Report

New Windmill Ground
Saturday 25th July 2015

Brakes played out a well contested friendly with a full strength Solihull Moors side at a sunny New Windmill Ground, losing out to a single goal scored just prior to the half hour mark by Darryl Knights.

Despite the wholesale changes made by Moors boss Marcus Bignot over the close season there were still familiar faces in the visitors line up in the shape of Liam Daly and Stefan Moore, while Tony Breeden lined up against his former team mates for the first time since returning to Leamington.

Moore's early shot was blocked as he attempted to find the net from close range, while Ben Mackey got into a good position at the other end but shot wide under heavy pressure from a defender.

There was very little goalmouth action but some good football being played at times as both sides cancelled each other out. Solihull made the most of the first clear cut opening that came their way on 29 minutes, Knights steering a low half volley neatly into the bottom corner with the outside of his right boot as he pounced on a loose ball played up to the edge of the Leamington penalty area.

Breeden was forced into a smart save to prevent a header from doubling the advantage soon afterwards but there were no more chances at either end before half time.

The biggest talking point as the second half began was the appearance of Brakes fan Tom O'Connell on the pitch as he replaced one of the Assistant Referees, which led to much amusement in the crowd as his friends did their best to distract him.

Knights fired an early shot well wide while a free kick was deflected behind by the Brakes defensive wall. Again there was some good football played by both sides, and while Leamington were never going to be able to go all out against a side containing a number of England C international players, they acquitted themselves well in spite of having certain players out of position due to injuries.

Leamington: Tony Breeden, Michael Williams, Connor Gudger, Joe Magunda © , Jamie Tank (17 Danny Williams, 79), James Mace, Ben George, Jack Edwards, Rob Ogleby (14 Matt Warner, 83), Ben Mackey (12 Ellison Porter, 87), Lee Moore.

Subs not used: 15 Trialist, 18 Trialist.

Solihull Moors: Danny Lewis, Michael Nottingham, Connor Franklin, Liam Daly, Theo Streete © , Gareth Dean, James Armson, Ryan Beswick, Andy Brown, Stefan Moore, Darryl Knights.

Subs not used: 12 Nick Cleary, 14 Marcus Bignot.

Attendance: 252

Referee: Mr Grant Taylor

Assistant Referees: Mr Joe Clarke & Mr Richie Watkins