Springtime Blues for Unlucky Leamington

A grey, cloudy evening but, for this first match since the clocks went forward, there was still some light in the sky at the start. Despite recent heavy rain the pitch was in good condition though it had cut up in the goalmouths and down the middle.

Both teams needed the points to stay clear of the relegation slots and much of the first half was stalemate. Despite McCarthy shooting onto the bar in the 19th Coleshill had marginally more of the play and Lockyer made two inch-perfect saving tackles in the 32nd and, again, seven minutes later but neither side really threatened to score.

But a defensive error by the Coleshill defence soon after the restart set McCarthy free but still with a lot to do as he ran inform a tight angle on the left to drive the ball into the far corner, 0-1 in the 48th.

With Coleshill not seeming able to get shots on target it looked as if one goal could be enough and Brakes were gradually imposing themselves on the game and looking the more likely of the two teams to score. But a disputed free kick proved Brakes undoing with the ball lofted over Heath’s head into the top corner, 1-1 in the 60th.

Although Lockyer again tackled back well to deny Coleshill a chance in the 63rd and Heath made a magnificent save at point-blank range in the 75th, the second half belonged to Brakes. First Rellis had a shot beaten away and Footman, following up, saw a superb drive palmed round for a corner. Then Brakes netted in the 77th, a “goal” that was disallowed for no obvious reason.

Brakes were well on top by now with Coleshill in disarray but the ball wouldn’t go in. A succession of shots in the 86th seemed to hit every part of the ‘keeper and a defender before bouncing to safety then Barry Hobbins broke down the left touchline to shoot just wide. And Brakes were playing good football, sweeping the ball around to each other with first-time passes and incisive through balls.

But, just as I was preparing to record that a draw was a travesty for Brakes on this display things got worse when a rare Coleshill break down the right ended with a cross more in hope than judgement and the ball squeezed into the corner for 2-1 in the 90th amidst more than a suspicion that Heath in the Brakes’ goal was impeded.

Leamington Youth: Tom Heath; James Footman; Tom James [Capt]; Luke Walker; James Lockyer; Barry Hobbins; Mike Ellis; Ashley Powell; Sean McCarthy; Sean Rellis (Mike Deas 76); Henry Jordan
Subs Not Used: Vinny Thiara; Mark Griffin; Chris King; Luke Hobbins

Other News: Only outstanding fixture, at Kidderminster Harriers, has been rearranged for Thursday 4 May ko 7:30; coach 5pm as normal.