Five Clean Sheets In Last Six Games As Brakes Make It Seven Wins In a Row To Stay Top

This may have been a nervy performance from Brakes on a very uneven pitch but it was their seventh win in a row with 10 wins and two draws in their last 12 league games five of them clean sheets. Only the 1-2 reverse against Feckenham on 3 January prevents it being a defeat-free 2004 in the league. Brakes were always in control of this game despite the narrow margin and Highgate didn't get a clear shot on goal until the 73rd minute. But Brakes' many chances looked like bearing no fruit until Martin Thompson struck in the 70th minute after only five minutes on the pitch. A few, late, heart-stopping moments briefly threatened the equilibrium of 127 fans who braved a cold night but Brakes remain top and will still be five points ahead after next Saturday without a game as Romulus play today's opponents in a cup match.

This was a very uneven pitch and it soon became apparent that it would not be a classic. With the gritters out in force on a cold night, and Manchester United (losing) on the tele., 127 souls made it to The Coppice with probably a few more still driving around the nearby, new estate looking for the diverted entrance to the ground because of road works that seem to have been going on for three years.

Nicholls, still easing his way back to fitness, made his first start of 2004, and Burgess made his first start for two months. But it was recent regulars Sleem and Steve Thompson who nearly opened Brakes' account in the 12th minute with Sleem close to converting Thompson's cross. Blake was also on fire and nearly added to his impressive goal-scoring record in the 19th after an interchange with the influential Timms. Nicholls headed over from another Thompson cross before the best move of the match in the 28th with Burgess passing to Sleem after a good run down the right and Sleem picking out Herlihy with a clever back-heel only for Herlihy's strike to skim the bar.

Herlihy was in magnificent form; he is fast becoming a vital player in midfield and was involved with most of the good things that were happening. Blake went close with a header from a Sleem cross and Sleem leant back and cracked a shot just over the bar from distance in the 39th, another shot that would have been classed as "lucky" by some if it had gone in, like other "lucky" goals Sleem has scored this season. The half ended with Brakes in total command. Burgess was through on goal in the 42nd, but thwarted by an impressive 'keeper whose timing was exemplary throughout, and as the half ended Sleem, Nicholls and Steve Thompson peppered the Highgate goal in turn.

The second half started with more of the same. With the defence well in command, despite Dhesi appearing to be suffering from a knock which left him less than his usual commanding self, it was a wake-up call when Morris needed two attempts to grab a loose ball. Martin Thompson and Care came on for Sleem and Burgess in the 65th to try and change things and grab the elusive goal. The fresh legs made an immediate difference with three corners in quick succession before a through ball from Blake found Martin Thompson in space but 25 yds from goal, no problem for a striker clearly recovering match fitness as he lifted it over the advancing 'keeper to make it 0-1 in the 70th minute.

With the usual tensions resulting from a 1-0 lead creeping in Highgate had their first clear shot on goal in the 73rd which sailed wide. Nicholls, coming more into the game, robbed a defender and drove just wide and Blake turned superbly to drive a snatch shot just over as the game moved into the last 10 minutes. Herlihy was everywhere now, showing strength, determination and intelligence, knowing when to hold up play or kill a move in the corner. Another excellent move in the 85th nearly moved Brakes into the comfort zone when a Care cross into the box was stepped over superbly my Martin Thompson to leave Nicholls in front of goal with the ball at his feet; but lack of match-fitness showed as Nicholls delayed just long enough for another good block by the Highgate 'keeper.

Steve Thompson brought an excellent save from the 'keeper, diving to his left, after a free kick in the 88th and the untiring efforts of Blake nearly brought reward with the game moving into added time. But it was Herlihy who ensured that Brakes didn't look likely to succumb to a cruel, late equaliser as the match ran-down, prompting and cajoling by example and playing intelligently to ensure that Brakes avoided that potential banana-skin for their third clean sheet in a row making it five out of the last six.

Leamington: Richard Morris; Jonny Burgess (David Care 65); Harj Dhesi; Tom Sidwell; Andy Gregory; Darren Timms; Stuart Herlihy; Josh Blake; Vernor Sleem (Martin Thompson 65); Paul Nicholls; Steve Thompson [Capt]
Subs Not Used: Mark Simmonds