Brakes fight back

Brakes fought back from a 0-2 deficit to secure a 2-2 draw against Chippenham Town at the Phillips 66 Community Stadium in atrocious conditions this afternoon.

The strong wind made playing good football difficult, but the Bluebirds adapted better to the conditions. They went ahead in the first half through an own goal by Taundry when Breeden should have come for the ball.

Leamington tried a double substitution early in the second half but home hearts sunk when shambolic defending gifted the visitors a 0-2 lead.

However, Jack Edwards then pulled one back for Brakes. Chippenham's No.10 then got sent off for a foul on Breeden, but this advantage did not last on as Taundry received a second yellow. However, to great celebrations, Leamington made it 2-2 through Jack Edwards. Monsoon conditions prevailed as the teams left the field.

The referee had a poor game. He should have got a grip in the first half and stopped their bald No.9 intimidating the lino for a start.

There's only one Sam Austin!

Leamington put another Dorset club to the sword tonight with a 3-0 victory over Dorchester Town at the Phillips 66 Community Stadium. It was as good a performance as I have seen from the Brakes all season.

Great credit goes to talented youngster Sam Austin who scored the first two goals on five and 54 minutes and then created the opportunity for Ben George to score the third on 74 minutes. Ben Mackey also had a good game.

After scoring early, we continued to press but couldn't find the back of the net, even in a goalmouth scramble in the closing minutes of the first half. The visitors tried to equalise early in the second half and we looked shaky for a while, the second goal being much needed.

Attendance as 312 and one dog.

League leaders beaten

League leaders Poole Town were beaten 1-0 in front of a crowd of 502 and one dog this afternoon at the Phillips 66 Community Stadium. For a team that are supposed to be invincible, Poole did not look that impressive. Perhaps they gained their exalted position by constant moaning and surrounding the referee. Poole's No.4 (Michael Walker) deserved a medal for his endless moaning.

Brakes started brightly, forcing an early corner, but then Poole came into the game more. However, Tony Breeden only had to make only significant save all half. Sam Austin was on great form.

Luke Burbidge, Poole's No.7, works as a diver in his day job and applied his skills to the land.

Towards the end of the half, Ben Mackey burst through, but put his shot just wide. However, the 0-0 half time score probably reflected the balance of play.

Unusually, Brakes warmed up before the half and looked the sharper side, despite a chant of 'We're going to score in a minute' from the visiting supporters. Mackie put the Brakes ahead on 57 minutes, deflected from a shot by Moore. In a double substitution, Poole brought on their big (actually physically rather small) new signing, Abudlai Baggie.

The ball had to be cleared off the line by a Poole player as Mackie threatened. Austin released Mackie who had an open goal but failed to score. Tony Breeden made a great save in injury time.

Leamington were in control, but the referee managed to add on 4 minutes 53 seconds (according to Keef) before the final whistle blew. Leamington are now 5th.

One is enough

I was hoping to have an opportunity to use the historic 'Two nil or not two nil' chant tonight at the Phillips 66 Community Stadium, but in the end I had to be satisfied with a 1-0 victory for Leamington over Stratford Town in a highly competitive match.

In the first half, the Brakes engaging in some fluent play with some accurate passing and good balls forward. An early effort by the energetic Sam Austin was just over. It started to rain heavily, although it later stopped. In a move that started with a free kick, Courtney Baker-Richardson scored the winning goal for the Brakes on 37 minutes.

Leamington nearly scored a second early in the second half when the ball went just over from Lee Moore after two attempts on goal. Breeden nearly sacrificed the slender lead in the second half when he came charging out of his goal in his customary manner, but the effort by the Bardsmen was wide.

The visitors were more impressive in the second half and their vociferous supporters thought they deserved a penalty. Brakes start to play too deep, but they held on for the vital three points.

Attendance was 434 plus the usual dog who looked particularly alert. Leamington are now 6th.