Townsend Meadow
Pre Season Friendly
Tuesday 12th July 2016
Brakes eventually ran out comfortable winners at the home of closest neighbours Racing Club Warwick, but not before falling behind to a stunning strike from the hosts.
Paul Holleran was unable to call upon Tony Breeden again so trialist Jonathan Brown was handed a start in goal, while last season’s reserve keeper Eddie Caviezel Cox lined up between the sticks for Racing Club.
A mix up with the booking of the match officials saw the game kick off later than scheduled, Brakes fans Kevin and David Hancock assisting local referee Kevin Andrews to ensure the game went ahead.
Ahmed Obeng saw an early shot cleared away from the goal line after he was afforded plenty of time and space on the left, while a Warwick shot sparked appeals for a penalty as it was blocked.
Rob Thompson-Brown shot well wide after a neat little run into the penalty area, and he then won a penalty as he was chopped down just inside the box following a similar run from the right. Ryan Rowe stepped up and struck a firm shot to Caviezel Cox’s right, but the young keeper got down well to make a good save.
Warwick then stunned their visitors by taking the lead in the fixture for the second year running, a powerful drive from the right finding the back of the net off the underside of the crossbar.
Leamington were quickly level however, Jack Edwards’ deflected shot looping into the net. Obeng had a chance to fire his side ahead when he pounced on a short back pass, but again his shot was blocked.
Joe Magunda added to his goal against Stourbridge by helping himself to another with his first touch after coming on as a half time substitute, firing into the net low from a similar position to Saturday.
Courtney Baker-Richardson had a golden chance to grab his first goal of pre season soon after coming on, latching onto a good cross from Connor Gudger, but he directed his header wide from close range. Obeng then advanced into the box when a Warwick defender gave away possession as he slipped, but the striker could only shoot across goal and wide.
Caviezel Cox produced his second great save of the game when a short corner was played in from the left, substitute James Mace powering a header down towards goal only to be denied by a fine save. Mace did not have long to wait for another chance however, and buried his next header from the resulting corner.
Lee Moore added a fourth with a classy curling strike from the edge of the area into the bottom corner. Racing Club rallied late on, two of their substitutes combining for a shot that was always rising, while Jonathan Brown was forced into two smart saves to deny the hosts another goal.
Attendance: Unknown.
Referee: Kevin Andrews
Assistant Referees: Kevin Hancock & David Hancock
Leamington: Jonathan Brown, Richard Taundry (15 Ben George, 70), Tom James (18 Connor Gudger, 46), Trialist, Jamie Hood, Rob Elvins (14 James Mace, 64), Rob Thompson-Brown (12 Ross Oulton, 46), Jack Edwards (17 Joe Magunda, 46), Ryan Rowe (16 Courtney Baker-Richardson, 64), Ahmed Obeng, Lee Moore.