a yellow for kicking the ball away in frustration.

Leamington: Richard Morris; Ryan Howell; Tom Sidwell; Ryan Parisi; Andy Crabtree; Morton Titterton [Capt]; Jon Adams; Stuart Herlihy; Jody McKay (Martin Thompson 77); Richard Adams (Alex Rodman 82); Josh Blake
Subs Not Used: Kristian Kelsall; Darran Tank; Paul Shepherd

Chasetown: Adam Jenkins; Duncan Horler; Neil Aulton; Chris Slater; Kevin Thompson; Richard Huckfield; Craig Harris [Capt] (Lee Parsons 76); Dave Egan; Lee Bullimore; Karl Edwards (Nicky Harrison 52); Scott Gennard
Subs Not Used: Matt Bytheway; Andy Turner; Steve Ulfig

Attendance: 541 (Club record for the league)

Players' News: Neil Stacey, torn calf muscle, a week?; Leon Morgan back training

Other News: Malvern Town away the following Tuesday 17 January, coach leaves 5pm sharp. Coach bookings to Vic Shepherd as usual t: 01926 334934.

And don’t forget the youth team at home on Monday 16 January ko 7:30 vs Gornal Athletic. Let’s have a huge crowd to celebrate the youngsters climbing off the bottom, and out of the relegation zone, with their third league win in a row last Thursday. And a win would mean the double over Gornal.