Evostik Southern League Premier Division
Latimer Park
Tuesday 12th April 2016

Poole Town may almost have the title wrapped up but the play off picture below them remains no clearer after Brakes ground out a battling draw at Latimer Park.

Hungerford’s 98th minute winner at Kings Lynn was not particularly helpful to the Brakes cause, and while both they and Kettering have games in hand on Leamington the possibility still remains that all five clubs vying for those four precious positions will have to play right to the final whistle on the last day of the season to confirm one.

Unfortunately the injury problems continue to pile up, with Joe Magunda leaving Latimer Park with his arm in a sling after dislocating his shoulder, and Connor Gudger also having to be substituted at half time after turning his ankle, the player himself saying after the game that he was hopeful it wouldn’t turn out to be too serious. On the plus side Jamie Hood was at the game and may be involved at Cirencester on Saturday.

Losing this clash would have made things far more difficult for Paul Holleran’s side as they chase that top five finish, and they began fully on the front foot in front of a raucous crowd, taking the game to Marcus Law’s in form side. Jack Edwards was right in the thick of things, seeing a shot blocked before blazing a good chance over the bar first time from close range.

Sam Austin fired well over the bar from a loose defensive header, but his dangerous left wing cross saw Liam Bateman almost put through his own net as he headed it inches past the post for a Leamington corner.

Kettering then took the lead with their first serious attack, Liam Canavan forcing the ball home at the third attempt after Tony Breeden had produced two fine saves to deny him. The goal came completely against the run of play, and knocked Leamington back for a period as the Poppies looked to build on their advantage. Canavan found the side netting from a similar position to the one he scored his goal from as both sides traded blows without really threatening, until moments before half time when Courtney Baker-Richardson was brought down by Chris Carruthers right on the edge of the penalty area, the Poppies players vehemently protesting that the offence took place just outside the box but the Referee, having immediately signalled a penalty, stuck with his original decision after consulting his assistant on that side, and up stepped Sam Austin to net his second spot kick of the week, sending Craig Hill the wrong way as he found the bottom right hand corner of the net.

This was the perfect pick me up for Brakes, having lost their momentum after the Kettering goal, along with the injuries to Magunda and Gudger, but with Ben George and Rob Elvins proving more than able deputies, they set about repelling the Kettering onslaught in the second half. James Brighton’s rising drive was beaten away by Breeden as the Poppies began to build up a head of steam. The Leamington keeper was the subject of constant abuse from the home crowd behind his goal throughout, but it did not affect his game in the slightest as he denied Canavan again, beating away a powerful shot before being fouled as he scrambled to collect the ball.

Brakes looked to threaten on the counter attack but their final balls were letting them down a little at times. Joe Halsall’s shot looked to have struck an arm inside the box but there was nothing doing. Wilson Carvalho’s free kick whistled inches over the Leamington bar, while Callum Gittings shot was well blocked by Poppies skipper Brett Solkhon as Leamington tried to snatch a late winner. A shot blazed over the bar by Herve Pepe-Ngoma was the final chance for either side as it finished honours even, the nail biting for both sets of supporters will continue for at least another week or so yet.

Attendance: 696

Kettering Town: Craig Hill, Liam Bateman, Dominic Langdon, Brett Solkhon ©, Chris Carruthers, Herve Pepe-Ngoma, Wilson Carvalho, Liam Canavan (16 Silvano Obeng 82), Rene Howe (17 Ben Stephens 86), David Popa (15 Will Grocutt, 70), James Brighton.

Subs not used: 12 Ben Baker, 14 Perry Cotton.

Leamington: Tony Breeden, Richard Taundry, Connor Gudger (17 Rob Elvins, 46), Joe Halsall, Jamie Tank ©, Joe Magunda (12 Ben George, 22), Lee Moore, Callum Gittings, Courtney Baker-Richardson (14 Ben Mackey, 74), Jack Edwards, Sam Austin.

Subs not used: 15 Rob Ogleby, 16 Ross Oulton.

Referee: Mr Wayne Porter

Assistant Referees: Mr Vincenzo Byatt & Mr Nicolae Manolescu

Brakes Man of the Match: Tony Breeden.