Report

Buildbase FA Trophy 1st Round
Phillips 66 Community Stadium
Saturday 15th December 2018

Brakes disappointingly slipped out of the FA Trophy on a bitterly cold rain and windswept afternoon at the Phillips 66 Community Stadium as Richard Money’s tenure as Hartlepool United manager got off to a winning start.

One moment of quality from the National League side settled this uninspiring contest, with the conditions making it very difficult for both sides to play their normal game. Leamington defended well and worked hard to frustrate the visitors, but goal scoring chances at the other end were few and far between.

Marcus Dinanga was a name familiar to Brakes fans from his time at AFC Telford United last season, and he tested Tony Breeden early on with a powerful snap shot after the ball had struck the bar from the first corner of the game. The skipper was equal to it however, producing a fine reaction save.

James Mace was well placed to put in a timely block as Paddy McLaughlin’s powerful low drive looked destined to hit the target, but generally in the first half Leamington restricted their opponents to half chances that did not trouble Breeden, while making no impression at the other end.

A bright start to the second half briefly raised spirits however, Colby Bishop’s shot was well blocked by Carl Magnay before Jack Edwards’ effort from distance was deflected well away from goal. Bishop was then penalised for a shove as he headed wide from an inviting ball into the box by Kieran Dunbar.

Just when it looked as though Brakes might be able to fashion something they were punished on the counter attack. With players pushed up for a throw in possession was lost and Ryan Donaldson set off towards goal, running almost half the length of the pitch unchallenged before slotting a low drive past Breeden into the bottom corner.

Leamington best attacking passage of the game ended with their best chance to snatch a goal, Dunbar screwing a first time volley high over the bar from a great position out on the right after Reece Flanagan’s shot had been blocked, sending the ball looping up and into the path of his team mate. It was a gilt edged chance and the youngster knew it, pulling his shirt over his head in despair.

The persistent rainfall became even heavier as Hartlepool took the sting out of the game, keeping possession well. Another shot fizzed across the goalmouth and wide before Brakes were almost caught out in the closing stages. Callum Gittings lost possession in the centre but with Breeden stranded way out of his goal Hartlepool were unable to move the ball forward quickly enough to take advantage, and the eventual shot from Niko Muir was well wide.

The visitors had done enough though, and were comfortable winners in truth despite the slender margin.

‘We had to work really hard in the first half,’ said Paul Holleran after the game. ‘Hartlepool had a lot of the ball and moved us around a lot. I was pleased with our defensive shape, we got some good blocks in. There were few chances in the first half, we had to work hard to stay in the game and we did. I thought that in the first period of the second half we were playing in better areas, we were a bit braver and started to ask a few questions of them, so I was pleased with that, but I think the momentum of the game has perhaps caught us out. We pushed too many players forward for a throw in deep in their half and got punished for it.’

‘We’ve gone toe to toe with another good side, there wasn’t much in the game so you can’t be too disappointed with that. The conditions weren’t great for both sets of players but it was played in a good spirit, and we’d like to wish Hartlepool all the best in the next round, I hope Richard does well for them.’

Attendance: 334

Leamington: Tony Breeden ©, Junior English, Connor Gudger (16 James Bowen, 83), Reece Flanagan, Jack Lane, James Mace, Kieran Dunbar, Callum Gittings, Colby Bishop, Jack Edwards (14 Ahmed Obeng, 78), Connor Taylor (15 Anthony Dwyer, 77).

Subs not used: 12 Joe Clarke, 17 Jamie Hood.

Hartlepool United: 1 Scott Loach, 19 Kenton Richardson, 16 Harvey Rodgers, 5 Carl Magnay, 3 Mark Kitching, 7 Ryan Donaldson, 19 Nicky Featherstone ©, 26 Paddy McLaughlin, 14 Josh Hawkes (33 Luke James, 67) 10 Niko Muir, 31 Marcus Dinanga (21 Tyrone O’Neill, 78).

Subs not used: 13 Ryan Catterick, 23 Brook Miller, 30 Luka Murphy.

Referee: Mr Leigh Doughty

Assistant Referees: Mr Scott Chalkley & Mr Tim Walker

Fourth Official: Mr Ollie Williams

Brakes Man of the Match: Tony Breeden.