Sports Spring Surprise as Brakes Slip to Defeat

Brakes' championship hopes were dealt a heavy blow by a young and committed Dudley Sports side who thoroughly deserved their victory. Perhaps having already beaten Sports twice this season had lulled the home players into a false sense of security, but at no stage of this match did they look like claiming the points needed to close in on leaders Romulus.

On a blustery afternoon with rain clouds a constant threat, a crowd of 270 was easily Brakes lowest league gate of the season. Having taken over 200 fans to last week's FA Vase match at Alsager, it was difficult to fathom out why more didn't make the much shorter journey to Harbury Lane. Brakes made three changes from the midweek match against Dudley, welcoming back Harj Dhesi, Chris Hanrahan and leading striker Paul Nicholls.

Looking at my notes, I didn't find anything worthwhile to write about until the twenty-eighth minute when a Steve Thompson header was fumbled by visiting 'keeper Paul Fellows in Brakes first real period of pressure. Dudley hotshot Gavin Mole could have given his side the lead two minutes later, but he just failed to connect with a defence-splitting pass down the middle.

Brakes wasted the few opportunities that came their way, the most glaring of which was a Chris Hanrahan shot on 35 minutes which sailed over the stand into the car park. However, right on the stroke of half-time, a goal looked likely as a cross from the industrious Dave Care found Paul Nicholls unmarked but Fellows saved well with his legs.

Into the second half and with the wind at their backs, Brakes started to open up. Vernor Sleem, who had a quiet game, sent a curling shot with the outside of his right foot into the side netting. However, the crucial strike came from Sports on 53 minutes when dynamic midfielder Andrew Glover sent the ball into the penalty area from the left for Mole to chip Richard Morris (0-1). Almost from the restart Brakes came close to an equaliser but Fellows was again up to the task tipping a Josh Blake shot over the bar. Then Morris was called into action again saving from Glover with Andy Gregory clearing the danger.

Other chances came Brakes way, but one felt that it was not to be their day. With such a superb pitch to play on, it was difficult to see why the ball was pumped up in the air so often. With just about everybody struggling to find some form, the talented Anthony Episcopo should have been sent on earlier than two minutes before the end to help Mark Simmonds with some creative midfield play.

There was a long after-match discussion in the dressing rooms and I didn't feel it politic to ask Jason Cadden for a quote!

Leamington: Richard Morris; David Care; Harj Dhesi; Tom Sidwell; Andy Gregory; Barry Shearsby; Chris Hanrahan (Anthony Episcopo 88); Josh Blake; Vernor Sleem (Mark Simmonds 62); Paul Nicholls; Steve Thompson [Capt.]

Subs Not Used: Simon Walker

Team News: Jonny Burgess has "had the 'flu" but was there; Daz Timms on planned leave for family event.