Evostik Southern League Premier Division
Bob Lucas Stadium
Saturday 22nd April 2017
Brakes may have understandably had one eye on Wednesday evening’s play off semi final, but the curtain came down on what has been a much improved and exciting league campaign with little more than a whimper at mid table Weymouth, who were unable to improve on their own finishing position of tenth but at least sent their supporters into the summer in good spirits with a good performance and four very well taken goals.
As expected there was a very end of season feel to the game, particularly in the early stages. Rob Thompson-Brown’s free kick deflected through to Terras keeper Nick Thomas, the only time he really touched the ball from a Brakes attack all afternoon.
Calvin Brooks fired a shot well wide and Stuart Fleetwood was denied well by Tony Breeden, who rushed off his line to save at the strikers’ feet. The prolific front man was not to be denied for too long however, homing in on goal again a lifting the ball high over the Leamington skipper to open the scoring on 38 minutes.
Weymouth skipper Stephane Zubar saw a backheeled effort cleared away from goal, but the home side extended their lead just before half time, Fleetwood’s predatory instincts coming to the fore again as he found the top corner in a crowded penalty area.
Ben Thomson’s thunderous strike in off the post past a static Breeden made it three early in the second half before Fleetwood completed his hat trick, latching onto substitute Jordan Copp’s through ball and slotting past Breeden.
Leamington fashioned a couple of half chances in the closing stages, substitute Callum Gittings driving a powerful effort just past the post from distance, while the best move of the game by some distance from the visitors saw Richard Gregory find Tom James on the left, his ball into the centre fired in first time and inches wide by Jack Edwards.
It seemed a little anti climatic for the team to be presented with the runners-up trophy by the Southern League after the game, the players looking somewhat sheepish as they climbed the steps of the main stand at the Bob Lucas Stadium to receive the silverware, the hosts having kindly allowed the travelling supporters onto the pitch to share in the moment.
Focus can now be fully placed on a huge game at home to Slough Town on Wednesday evening. Nobody will need reminding of the score the last time the Berkshire side visited the Phillips 66 Community Stadium at the back end of January, and while Brakes have yet to score against the Rebels this season, their form in April has been similarly patchy. In a one off winner takes all fixture, anything could happen.
Attendance: 585
Weymouth: Nick Thomas, Ashley Wells, Tiago Sa, Stephane Zubar ©, Mark Cooper, Calvin Brooks, Charlie Davis, Sean Stewart (15 Dean Evans, 66), Stuart Fleetwood ( 17 Dom Pansear-Dower, 89), Ben Thomson, Aaron Rodriguez (16 Jordan Copp, 74).
Subs not used: 12 Billy Lowes, 14 Jake Wannell.
Leamington: Tony Breeden ©, Richard Taundry (16 Ben George, 81), Tom James, Jack Edwards, James Mace, Joe Magunda, Kurtis Revan (14 Courtney Baker-Richardson, 71), Jordan Goddard, Stefan Moore (12 Callum Gittings, 46), Richard Gregory, Robbie Thompson-Brown.
Subs not used: 15 Connor Gudger, 17 Ahmed Obeng.
Referee: Mr Lee Roberts
Assistant Referees: Mr Neil Lane & Mr Oliver Green
