Convincing win for Brakes

Leamington went fourth in the table after a 2-0 victory over Brackley Town at the Phillips 66 Community Stadium this evening in front of a crowd of 608. It was Paul Holleran's 500th match in charge and he received a presentation before the game.

The opening exchanges had little real pattern to them, but then an Edwards header from a free kick allowed Lane to put the Brakes 1-0 ahead. The visitors stepped up the pressure after the goal, but Connor Gudger put in some great defensive work, while Weaver made an excellent reaction save. He impressed throughout the game. Edwards had a chance to score from a header, but put it just wide.

In the second half the referee at last began to book some of the Brackley charm merchants, starting with No.10 Carl Baker. Murphy had a brilliant run on goal which enabled him to put the ball in the net to make it 2-0. Brackley never gave up, but Leamington stood firm.

Outstanding result

One tweeter described it as the outstanding result of Non-League Day as Leamington beat promotion challengers Salford City 3-2 and ended their unbeaten home run in front of a crowd of 1,582.

I would not have been able to make it as I was taking part in the Alzheimer's Society Memory Walk in Leamington in memory of my wife Maggie, a former vice-president. At least it was good to see I could walk 5.5 kms without difficulty, albeit a bit slowly.

The report in the Non-League Paper is a bit grudging, describing it as 'unlikely win'. At least one of the Salford fans seems upset with the officials for not dealing with Leamington 'cheating' and is going to report them. Good luck with that (I think the standard of officiating at this level is much better than it was in the third tier). Leamington goals were:

• 19 minutes Thompson-Brown penalty after Jack Edwards was impeded
• 44 minutes Connor Gudger free kick from 25 yards inside the left-hand upright
• Substitute Kurtis Revan five minutes from time from close range.

Non-League Paper Player Ratings

Star man: Tony Breeden. Mace, 6; Gudger, 7; Hood, 6; English, 6; Clarke, 6; Dunbar, 7 (Taundry 90); Magunda, 6; Moore, 6 (Revan, 68, 7); Edwards, 5; Thompson-Brown, 6 (Gittings, 80, 6).

Job done

Leamington consolidated their hold on second place in the Southern Premier League with a workmanlike 2-0 victory over St. Neots Town at the Phillips 66 Community Stadium this afternoon. Merthyr Tydfil are three points behind the Brakes and have played two more games. Chippenham maintained their seven point lead with a 1-0 win.

Leamington dominated the opening phase of the first half and created a number of chances, but they were all off target, although the strong wind didn't help. Obeng was particularly wasteful when one on one with the Tango keeper, putting the ball well wide. The visitors came into the game more towards the end of the half and there were fears of them taking the lead.

Nerves were settled early in the second half when a good cross from Connnor Gudger allowed Jack Edwards to head the ball into the net. A great strike from distance by Gregory provided the second goal.

Brakes remained in control of the game, but did not come that close to scoring a third. Credit to the referee for booking Fortnam-Tomlinson for simulation.

Attendance was 582 and one dog.

Two great strikes give victory

Two great strikes by Connor Gudger and Ben Mackey gave Leamington a 2-0 victory over Frome Town at the Phillips 66 Community Stadium this afternoon.

Brakes dominated possession in the first half. They were brisker than usual, possibly because of the very cold conditions, and passed the ball along the ground more often. Three great saves by the visiting keeper kept the score to 0-0 at half time, although Brakes did fade in the last ten minutes of the half.

Lee Chilton was injured in the second half and he had been one of the better players. However, Gudger put Brakes ahead with a great curving ball from 20 yards out. Mackey then made it 2-0 with another great strike from distance.

Frome threatened with a free kick from a dangerous position, but it came off the wall.

Will Green came on for his customary cameo, but there was to be no triumph of the Will.

I have never seen a referee laugh so much, particularly at some of Breeden's antics.

Attendance was 405. The customary dog was absent.