Report
Vanarama National League North
Phillips 66 Community Stadium
Saturday 28th April 2018
Brakes went down to a heavy defeat in the final match of an energy sapping season back in the National League North but with survival having been clinched seven days earlier there was nothing riding on this game, which was probably just as well as league champions Salford City cantered to a comfortable victory without really ever getting out of second gear.
This result should not tarnish what has been achieved this season however. It was a day of celebration for both sides and that was reflected in the jovial atmosphere, the healthy visiting contingent, most of whom were resplendent in various forms of fancy dress, celebrated with their players on the pitch at the final whistle before they took the applause of the Brakes support, who continued to belt out their support throughout, and unveiled banners at the final whistle thanking the team for a gargantuan effort this season in what has been an ultra competitive league filled with clubs far bigger than our own.
Salford’s Scott Burton picked up an early booking for a crude challenge on Ahmed Obeng as Leamington looked to break quickly up the left. The game was a slow burner, perhaps understandable with nothing at stake but pride for either side, but though Brakes battled gamely there was only going to be one outcome once Salford moved in front, which they did after 19 minutes, Anthony Dudley going in on goal with only Tony Breeden to beat. The Leamington skipper came off his line to narrow the angles and came very close to keeping the ball out, but was beaten by a low rolling shot into the bottom corner.
Kieran Dunbar came close to a leveller as he thrashed a shot in from Matt Dodd’s cut back from the right but the ball struck the body of keeper Max Crocombe.
Burton’s dangerous swerving drive just cleared the far post as Salford continued to look threatening every time they moved forward, and they consolidated their lead seven minutes before half time. Brakes were aggrieved that play was not halted as Jack Edwards was down having been challenged in the centre circle but Mike Phenix took full full advantage, cutting in from the left to thunder an unstoppable shot across Breeden into the far corner.
The visitors were well on top now and it was only a spectacular save by Breeden that prevented Dudley from making it three before half time, the striker turning his marker sharply to crash a drive towards the top corner that the Leamington skipper leapt to his left to claw away.
Phenix had scored both Salford’s goals in the reverse fixture and he repeated the feat here three minutes into the second half, slamming home a low right wing centre from close range to put the Champions out of sight.
Brakes toiled gamely to stop the flow, Kurtis Revan’s attempted pass back to Dodd inside the box saw the winger lift a shot towards the top corner, but Crocombe claimed comfortably. Callum Gittings then turned on the edge of the box to drive in a low shot straight at the Ammies keeper, before Ahmed Obeng sold Junior English short with a pass inside the box that could have seen the hard working utility man at least in with a shot on target, a defender nipping in to clear before he could get to the ball.
Dudley bagged his second of the game on 64 minutes, finishing well past Breeden from an angle but he spurned a chance to bag a hat trick, clipping a shot wide when he should at least have hit the target.
Richie Allen drove another effort over the bar before second half substitute Joe Magunda headed high over the bar as he rose to meet Gittings’ left wing free kick. He came even closer with his next effort, sending a powerful header spinning inches past the post from another free kick.
With Liam Canavan on the bench but unable to take part due to a head wound Paul Holleran handed a league debut to Shay Nicholson, one of the outstanding members of Gary Ingram’s conquering Under 18’s side who has spent a lot of time with the first team this season.
Salford substitute Emmanuel Ogunrindi headed an inswinging left wing corner from Gittings away from the goal line while Obeng was dispossessed after a mazy run into the box that initially looked promising, but Leamington simply could not find a way through. Today was not their day, but as those left inside the ground warmly applauded the visiting players and their supporters, there was plenty to reflect on in what has certainly been a testing season for the club. Every player can be proud of the part they have played in keeping our fantastic little club up there with the big boys. The test now is to do it all again next season.
Meanwhile, we wish Salford City all the best in the National League next season and beyond.
Attendance: 1,275
Leamington: Tony Breeden ©, Junior English, Connor Gudger, Callum Gittings, Jamie Hood, James Mace, Matt Dodd (14 Joe Magunda, 56), Kieran Dunbar (15 Shay Nicholson, 79), Kurtis Revan (12 Richard Taundry, 56), Jack Edwards, Ahmed Obeng.
Subs not used: 16 Liam Canavan, 17 Stefan Moore.
Salford City: Max Crocombe, Jake Beesley, Ibou Touray, Scott Burton, Danny Livesey, Liam Hogan © (15 Alex Doyle, 57), Richie Allen, Mark Shelton, Mike Phenix (12 Tom Walker, 64), Anthony Dudley, Joshua Askew (16 Emmanuel Ogunrindi, 57).
Subs not used: 14 Nick Haughton, 17 Jack Redshaw.
Referee: Mr Aaron Jackson
Assistant Referees: Mr Liam Corrigan & Mr Richie Watkins
Brakes Man of the Match: James Mace.
