By Roger Vincent

Brakes Hit for Six

A crowd of 477 included about 100 away fans for the second leg of the Leamington Invitation Trophy with Brakes 2-1 up after the first leg at Nuneaton last October. But Nationwide Conference Boro' used their 1st team squad and proved too much for Brakes.

Defensive frailties in the 25th and 40th minutes let in Boro' for a 2-0 half-time lead but Timms and Mort had gone close with long-range shots and Brakes were holding their own and still in the game.

That all changed with 3 quick goals after the break in the 48th, 50th and 57th minutes which put the game beyond recall. Both sides used all their substitutes and Scott Curphey made an early impression coming on for Thompson at wing-back and immediately making a surging run on goal to drive a low shot on target that was tipped round for a corner.

But this was also notable for being Brakes only real attempt on goal in the second half and Nuneaton notched a sixth in the 74th minute to take the trophy, presented by Leamington's Director of football, Dave Draper, with an aggregate 7-2 over both legs.

The last time these 2 teams met at Leamington was in April 1991 when Boro' won 1-0 with a goal from Trevor Morley, later of West Ham United and Manchester City. Brakes have a way to go before these teams meet again in the league at an equal level but should not be disheartened at losing to a good Conference team and can only learn from the experience. Several players are unavailable through holidays, etc.; Richard Morris, Josh Blake, Simon Walker, Harj Dhesi and Glen Webb are all still with the club though David Care and Will Payne have definitely left.

Leamington: Umbi Sidhu, Jonny Burgess (Ben Adams 46), Tom Sidwell, Andy Gregory (Andy Dix 83), Lee Scott, Daz Timms, Nick Mort, Simon Wickson (Paul Eden 69), Paul Nicholls (Neil Stacey 77), Brian Agar (Barry Shearsby 46), Steve Thompson [Capt.] (Scott Curphey 77)