FA Cup 2nd Qualifying Round
War Memorial Athletic Ground
Saturday 22nd September 2018

‘Brakes suffer late heartbreak at Stourbridge.’ A well used headline over the last thirteen years, and sadly it happened again as Leamington were sent crashing back to earth with a bump by an all too familiar foe after last weeks’ commanding performance at Blyth Spartans.

The FA Cup has been a cruel mistress for our club ever since our appearance in the First Round proper back in 2005, and while no club is entitled to a run in the competition Brakes have had little joy in it ever since; difficult ties and the odd poor performance frustrating the supporters and dashing dreams for another 12 months.

This game certainly fell into the first category. This was the fifth occasion in the last 10 years that the two sides have faced each other in an FA competition, and past results were in favour of the Glassboys. Brakes had won an FA Cup replay here in 2013, but Gary Hackett’s men have built up a real reputation in this competition, reaching the First Round or further five times since 2009. Add to that six former Leamington players in their squad and it all added up to the standard tough afternoon that is always expected when Brakes visit these parts.

Paul Holleran’s side were bright in the opening exchanges as the rain continued to fall on a grey afternoon in the Black Country. Matt Stenson nudged the ball against the post in the opening couple of minutes as the hosts took time to settle into the game.

The next chance did not arrive until the 24th minute, Stenson glancing a header towards goal after winning a free kick just to the right of the penalty area, Glassboys keeper James Wren claiming the ball as it bounced in front of him.

Leon Broadhurst had the first chance for the hosts, glancing a header wide from a free kick. Some home fans believed Rob Thompson Brown had fired them in front as a free kick was deflected through to him, but he lashed his shot into the side netting.

Junior English recycled the ball well following a throw into the Stourbridge penalty area, sending it across to the far post from the right where Ahmed Obeng chested it down and drove in a shot that was deflected behind for a corner.

The home fans were cheering a goal minutes before half time when Broadhurst netted after Tony Breeden had done well to save Paul McCone’s low drive, but the offside flag cut short the celebrations.

James Bowen did well to cut out Callum Powell’s attempted pass across the edge of the Leamington penalty area, advancing forward and picking out the run of Stenson with a well placed diagonal ball into the feet of his team mate, who watched the ball over his shoulder before striking a first time volley that was watched all the way by Wren, who pushed the ball over his crossbar.

Thompson Brown fired a free kick well over the bar for Stourbridge, who were indebted to their goalkeeper for keeping the scoresheet blank at half time, Wren producing a great save to deny Stenson again as he connected with a low right wing cross from Kieran Dunbar to sidefoot a powerful shot towards goal, the ball being pushed over the bar by the Stourbridge keeper.

The second half was barely two minutes old when the home side moved in front, Thompson Brown’s ball in from the right unfortunately put into his own net by Jack Lane.

Stenson lifted a shot onto the roof of the net following a corner as Leamington tried to respond, while Lane almost found the net at the right end when he powered a header just wide from a free kick.

The game looked lost with 20 minutes to go as the hosts added a bizarre second, Broadhurst steering the ball first time into the bottom corner from almost 40 yards out after Breeden had come off his line to block a shot from Thompson Brown.

Stourbridge tails were up now, and Breeden had to save well at his near post from Kaiman Anderson, but Wren maintained his side’s advantage with another impressive save, pushing out a thumping header from Stenson, who finally got the goal his efforts deserved from the resulting corner as he stabbed the ball home from close range at the second attempt.

Brakes piled on the pressure and got their reward when Stenson bundled home another close range effort to level the scores with only minutes to play.

Wren and McCone combined to deny substitute Anthony Dwyer as he looked set to slot into an open goal six yards out. The same player had another shot blocked as Leamington went for a winner, but seconds later they were in despair as Anderson glanced home a right wing cross from substitute Chekaine Steele’s first touch of the game. Brakes were unable to respond in the time that remained and Stourbridge were left to celebrate yet another cup victory over a higher ranked side.

Attendance: 467

Stourbridge: James Wren, Aaron Hayden, Jordaan Brown, Paul McCone ©, Stuart Pierpoint, Aaron Forde, Callum Powell (15 Checkaine Steele, 90), Leon Broadhurst, Kaiman Anderson, Rob Thompson-Brown, Brad Birch (12 Darryl Westlake, 81).

Subs not used: 14 Aris Christophorou, 16 Jake Evans, 17 Kaouridjane Attoumani, GK Niall Maher.

Leamington: Tony Breeden ©, Junior English, James Bowen, Joe Clarke (14 Joe Magunda, 72), Jamie Hood, Jack Lane, Kieran Dunbar (15 Anthony Dwyer, 72), Callum Gittings, Matt Stenson, Jack Edwards, Ahmed Obeng (12 Connor Taylor, 60).

Subs not used: 16 Shay Nicholson, 17 Martyn Naylor, 18 Tom James, GK Chris Jay.

Referee: Mr Alex Kirkley

Assistant Referees: Mr George Eaton & Mr Darren Brown

Brakes Man of the Match: Matt Stenson.