Report
Vanarama National League North
Bootham Crescent
Saturday 21st April 2018
A rollercoaster afternoon in the city of York ended with Leamington celebrating a tremendous achievement as they confirmed Vanarama National League North safety with a game to spare with a creditable draw at the Bootham Crescent home of York City.
With score lines in the games affecting Brakes changing almost constantly throughout the afternoon it was difficult to keep track of the potential permutations, but in the end it didn’t matter as Paul Holleran’s men took control of their own destiny thanks to a superb last minute goal from substitute Matty Dodd.
It was clear to see how much confidence the victory over Chorley had installed in the players in the early stages, as kitted out in a strange looking combination of Gold shirts and White shorts they went toe to toe with the play off Minstermen. Callum Gittings drove a low strike straight at keeper Adam Bartlett, while Aidan Connolly cut in from the right and curled in a low drive that Tony Breeden was forced to push behind for a corner.
York skipper Sean Newton backheaded well wide from a left wing corner as Brakes continued to frustrate their hosts, pushing them back into their own half from another attack with some fine pressing. The hosts came close when Breeden made a superb save from Simon Heslop’s powerful strike, James Mace well placed on the line to block the follow up from Newton.
Connolly blazed a rising shot out of the ground after working himself into a good position, while Jack Edwards cracked a half volley just wide, but Leamington would hit the front two minutes before half time. A free kick swung into the penalty area from the left by Gittings was put into his own net by the unfortunate Alex Kempster.
At half time with Gainsborough and Tamworth both winning it was the perfect position to be in.
York were still well in with a shout of finishing the season in the play off positions however, and began the second half with more intent. Connor Brown cut in from the right and fired a shot well wide, Josh Law curling another effort wide of the target, but York were level 11 minutes in, Newton slamming the loose ball home after Breeden had made a great save from Connolly.
The Minstermen’s number 11 continued to cause problems for Leamington, firing in another effort that Breeden held onto before David Ferguson crashed a shot high over the bar. The Brakes skipper was called into action once more as he did well to hold onto a volley from City substitute Connor Smith.
Leamington were understandably starting to look a little leggy in their second game in less than 48 hours, and Breeden was forced into another save from Newton with the packed terrace behind the goal baying for a second goal, and they got their wish with 4 minutes remaining. Breeden made yet another fine save, this time from Adriano Moke, but was powerless to prevent Newton from heading in on the follow up.
Brakes were flat on their backs now but they picked themselves up for one final push and were rewarded in spectacular fashion when Dodd rose with a defender to meet fellow substitute Liam Canavan’s left wing cross and glance a header into the top corner to the delight of the 107 travelling supporters behind the goal. Every single player ran to join Dodd as he wheeled off in celebration, and minutes later it was mission completed as the final whistle went. Leamington had picked up the point they needed to complete a remarkable season that really is up there with the club’s finest achievements in the last 18 years. To compete in such a strong league with clubs several times their size and with far more financial clout is no mean feat, and every single player who has pulled on the shirt this season deserves great credit, along with Paul Holleran and his staff.
Next Saturday the party can really begin, as Brakes welcome newly crowned champions Salford City to the Phillips 66 Community Stadium.
Attendance: 2,350 (107 Brakes)
York City: Adam Bartlett, Connor Brown (14 Jonny Burn, 82), David Ferguson, Hamza Bencherif, Daniel Parslow, Adriano Moke, Sean Newton ©, Simon Heslop, Alex Kempster (16 Connor Smith, 72), Josh Law, Aidan Connolly.
Subs not used: 12 James Gray, 18 Luke Simpson, 19 Clovis Kamdjo.
Leamington: Tony Breeden ©, Junior English, Connor Gudger, Joe Magunda (12 Matt Dodd, 57), Jamie Hood, James Mace, Kieran Dunbar, Callum Gittings, Daniel Udoh, Jack Edwards 15 Kurtis Revan, 88), Ahmed Obeng (16 Liam Canavan, 82).
Subs not used: 14 Richard Taundry, 17 Shay Nicholson.
Referee: Mr Adam Herczeg
Assistant Referees: Mr Jonny Urwin & Mr Steven Lennon
Brakes Man of the Match: Callum Gittings.
