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12 years ago today, Paul Holleran was appointed as manager of Leamington FC. On the 12th anniversary of his appointment, we’re going to look back at some of the top games of his reign.

Leamington 2-2 Cambridge City - 14/11/09

Paul Holleran’s first game in charge of Leamington was at Cambridge City on 14 November. Mark Bellingham and Luke Corbett were the scorers in a 2-2 draw in Cambridgeshire.

Leamington 3-2 Birmingham City - 17/11/09

The first game at home under the Holleran regime was a Birmingham Senior Cup Second Round clash against Birmingham City. Mark Bellingham, Chris Murphy and Luke Corbett got the Brakes goals as they progressed to the quarter finals, despite an inspired performance by Blues ‘keeper Jack Butland. 

Bideford 0-1 Leamington - 20/04/13

In Leamington’s final away game of the 2012/13 season, the Southern League title was won. A goal from Richard Batchelor eight minutes from time sealed 1st place and sent the large contingent of travelling Brakes fans wild!

Leamington 2-1 St Albans City - 27/04/13

Matty Dodd and Ricky Johnson were the goalscorers on the final day of the season, with over 1000 fans packed into the New Windmill Ground seeing the Southern League shield back in Leamington for the first time since 1983. 

Leamington 2-0 Bradford (Park Avenue) - 17/08/13

The last time Leamington played a game in the Football Conference was a 0-0 draw against Dagenham with relegation confirmed to the Southern League in 1982, and Paul Holleran’s men won their first game back in the Conference, Matty Dodd and Stefan Moore scoring first half goals against BPA.

Stockport County 1-1 Leamington - 14/09/13

An away fixture at Stockport showed how far Leamington had come, with Stockport being a now Championship side when Leamington resurrected in the 12th tier. Ricky Johnson’s early goal was a memorable one as the Brakes drew 1-1 away against the Hatters.

Leamington 2-1 Stockport County - 01/03/14

To go one better than drawing away with Stockport, a Danny Newton double saw the Brakes beat the Hatters at the New Windmill Ground in front of over 1000 fans. 

Altrincham 1-1 Leamington - 15/12/15

Leamington secured a replay away at Conference Premier side Altrincham thanks to a Rob Ogleby equaliser 13 from time, with the Brakes not letting the two league gap put them off. Brakes ended up losing the replay after extra time.

Redditch United 1-1 Leamington (Leamington win on penalties) - 27/04/16

Despite losing the final, Leamington can look back at the play-off semi final in 2016 with fond memories. Courtney Baker-Richardson equalised in the 94th minute to send the game to extra time, which Brakes saw out and won the penalty shoot out to set up a final away at Hungerford.

Leamington 6-0 Cinderford Town - 01/10/16

After a 5-0 win against St Ives a week later, Leamington put six past Cinderford in the league. Jack Edwards got goal of the game, lobbing the Cinderford goalkeeper from just past the halfway line!

Leamington 2-1 Hitchin Town (AET) - 01/05/17

Leamington gained promotion to step 6 for the second time under Paul Holleran, with over 2000 seeing the Brakes beat Hitchin after extra time. An early goal looked as if Hitchin would win promotion until Rob Thompson-Brown smashed home a penalty in the 90th minute. Courtney Baker-Richardson curled in the winner in the 114th minute, sending the massive home crowd into raptures.

Wolverhampton Wanderers 1-1 Leamington (Leamington win on penalties) - 10/05/17

A week and a half on from their play off final win, Leamington travelled to Molineux and beat Wolverhampton Wanderers on penalties in the Birmingham Senior Cup final for the first time since resurrection and on Paul Holleran’s 400th game in charge.

York City 2-2 Leamington - 21/04/18

Leamington secured survival and ensured York would spend another season in the National League North with a 2-2 draw at Bootham Crescent. Matt Dodd’s 89th minute equaliser sparked crazy celebrations in the travelling end.

Leamington 4-1 Nuneaton Borough - 02/05/19

Paul Holleran was able to lift the Birmingham Senior Cup for the second time in his time at Leamington as they beat Nuneaton Borough at St Andrews. Doubles from Colby Bishop and Ahmed Obeng sealed a 4-1 win for the Brakes against relegated Boro. 

Leamington 2-0 Brackley Town - 06/08/19

Paul Holleran celebrated his 500th game in charge of Leamington with a 2-0 win against Brackley Town. Jack Lane and Jordan Murphy were on the scoresheet on a memorable day for Hollers.

AFC Telford United 0-5 Leamington - 17/12/19

It was FA Trophy glory for Leamington midweek in Shropshire as Leamington put in a five star performance, demolishing Telford. Josh March scored a hat trick, alongside a George Carline double to give the Brakes a 5-0 win.

Leamington 4-3 Alfreton Town - 17/11/20

3-0 down in 20 minutes, it looked as if Leamington would stay bottom of the league and winless. A massively improved second half performance saw Sam Osborne score twice before Lance Smith levelled on 87 minutes. Not content with a point, Brakes kept attacking and Jack Edwards unbelievably won the game in the 94th minute.

Leamington 2-1 York City - 28/11/20

Paul Holleran’s 550th game came against a previously unbeaten York City. Early goals from Junior English and Sam Osborne sunk York, and despite a good strike from Olly Dyson Brakes held on to go 6 unbeaten.

Leamington 2-0 York City - 09/11/21

The closest game to Paul Holleran’s 12th anniversary saw Leamington host York City. Goals from Dan Turner and Kelsey Mooney secured the win that would send Brakes 4th in the league table.

Viva Holleran.