Last ten minute super show as Brakes turn over the Bones
Thu, 27 Sep 2007 @ Cecil Street, Rothwell. vs Rothwell Town (3-1). errea Cup First Round. By C Baker. After dominating but failing to score in the first half and going behind to an unstoppable 25-yarder in the 70th minute, it seemed that an early exit from the errea Cup was on the cards. Then it all happened: Ben Mackey netted just a minute before Russell Dunkley's persistence paid off to put Brakes 2-1 ahead in the 80th, and the tie was wrapped up by Josh Blake's first of the season in the 84th.
Autumn was definitely in the air, with many Brakes supporters donning warm scarves and woolly hats for the first time this season, as what appeared to be a crowd of about 150-200 gathered for this game. The attendance showing on the Southern League website is 84: clearly incorrect, as the video will undoubtedly show. Perhaps it was 184?
The Cecil Street ground has a sloping pitch, rather gloomy and low floodlighting and is partly surrounded by trees which keep the wind off. There was some relief at seeing plenty of covered seating and terracing as the sky menaced, but in the end the game was played in dry and almost perfect conditions.
Jason Cadden rang a number of changes after Saturday's spendid performance at Evesham. Some of this was forced: Ryan Parisi in for the injured Martin Hier; Ben Mackey and Avun Jephcott, arriving late after a long journey, took to the bench. Martin Thompson partnering Russell Dunkley up front gave the forward line a look of physical strength and power.
The first half ended goalless despite constant Brakes pressure. James Husband and Josh Blake were in the ascendant, providing numerous chances and generally creating problems for the Rothwell defence. Bones goalkeeper Tom Smith saw plenty of action and made two or three vital saves. Perhaps it was going to be one of those games. With a result being necessary on the night, extra time loomed and calculations were made as to just how late it would be before a return to Leamington could be made.
The second half began in much the same vein, although Rothwell were seeing more of the ball and created chances as they enjoyed the advantage of the slope. Brakes defence was once again impressive, with captain Arron Parkinson marshalling his men well. There was a yellow card for a clumsy challenge by Adam Cooper, but otherwise this was a good natured game, with very few fouls by either side. Martin Thompson exited after his usual committed performance, replaced by Mackey.
In the 69th minute, Avun Jephcott replaced the tiring James Husband and took his place at left wing back. His first touch was a clearance that fell straight at the feet of Rothwell's Pete Sneddon, who proceeded to place a rocket of a shot well beyond Richard Morris' reach. Perhaps some homework is in order: Rothwell's website says that he had done exactly the same thing against Histon in a pre-season friendly. 1-0 to the Bones and for the next five minutes they pressed Brakes back, looking for a killer second. Things were not helped when an inswinging Marcus Jackson corner appeared to be going across the line, only to be headed out by Josh Blake! Much muttering among the Brakes faithful at this point.
But the effort and pressure finally came good. Ben Mackey, closing in on a half clearance, netted from close range in the 70th. Russell Dunkley, who had been instrumental in holding the ball up and laying it off on numerous occasions, smacked in after another poor clearance just a minute later. Joy, relief and end of muttering! Leamington 2-1 up.
It was one-way traffic again for the last few minutes, in which Josh Blake rounded off a terrific evening with his first of the season and Brakes third when he capitalised on a scuffed Jephcott shot in the 80th minute. It was good to see Morton Titterton on in a cameo role as sub for the last few moments of the game.
All round, another strong performance which can only help build confidence.
Leamington line up: Morris; Jackson, Cooper, Parkinson (capt), Parisi, Husband; Fountain, Dutton, Blake; Dunkley, Thompson. Subs: Mackey (on for Thompson); Jephcott (on for Husband); Titterton (on for Fountain). Not used: Tank, Gibson (GK).
- MotM Russell Dunkley.