Villa vanquished

Leamington went through to the final of the Birmingham Senior with a 2-1 victory over Aston Villa under 23s at the Phillips 66 Community Stadium tonight.

Villa started brightly and went ahead on 10 minutes through a header from Aaron Pressley. The visitors had tremendous pace, getting quickly from one end of the pitch to the other, but their finishing left something to be desired.

Leamington were stronger in the second half while Villa faded. Ahmed Obeng was tormenting the Villa defence and a free kick was awarded after he was brought down by Villa charm merchant Mungo Bridge who received a yellow card for his trouble. The free kick led to a goalmouth scramble with Junior English scoring.

The winner came from Colby Bishop converting a corner with a header.

We played the ball along the ground more than we normally do and there was less hoofing than usual.

The referee had a good game, particularly to be commended for insisting that throw ins were taken in the right spot.

Three crucial points

Leamington secured three crucial points at the Phillips 66 Community Stadium this afternoon with a 1-0 victory over Southport. With most other games postponed, Brakes moved up to 16th, ten points above FC United in the leading relegation place.

The goal came after seven minutes when a mix up between the Southport keeper and his defender allowed Colby Bishop to score.

The strong wind did not make for accurate football, but Brakes were able to hold Southport at bay.

Doltish Southport defender Matthew Platt eventually picked up the yellow card he had been looking for all afternoon, but then Junior English was booked. A second harsh booking saw him sent off.

It wasn't a quality game, but the win was vital. Attendance was a disappointing 450.

Not good enough

Leamington lost 0-1 to an in form York City at the Phillips 66 Community Stadium in front of a crowd of 801 this afternoon. I didn't think the Minstermen were that marvellous. However, we were often second to the ball and insufficiently clinical in front of goal. And, once again, we relied too much on the long ball. The midfield weren't very evident, but then the long ball game doesn't help them. The windy conditions didn't help accurate passing.

The game was decided in the 10th minute when a cross came in from the right and Breeden unusually fumbled the ball allowing the visitors to score.

We did get better as the second half wore on and had some chances, but we were unable to take them. In particular, we should have scored from a corner but the ball went just over. A late free kick was also unproductive.

Hood put in some good defensive work and one positive was Junior English getting forward more.

The referee didn't do us any favours. Just as well York City had a Pullman coach with a comfy seat for him.

The last three matches against York have ended in 2-2 draws, but we never really looked like getting an equaliser today.

Ashton lost at Alfreton so we are still six points above the drop zone in 17th. Tuesday evening's opponents, Bradford Park Avenue, drew at home with Curzon Ashton.