Romans Blunt Brakes’ Charge

Only 89 endured a cold Staffordshire night with light snow drifting on the air, probably 20 of them Rocester supporters. But the small knot of Brakes’ fans made more noise than many of the much larger NWG crowds.

This was not a game between a team hopelessly adrift at the bottom and a rampant Brakes side brimming with confidence as earlier in the season. Rocester have brought back three of the old guard, who were so successful three seasons ago, to steady a young, faltering side and must be candidates for team of the month in March. Brakes long season has taken its toll and they are in danger of running out of senior players despite being fortunate to have Richard Adams back in the team due to Redditch United’s inactivity.

Though Brakes were disappointed at what will be seen as more dropped points against the club in bottom place this was a good point and actually moves them up the table. And this is the time of year when clubs near the bottom beat top teams. As Cadden said after the game Brakes are still on target for a top 6 finish, always the height of their ambitions this season, and 70 points should do it with 19 points needed from 10 games, six of them at home.

Brakes set out to demolish Rocester and the restored Martin Thompson looked powerful and quick going direct for goal. He had two chances in the first 10 minutes and set up McKay for a 14th minute chance that should have been converted.

Rocester were eager, well organised and full of spirit. Brakes played much the better football but at times were over-eager and the game was being broken up by offsides and industrial clearances by the Rocester defence into the surrounding fields with, seemingly, only two balls in use and Mick Brady unable to keep up with “his job”!

Richard Adams headed over the ‘keeper in the 31st with the crowd shouting “goal” but the ball somehow appeared behind the net with devotees of conspiracy theory assuming a hole in the back of the Rocester net. Further chances fell the way of Howell and, again, it seemed only a matter of time before a Brakes’ goal though Shepherd saved well in the 44th.

McKay’s overhead kick at the start of the second half was straight at a good ‘keeper and Herlihy screwed a shot wide in the 54th. A free kick right in front of the Rocester area was taken quickly and wasted as Brakes camped in the Rocester goalmouth forcing three successive corners.

As Rocester’s small band of supporters began to sense that Brakes lacked the killer punch Rocester became more adventurous and had a brief period of dominance missing a clear chance in the 65th that would have been unjust and forcing a succession of corners as belief grew.

But McKay lofted over the goal with 10 minutes remaining as Brakes fought to redeem their earlier failings and both Adams brothers broke through for real chances in the dying minutes though a packed, Rocester defence held firm.

Leamington: Paul Shepherd; Ryan Howell (Alex Rodman 83); Ryan Parisi; Neil Stacey; Tom Sidwell; Stuart Herlihy; Jon Adams; Richard Adams; Jody McKay; Martin Thompson; Josh Blake [Capt]
Subs Not Used: Jamie Coleman; Tom James; Luke Walker; Richard Morris

Rocester (From): Paul Wood; Richard Owen; Gavin Reynolds; Arron Skeldine [Capt]; Paul Ede; Michael Ede; Paul Tortoishell; Tony Collins; Mark Ruddock; Adam Baum; Kevin Milward; Darren Braithwaite; Lee Moran; Tom Barnett; Glyn Douglas; Adam Allcock

Attendance: 89

Players' News: James Husband joins list of walking wounded – no prognosis yet; Richard Adams played to keep match fit as Redditch had no game, still with Redditch.