Report
Vanarama National League North
Phillips 66 Community Stadium
Tuesday 7th August 2018
Paul Holleran described it as ‘probably one of the best Tuesday night games we’ve had in my time at Leamington,’ as Brakes kicked off their home fixtures for the season with a very good win over a Boston side expected to be amongst those at the top end of the table.
The fact that they did it despite playing a man light for the final half an hour after losing Callum Gittings to two yellow cards makes it all the more impressive, showing that Paul Holleran’s side have used the experience of last season, and with the new additions strengthening the squad there is renewed optimism that Leamington can improve on last season’s 19th place finish.
The visitors were in for a hugely frustrating evening but backed by a noisy travelling support they started very strongly, no doubt buoyed by their opening day success against Guiseley. Skipper Tony Breeden claimed at the second attempt having punched a corner clear before Adam Marriott fired into the side netting having cut inside two defenders on the left.
Matt Stenson is already endearing himself to the Brakes supporters, and showed his strength with some great hold up play in the left corner, before nutmegging right back Ben Middleton and whipping a dangerous ball into the box which was cut out by a defender.
A ball from Nathan Arnold was then pushed back across goal by Marriott for Jonny Margetts to hook a shot just wide while another low drive from Marriott was held by Breeden.
Boston were to rue not taking their early chances as Leamington took the lead against the run of play in the fifteenth minute. Making his full debut, Connor Taylor turned having received the ball a few yards outside the box from a half clearance by Spencer Harris, and spotting the run of Stenson he delivered a delightful ball over the top of the retreating defenders for the striker to thunder a header towards goal from close range which initially looked like it had been stopped by Boston skipper George Willis, but the goalkeeper was unable to halt the momentum of the ball and despite his best efforts it spun off his hands into the net.
The goal stopped the visitors in their tracks and Leamington began to gain more of a foothold. A firm challenge from Ryan Qualter stopped Stenson in his tracks on the edge of the penalty area as he looked to finish off a slick passing move.
The Pilgrims’ threat still remained however, Junior English required to intervene to stop Arnold’s fierce strike from reaching goal.
There was a setback for Brakes just prior to half time when they lost Connor Gudger to injury, but the strength of this new look squad was highlighted as the marauding James Bowen was brought on in his place, immediately getting involved as he was the recipient of a challenge from Jonathan Wafula which earned the Boston man a booking, which he was fortunate did not turn into an early bath as he attempted to win a penalty, but the officials were not interested.
Wafula was involved once more at the beginning of the second half as he scooped the ball over the bar following a corner, but the game was more even now, Willis holding onto Dunbar’s rising drive.
There was to be a sending off however, Gittings receiving two yellow cards in little more than a minute following challenges with Andi Thanoj. To some it looked a little harsh, but Leamington were left to play out the final half an hour with ten men. However, rather than sit on the lead Paul Holleran introduced Ahmed Obeng, and within three minutes Brakes had plundered a second goal. Bowen’s dangerous free kick from the left was headed behind by Qualter, presenting Kieran Dunbar with the chance to whip in a right wing corner which was met emphatically by English, who rose for the ball with Thanoj before hooking a powerful volley into the net, taking a knock as his marker fell onto him.
Boston continued to plug away, Wafula heading Arnold’s corner over from close range while Qualter fired over from close range. Middleton then headed another corner just over the bar before Marriott fired just wide and then glanced a header wide from substitute Nicky Walker’s corner.
Dunbar’s shot took a deflection to force a good save out of Willis as the game drew to a close, and Brakes had produced a performance that is sure to give all at the club great belief that they can hold their own once more in this most competitive of leagues.
Attendance: 656
Leamington: Tony Breeden ©, Junior English, Connor Gudger (14 James Bowen, 40), Joe Clarke, Jamie Hood, James Mace, Kieran Dunbar, Callum Gittings, Matt Stenson (15 Joe Magunda, 84), Jack Edwards, Connor Taylor (17 Ahmed Obeng, 67)
Subs not used: 12 Anthony Dwyer, 16 Kieran Morris.
Boston United: George Willis ©, Ben Middleton (17 Toby Lees, 84), Ashley Jackson, Andi Thanoj, Spencer Harris, Ryan Qualter, Nathan Arnold, Brad Abbotts, Jonny Margetts (14 Andre Johnson, 67), Adam Marriott, Jonathan Wafula (12 Nicky Walker, 78).
Subs not used: 15 Grant Roberts, 16 Jordan Gough.
Referee: Mr Barry Lamb
Assistant Referees: Mr Adam Brown & Mr James King
Brakes Man of the Match: Matt Stenson.
