Evostik Southern League Premier Division
The Meadow
Tuesday 22nd March 2016

Leamington’s nine match unbeaten streak came to a shuddering halt on Tuesday evening as they met their match against old adversaries Chesham United, who extended their own run to six games in the process.

The Generals were sitting closer to the relegation zone than the play off places which would surprise any regular viewer of football in this league given their previous finishes, but their lowly placing thus far has been mainly due to their superb run in the FA Cup, which saw them reach the second round proper.

Andy Leese’s side have always been difficult opponents for Brakes and the games have always been eventful. This one was perhaps less so than usual but that could be attributed to the fact that the home side had stormed into a two goal lead before Leamington had chance to settle into the game.

Ben Mackey drove a well struck low effort towards goal in the opening exchanges but Shane Gore held the bouncing ball well at his near post.

Chesham were ahead on 6 minutes, Sam Youngs crashing a swerving 25 yard drive into net past the dive of Tony Breeden. Youngs took just five minutes to double his tally, lifting the ball past Breeden after collecting a flick on from Ryan Blake.

Brakes looked shell shocked having not conceded in five games prior to kick off, while for a time the hosts looked like they might score every time they attacked. Breeden did well to push Blake’s header over the bar, while Mackey received a booking for supposedly helping the ball into the net with his hand just as the travelling fans behind the goal thought their side had dragged themselves back into proceedings.

Jack Edwards drew a save from Gore with a firm header from Richard Taundry’s long throw, while Lee Moore hooked the ball towards goal following the first sustained bit of pressure on the home defence from Leamington towards the end of the first half, but there wasn’t enough pace on the ball for it to trouble the goalkeeper.

Jamie Tank headed powerfully towards goal from an early second half corner, Mackey trying to help the ball on before it reached the arms of Gore. Courtney Baker-Richardson then found some space down the left, sending the ball low into the penalty area for Moore to strike a shot that hit a defender in front of goal, ricocheting back off Moore and behind for a goal kick.
The game was effectively up for Leamington shortly afterwards when Blake prevented the ball from going out of play, cutting it into the six yard box for Dave Pearce to slam past Breeden.

The Brakes skipper held a Chesham free kick before Moore got into a good position at the other end only to fire straight at Gore. Baker-Richardson was onto the follow up quickly but the ball was somehow blocked on the line by Generals’ skipper Curtis Ujah.

Another indication that this just wasn’t going to be Leamington’s night came when Gore clearly palmed Taundry’s free kick over the bar only for the Referee to award a goal kick, much to the amazement of those behind the goal.

Baker-Richardson volleyed well wide from another good position inside the box as Leamington tried in vain to find a way back into the game, but Chesham still looked dangerous and came close to adding to their lead several times, substitute Kelvin Bossman and Blake forcing good saves from Breeden in quick succession.

Leamington should probably have finished the game with at least a goal to show for their efforts, Baker-Richardson’s low shot deflected towards the near post where Gore made the save, before Rob Ogleby’s good work saw him twisting and turning before firing off a shot that was deflected over the bar, the Referee deciding he hadn’t seen it again and awarding a goal kick.

The Leamington substitute saw another shot helped behind by a defender after Sam Austin and Connor Gudger combined well on the left to set him up, but Shane Gore earned his clean sheet bonus in stoppage time, making a fine reaction save on the line to keep out a header from Edwards.

While this was the heaviest defeat Brakes have suffered this season they will have the perfect chance to get it out of their system with the Easter weekend double header against Chippenham and Stratford. With other midweek results going against the sides around them in the table they are still in position to achieve their pre season aim.

Attendance: 264

Chesham United: Shane Gore, Ashley Smith, Toby Little, Nick Beasant, Curtis Ujah ©, Stephan Hamilton-Forbes, Dave Pearce (14 Ben Ford, 89), Sam Youngs, Ryan Blake, Barry Hayles (12 Kelvin Bossman, 66), Adam Martin (16 Bruce Wilson, 80).

Subs not used: 15 Chris Cutler, 17 Shaun Reece.

Leamington: Tony Breeden ©, Richard Taundry, Connor Gudger, James Fry (15 Ross Oulton, 71), Jamie Hood, James Mace, Lee Moore (14 Ben George, 79), Jack Edwards, Ben Mackey (12 Rob Ogleby, 66), Courtney Baker-Richardson, Sam Austin.

Subs not used: 16 Martyn Naylor, GK Eddie Caviezel Cox.

Referee: Mr T Donnellan

Assistant Referees: Mr M Ball & Mr Trinder

Brakes Man of the Match: Jack Edwards.