Darroch caps debut with wonder goal as Brakes ease through in Cup

Brakes went some way towards easing the pain of last season's Polymac Services Cup Final defeat by Barwell, running out comfortable winners and booking their passage into the second round.

With several changes from Saturday's winning combination at Boldmere St. Michaels, this new-look side might have needed time to get to know eachother. However, they came out of the starting blocks full of running and Josh Blake (one of only three survivors from last May's Final) had a chance on goal in only the second minute.

Barwell 'keeper Liam Castle was lucky to get away with a mispunch on ten minutes, as both Adam Cooper and Andy Gregory had attempts blocked from the loose ball. Then a good cross from the left by the impressive Tom Bates just eluded Blake right in front of goal.

The Brakes opener came in the 24th minute when Craig Dutton sent a long ball out of defence which Perry Johnson failed to cut out and Ben Mackey was in the right position to drive a firm shot under the outstretched hand of Castle (1-0).

Barwell almost struck back immediately, but Jason Pearcey saved at full stretch from Kevin Charley. On the half-hour, a poor clearance from Castle went straight to Mackey, but the Brakes striker wasn't able to get a shot in, ending up on the floor inside the penalty area. With half-time approaching, Pearcey again saved from Charley and Brakes had another good chance with Adam Cooper heading against the bar and Stuart Herlihy putting the rebound in the Harbury Lane end stand.

In the second half, Herlihy had a long-range shot that was not far away and Reece Lester made a similar attempt for Barwell. However, the turning point came on 76 minutes as substitute Scott Darroch, with his first touch of the game, sent a thunderous shot dipping under the crossbar to give Castle no chance. Not a bad way to make your debut and within only three minutes of coming on.

Pearcey again saved well (this time from David Spencer) as Barwell tried to find a way back and the game took another turn in the 85th minute as Reece Lester converted a cross from the right to make it 2-1. However, with a minute to go, whatever hopes Barwell had of taking the match into extra time were extinguished by the improving Dave Pearson who finished off good work by Dutton and Darroch to wrap it up and cap a solid personal performance.

Manager Jason Cadden was understandably happy with the result, saying "we played some attractive football, especially in the first half and were always on top. This is a cup that we want to win and we are pleased to go through and put the record straight after last season. The changes worked well with Tom Cudworth having a full 90 minutes, Andy Gregory returning and good debuts from Tom Bates and Scott Darroch."

Martin Hier's injury is not as bad as feared on Saturday and he is looking at a two-week absence. Otherwise, everyone should be available for Saturday's match against Oldbury.

Leamington Jason Pearcey; Jamie Towers (Jon Adams 77); Tom Cudworth; Adam Cooper; Andy Gregory; Craig Dutton [Capt.]; Stuart Herlihy; Josh Blake (Tom James 82); Ben Mackey (Scott Darroch 73); Dave Pearson; Tom Bates
Subs Not Used James Husband; Martin Thompson

Barwell Liam Castle; Perry Johnson; Carl Bacon; Richard Masters; Adam Chaeater; Karl Noble; Scott Clamp [Capt.]; Kevin Charley; David Spencer; Craig Noble; Reece Lester; Ben Lissaman; Leigh Wileman; Nicholas Grant

Attendance 443

Author's Man of the Match Dave Pearson

Photographs from the match here»