Report

Vanarama National League North
Phillips 66 Community Stadium
Saturday 8th December 2018

Having had some late goals go in their favour recently Brakes were left to rue the curse that seems to have littered this season as they were left deflated by a 95th minute leveller from Josh O’Keefe having led for over an hour.

Having battled against their promotion chasing visitors and a strong swirling wind manfully for almost the whole of the second half it looked as though Leamington had done enough, but an attack broke down and O’Keefe found the bottom corner with a low drive, the despairing dive of Tony Breeden unable to reach the ball in time.

It is perhaps a mark of the level of improvement to be disappointed with a point against a team that has lit up the National League North in the first half of the season, but when put into context it is still a very good result and one that extends the unbeaten run in all competitions to seven games.

The Magpies started at great pace as they attempted to hit the front early on, but Brakes settled into the game quickly and were soon into their stride. Jack Edwards rolled his marker superbly to play the ball out of defence and find Colby Bishop on the right wing, the striker advancing before attempting to find Kieran Dunbar inside the penalty area but the ball had slightly too much pace on it, and rolled through to Chorley keeper Matt Urwin.

With his confidence no doubt sky high following his late double to salvage a point at York on Tuesday, Bishop was chasing every ball, and showed great perseverance to regain possession in the centre circle, Reece Flanagan doing likewise before spreading play to Junior English, who moved forward into the open space ahead of him before shooting from some 35 yards out, the ball flying harmlessly wide.

Connor Taylor continues become more influential with every passing game, and was involved in much of Leamington’s forward movement. Some neat interplay with Connor Gudger on the left saw the latter find Dunbar in space in the centre, but his first time effort was wild and flew over the bar.

Dunbar more than atoned for this in the next attack however, hooking a dangerous low cross back from the touchline into the six yard box for the predatory Bishop to slam a first time drive into the net for his ninth goal of the season, a stat which is hugely impressive for a player who didn’t make his first appearance of the season until October 27th. He has returned an even better player after ten months out following his ACL injury, and is clearly enjoying himself once more.

Edwards was left thumping the turf in frustration after he appeared to be hauled to the ground right on the edge of the box as Leamington streamed forward once more. Chorley were rattled, making unforced errors and giving away possession, but they served notice of their obvious threat just before half time when Breeden had to be alert to make a good save from Louis Almond’s fierce strike.

With the fierce gale at their backs in the second half the visitors set about making life difficult for their hosts. Adam Blakeman fired a free kick harmlessly over the bar. Breeden was struggling to get distance on his kicks, as Urwin had done in the first half, the ball almost turning back on itself at times.

Flanagan made a good block from Matt Challoner’s shot as substitute Josh Wilson cut the ball back to him. The game was scrappy at times now but Leamington backs were firmly against the wall as Chorley piled on the pressure.

A long range shot from distance proved simple for Breeden, but the aerial bombardment continued. Brakes were standing up well to it however. Breeden reacted smartly to palm a shot over his crossbar and confidently claimed several corners, while his team mates threatened to break out on occasions, Callum Gittings weaving past several challenges before being blocked.

There was disbelief among the home support when the board went up for four minutes of added time, as no players had required treatment at any point, although both sides used their quota of substitutes, so there was an obvious sense of injustice when O’Keefe’s strike found the back of the net with over 95 minutes played.

Paul Holleran was proud of his players however, despite the frustration. 'I can’t be too critical of the players after the way they’ve played in those conditions, but one thing I will say, is that in the last ten minutes or so we must have counter attacked on half a dozen occasions, and every time we’ve given the ball back to them with poor play.'

‘If I’m being honest I don’t think either set of players deserved to lose. I think we played the conditions better in the first half, scored a great goal, but in the second half the wind was that strong it made it very difficult for us. When the game opened up for us to try and play out we did, and we got into good areas but it was just the final decision that let us down. We just had to be more streetwise in terms of buying ourselves some time, winning a free kick. When we got to the closing stages I always felt something was going to give but I thought we could go for the second goal.'

‘We’ve come back from the dead ourselves a couple of times recently, so it’s a tough one to take but you have to look at the overall picture. It’s another good performance. We’ve more than matched another good side again. We’ve gone to York on Tuesday and come back from the dead, We’ve gone toe to toe with Chorley today, we’ve stood up to them physically, and a combination of us being a little bit better on the counter attack, and the Referee playing the right time and we’d have won the game.’

Attendance: 568

Leamington: Tony Breeden ©, Junior English, Connor Gudger, Reece Flanagan (14 Joe Clarke, 76), Jack Lane, James Mace, Kieran Dunbar (12 Ahmed Obeng, 77), Callum Gittings, Colby Bishop (15 Anthony Dwyer, 83), Jack Edwards, Connor Taylor.

Subs not used: 16 James Bowen, 17 Jamie Hood.

Chorley: Matt Urwin, Matt Challonor, Adam Blakeman, Adam Anson (16 Josh Wilson, 60), Courtney Meppen-Walter, Stephen Jordan, Jake Cottrell (14 Alex Newby, 68), Josh O’Keefe, Marcus Carver (15 James Hooper, 78), Louis Almond, Elliott Newby.

Subs not used: 12 Dale Witham, 17 Jordan Lussey

Referee: Mr Aaron Bannister

Assistant Referees: Mr Richie Watkins & Mr Gareth Thomas

Brakes Man of the Match: Connor Taylor.