Report
Evostik Southern League Premier Division
Phillips 66 Community Stadium
Monday 31st August 2015
Brakes produced a performance to match the dismal Bank Holiday weather as they missed the chance to bounce back fully from Saturday's defeat at Biggleswade.
Stuart Storer's Bedworth side would have been understandably low on confidence having picked up only a single point and two goals from their opening six fixtures but they stuck doggedly to their guns and deserved a share of the spoils. Leamington appeared to lack the confidence and belief to break their opponents down, while both sides were at times aided and hampered in equal measure by some puzzling decisions from the match officials.
Paul Holleran's men made a reasonably bright start to the game, Greenbacks keeper Denham Hinds punching the ball off the head of James Mace after Jack Edwards had nodded it on, Lee Moore eventually driving the loose ball over the bar. Edwards then headed over from Richard Taundry's corner kick.
Making his debut against his former club, Aron Wint saw a shot blocked as Bedworth made their first movement towards goal. The majority of half chances that were created came at the other end, Jake Jones firing low across goal and Will Green stabbing a first time effort wide of the upright. Jamie Hood sent a header over the bar from a corner while Tony Breeden was forced to punch Alex Naughton's cross behind for a corner as a drab first half came to a close.
Those hoping for better fare in the second half were to leave disappointed as the game continued to follow a similar pattern, with Leamington left frustrated every time they tried to push forward. Naughton briefly raised Bedworth hopes with a positive run down the right channel into the box but his ball across goal drifted to safety.
Edwards picked up the ball inside the Greenbacks penalty area following a free kick and forced a save from Hinds with a low shot on the turn, while Daniel Creaney drew a sharp intake of breath from the home support when he crashed a powerful shot inches wide.
Edwards found himself in the Referee's notebook on his return from suspension along with Kyle Cartwright and Creaney after a spot of handbags following the award of a free kick after Green was tripped following a mazy run towards the edge of the box. Connor Gudger sent the resulting free kick high over the bar. Edwards then forced another save from Denham with a well struck 20 yard drive.
In a bizarre twist the combative midfielder then appeared to be substituted on the advice of the Referee after making a couple of strong challenges that were met with howls of protest from the visiting contingent, aware that he was already on a booking. Indeed, after the second incident Edwards looked as though he feared the worst, but after a conversation with the Referee he was replaced by Michael Williams.
There was a brief flurry of late action as the game lurched to its conclusion, with Williams at the heart of most it. The substitute saw an attempted overhead kick blocked before driving a shot low and wide of the target. Luke Rowe then curled a free kick over the bar for Bedworth before their skipper Chris Tullin almost put through his own goal at the far post after Williams had caused havoc with a driving run in from the right. In truth that would have been an extremely harsh way for such an uninspiring contest to end, but as it was both sides were left to settle for a point.
Attendance: 454
Leamington: Tony Breeden © , Ben George, Connor Gudger, Jack Edwards (14 Michael Williams, 72), Jamie Hood, James Mace, Lee Moore, Richard Taundry, Will Green (12 Rob Ogleby, 64), Ben Mackey, Jake Jones (15 Ross Oulton, 64).
Subs not used: 16 Kieren Westwood, GK Matt Hill.
Bedworth United: Denham Hinds, Chris Tullin © , Luke Rowe, Andrew Westwood, Kyle Cartwright, Nathan Haines, Mark Albrighton, Chad Degville Cross, Aron Wint (12 Kristian Ramsey Dickson, 90+3), Alex Naughton (14 Ben Steane, 67), Daniel Creaney.
Subs not used: 15 Ryan Nash, 16 Pierce Kigmbi, GK Alex Penny.
Referee: Mr Adam Crysell
Assistant Referees: Mr Mark Wetherall & Mr Mr Kevin Bungay
Brakes Man of the Match: Jamie Hood
