Report
Evostik Southern League Premier Division
Phillips 66 Community Stadium
Saturday 8th August 2015
Brakes got off to the best possible start with three points on their return to the Southern League, but they did not have things all their own way against a Chesham United side who were unfortunate to come up against an inspired Tony Breeden at the newly named Phillips 66 Community Stadium.
One of a trio of returning players during the summer, the newly named club captain pulled off some important second half saves to ultimately help win the game for Leamington after Ben Mackey's 28th minute strike had edged them in ahead.
The visitors had the most of what early running there was, forcing a string of early corners without really extending Breeden too much. Dave Pearce drove a low shot wide while Richard Taundry fired a free kick over the bar at the other, and the lively Ryan Blake saw a shot saved by Breeden.
Brad Wadkins missed a great chance to head the Generals in front when he missed the target from close range, and this was put into even greater focus minutes later when the returning Mackey fired Brakes ahead, receiving a pass from Jack Edwards on the left edge of the penalty area before turning across his marker and curling a low drive beyond the dive of Chesham's debutant keeper George Legg into the bottom corner. He celebrated with a cartwheel and clenched fist salute that became a trademark of his first spell at the club as the home fans celebrated wildly.
The visitors continued to press in the second half but came up against an impenetrable wall in the form of Breeden, who kept out Sam Youngs' header before at the other end Legg clawed Edwards' effort behind for a corner.
The Leamington keeper then left Matt Taylor holding his head in his hands wondering how he had not scored when he showed lightening reactions to keep out a headed effort from point blank range, and perhaps an even better save was to follow as Dave Pearce was thwarted as he attempted to fire in Toby Little driven cross from the left.
Michael Williams came closest to adding to Leamington's lead late in the second half when his low drive into the near post was smothered by Legg. The substitute then set up Taundry to curl a shot over the bar as Brakes saw out injury time to claim what was a much needed win to kick off the campaign.
Attendance: 487
Leamington: Tony Breeden © , Ben George, Connor Gudger, Joe Magunda, Jamie Hood, James Mace, Jack Edwards, Richard Taundry (14 Kieren Westwood, 90), Rob Ogleby (12 Michael Williams, 80), Ben Mackey, Lee Moore
Subs not used: 15 Reece Mitchell, 16 Ellison Porter, GK Lewis Fenney.
Chesham United: George Legg, Ashley Smith, Toby Little © , Laurie Stewart, Curtis Ujah, Matt Taylor (16 Barry Hayles, 74), Dave Pearce (15 Nick Beasant, 83), Sam Youngs, Ryan Blake, Brad Wadkins, Bruce Wilson.
Subs not used: 12 Ash Fongho, 14 Tommy Fletcher, GK Shane Gore.
Referee: Mr Stuart Eagland
Assistant Referees: Mr Alan Sarginson & Mr Jamie Conde
Brakes Man of the Match: Tony Breeden
