Leamington won 1-0 against high flying Chester in a hard fought contest at the Phillips 66 Community Stadium today in front of a crowd of 975 and two dogs. They are now 11th in the table. The Brakes played as well as I have seen them do all season.
It was a good game of football, only spoilt by self-important referee Elliott Swallow who issued a blizzard of yellow cards to Leamington players.
Leamington threatened early on with a great run from a Chester corner, but the keeper saved with his feet. After charm merchant Adam Dawson rolled around on the ground in agony, Callum Gittings was the first Brakes player to be booked. (Dawson was with AFC Telford until recently, the latest stage in a varied career, and Telford have reported Chester to the FA for an alleged illegal approach). The referee did then manage to book Chester captain Gary Roberts, although it was not clear what he had done.
Chester hit the crossbar from a free kick and Tony Breeden had to be very mobile in the follow up to make a great save.
The visitors came out of the traps at a fast and furious pace after half time, but Tony Breeden made a good save from Dawson. Chester had an open goal, but failed to take advantage.
After good work by Connor Taylor, Colby Bishop (who had been holding the ball up well) had a tap in to make it 1-0 on 82 minutes. Chester had a couple of good attempts on goal and Tony Breeden, who had been a rock throughout, had to be at his very best.
Very fair report from Chester here: Match report