Brakes lose A46 derby

Gloucester's temporary home at Evesham United

Leamington lost 2-1 away to Gloucester City this afternoon. It was really a game of two halves. City pressed hard for an early goal and were 2-0 ahead half time, having taken advantage of a lethargic Leamington with a porous defence. The second half performance was better and Jack Edwards got one back for Leamington. Two Brakes goals were chalked off for offside, the one in the first half was doubtful according to someone in line, certainly the ball in was very good, but VAR was not used.

There was a lot of speculation about the future of Josh March. He wasn't in the team or on the bench. It seems likely that he may join his former Leamington colleagues at Accrington Stanley. He is under contract so there will be a fee. However, it also been suggested that he had an ongoing muscle strain.

It is now being suggested that Forest Green Rovers are also interested in recruiting March.

Gloucester won three corners in succession early in the game and looked dangerous. They particularly threatened down the left. Their No.10 put in a dangerous cross across the front of goal, but fortunately no one was in a position to deliver a tap in. A Gloucester free kick was just over the bar. Brakes scored the goal that was judged to be offside. Weaver had to make a good save from a City free kick. Junior English was told off by the rather officious referee, presumably for giving his all.

City went ahead on 22 minutes, the ball being headed in at the far post by their No.2 from a free kick. Their No.9, Marlyn Jackson received a yellow card for simulation. Both sides went through a period where the ball was headed aimlessly or hoofed backwards and forwards. It wasn't a classic and the pitch was cutting up a bit.

City looked very dangerous on the counter attack and went ahead 2-0 on 37 minutes through Marlyn Jackson, later named man of the match. Leamington showed their frustration when one of our players kicked the ball away and got a yellow card. City threatened again in the two minutes added on.

Brakes played with more purpose in the second half, but to keep them in the game Weaver had to make two good saves. Jack Edwards then got Brakes back into the game. This started off the local moaners behind me who complained they didn't have a decent left back and their second ball was poor. Hollers made a double substitution with Maycock and Anderson going off and Kieran Dunbar and Connor Taylor coming on. Dexter Williams was giving the home side increasing trouble as the game went on, deploying his skill.

The home side used up their substitutes including bringing on their French player Fabien Robert. Brakes piled on the pressure, but another ball in the net was declared offside and it almost certainly was, even without VAR. Even with six minutes added on, the elusive equaliser could not be found.

Attendance was 370, no non-league dogs.

Presumably the Leamington board will now issue an apology and refund the £5 I spent on the minibus, the £8 to get in, and the £1.40 on a Bovril, the first time I have had that for years.