Vanarama National League North
Liberty Way
Saturday 3rd November 2018

Brakes picked up a much needed three points on the road to ease themselves back towards the mid table positions as they took the spoils in the first Warwickshire derby of the season.

Our neighbours from the North of the county have mercifully been saved from potential extinction after former Chasetown player Nick Hawkins stepped in to take charge of the club during the week, and there was an obvious sense of renewed optimism around Liberty Way prior to kick off.

Brakes boss Paul Holleran will no doubt have been pleased at the way his side quickly dampened the spirits of the home support as they bounced back from Tuesday’s mauling at the hands of Kidderminster Harriers.

A virus which had affected several members of the squad over the past month saw Jack Lane and Joe Clarke drop to the bench, Reece Flanagan stepping in for his first league start since returning to the club while Jamie Hood slotted back into central defence alongside James Mace. Kieran Dunbar returned to the starting eleven in place of Connor Taylor, and Colby Bishop made made his first start of the season in place of the suspended Anthony Dwyer as he continued his comeback.

With a strong wind at their backs Leamington enjoyed much the better of the first half exchanges, and consolidated this by scoring the two goals that would ultimately win them the game.

An early free kick from Carl Baker was fired into the Leamington defensive wall, but the visitors were clinical with their first serious effort on goal with Bishop on hand to capitalise on eight minutes when he reacted quickest to nod home from two yards out after a thunderous 25 yard free kick from Connor Gudger had clattered off the underside of the bar onto the goal line with goalkeeper Ross Etheridge beaten.

After this perfect early fillip Brakes kept their momentum going, the midfield trio of Flanagan, Callum Gittings and Jack Edwards controlling possession, with wide men Dunbar and Ahmed Obeng always a threat and Bishop leading the line superbly.

Obeng latched onto a flick from Edwards to get a shot on goal but was thwarted by a good block, before good work from Bishop won a corner which was delivered by Dunbar for Edwards to connect with a downward header that was saved by Etheridge.

Just past the half hour however Leamington doubled their advantage when more good work from Bishop saw his blocked shot fall to Dunbar, who took a touch before sweeping the ball into the net.

There was a major worry before half time when Obeng was challenged from behind after dancing past two defenders on the left wing, hitting the ground face first with some force. He was eventually stretchered off and taken to hospital, where thankfully after being treated and scanned for concussion he was allowed to return home.

Nuneaton introduced Harry Panayiotou and Shane Benjamin at half time which seemed to inject fresh impetus, and they attempted to test the Brakes defence with several free kicks, Benjamin’s header into the arms of Tony Breeden as close as they came to reducing the deficit however.

An inviting cross from Flanagan just evaded both Gudger and Bishop, while Etheridge was forced into a save as Gudger played the striker clear with a delightful ball.

The game began to open up in the closing stages and Junior English was required to intervene as Rhys Davies thrashed a powerful effort towards goal.

The visiting support would no doubt have got a little jittery as Dior Angus forced Breeden into a save and then saw a shot deflected onto the top of the bar, but Leamington stood firm to record their third away win of the season.

Attendance: 662

Nuneaton Borough: Ross Etheridge, Mike Calvely, Rhys Davies, James Wesolowski, Miles Addison ©, Ash Carter, Carl Baker, Courtney Richards (12 Harry Panayiotou, 46), Adam McGurk (15 Shane Benjamin, 46), Dior Angus, Devon Kelly-Evans.

Subs not used: 13 Adrianno Basso, 14 Theo Wharton, 16 Michael Tweed.

Leamington: Tony Breeden ©, Junior English, Connor Gudger, Reece Flanagan (15 James Bowen, 81), Jamie Hood, James Mace, Kieran Dunbar, Callum Gittings, Colby Bishop (14 Joe Clarke, 76), Jack Edwards, Ahmed Obeng (12 Connor Taylor, 43).

Subs not used: 16 Jack Lane, 17 Tom James.

Referee: Mr James Bell

Assistant Referees: Mr Timothy Walker & Mr Alistair Nelson

Brakes Man of the Match: Jack Edwards