Evostik Southern League Premier Division
The Corinium Stadium
Saturday 16th April 2016
Brakes returned back up the Fosse Way with a vital three points from their final away game of the season at Cirencester, and now have a free week to prepare for their final day clash with fellow play off chasers Hungerford Town.
Next week’s opponents have a long midweek journey to relegated Histon to negotiate, and with Redditch and Kettering facing each other before playing another game prior to next Saturday’s fixtures, the permutations are too varied to contemplate.
Leamington began this tricky test with a flourish, taking the game to their hosts early on and taking a nerve settling lead inside the opening fifteen minutes courtesy of a composed finish from Jack Edwards, who drilled his twelfth goal of the season through the legs of keeper Josh Langley into the net after Danny Dubidat had nudged Richard Taundry’s right wing cross into his path. Prior to this Courtney Baker-Richardson had seen his powerful first time drive well saved by the young goalkeeper after good work by Sam Austin down the left wing.
Edwards was in the thick of the action at the other end too, getting in a good block as James Mortimer-Jones shaped to shoot for goal.
Baker-Richardson got a little too much purchase on a high ball forward, lifting it well over the bar, while Taundry did superbly to get across Ollie Knight and clear the ball as the winger threatened to go clear on goal.
Joe Halsall was inches from connecting with the ball at the far post as Baker-Richardson flicked on Connor Gudger’s cross, while the striker saw a half volley from Dubidat’s knock down saved by Langley.
Baker-Richardson almost scored a sublime goal with his next effort, picking up the ball close to the dead ball line from a corner and cutting back in field before looping a cross shot back towards goal that almost arced into the top corner, Langley however was alert to the danger, and held onto the ball well.
Cirencester began to get a foothold in the game before half time, Charlie Griffin sending a free header just wide from a right wing free kick, while Adam Connolly’s first time drive from the edge of the box was straight at Tony Breeden.
Substitute Zak Kotwica spurned a glorious opportunity to fire the Centurions level early in the second half, sprinting through on goal only to shoot straight at Breeden, who saved well with his legs.
The home side were seeing a lot more of the ball without really causing Leamington any problems, and they were made to pay for their lack of penetration with fifteen minutes to go when Baker-Richardson received the ball with his back to goal on the edge of the box, turning sharply to crack a low drive into the bottom corner to give Leamington a two goal cushion.
It was one that they needed, as after Griffin went close again with another header, substitute Alex Dinsmore netted an injury time consolation for the home side, pouncing on a loose ball to fire low past Breeden.
With the Referee playing what seemed a very generous amount of added time the visiting supporters were relieved to hear the final whistle sound. Twitter will no doubt be a well used internet tool this week as Leamington wait to find out exactly what they need to do to secure a play off place.
Attendance: 318
Cirencester Town: Josh Langley, Anthony Brown, Aidan Bennett, Mark Pritchett, Matt Liddiard ©, Shayne Anson (15 Matt Bower, 83), Adam Connolly, James Mortimer-Jones, Charlie Griffin, Ross Langworthy (12 Zak Kotwica, 25), Ollie Knight.
Subs not used: 14 Alex Dinsmore, 16 Ben Prictor, 17 Sam Farr.
Leamington: Tony Breeden ©, Richard Taundry, Connor Gudger (12 Ben George, 66), Joe Halsall, Jamie Tank, Jamie Hood, Lee Moore (17 Rob Elvins 76), Jack Edwards, Courtney Baker-Richardson, Daniel Dubidat (15 James Mace, 90), Sam Austin.
Subs not used: 14 Ben Mackey, 16 Rob Ogleby.
Referee: Mr Mark Russell
Assistant Referees: Mr Mike Pope & Mr Martin Peters
Brakes Man of the Match: Courtney Baker-Richardson.
