Hard won point

It was a hard won point for Leamington in a 2-2 draw with AFC Telford at the Phillips 66 Community Stadium this afternoon. It was a tense occasion at times and the referee had difficulty in keeping control despite issuing a flurry of yellow cards.

On August Bank Holiday last year Brakes went down 0-3 to the Bucks and I feared we would be relegated. This year it was a different story of fifth versus second.

Brakes went 1-0 ahead on seven minutes from a Matt Stenson penalty. Gittings put in a good shot. Telford were awarded a free kick in a dangerous position. It was well taken and there was nothing Tony Breeden could do to prevent the equaliser scored by Dawson. A Leamington effort was just over.

Telford went ahead immediately after half time following a defensive mix up right in front of goal. Brakes then equalised through Hood on 62 minutes when there was a scramble in front of goal from a corner.

Telford then won a penalty on 64 minutes, but it was well saved by Breeden. A deflected shot from Dunbar hit the post leading to a Leamington corner. Towards the end the match petered out with neither side dominant.

Attendance was 812 plus one dog.

Brakes remain in fifth place on goal difference.

A vital three points

My first live football for over two months and good to see Leamington secure a much needed three points with a 1-0 victory over FC United of Manchester. It was a tight game, as was to be expected, but we are now six points off the drop zone.

Edwards hit the bar early on with a looping shot. Breeden made a good save to stop the visitors going ahead. Charm merchant Daniel Racchi received a yellow card for a foul. In play following a free kick, Jamie Hood scored a vital goal just before the break. (For me and others he was man of the match). Dunbar sent the ball in and it came off Hood's knee. There was still time for the referee to give Jack Edwards his birthday card and it was yellow.

Dodd replaced Obening in the second half and then Magunda replaced Clarke. Breeden made a vital one handed save. The visitors kept up the pressure through corners, but Brakes were resolute. Racchi finally got a second yellow card and his marching orders.

Attendance 1,005 plus one away dog.

Brakes hammered at Nuneaton

Leamington lost the Warwickshire derby 4-0 at Nuneaton this afternoon with Jamie Hood red carded. Let's hope it was actually Jamie Hodd as on the team sheet. However, he appeared to push an opposition player and make contact with his face.

Brakes were comprehensively outplayed and unable to deal with fierce shots from distance. It was all too easy for the home side. Leamington were 3-0 down at half time.

As someone said, bring on North Ferriby United so we can win something. Leamington now have the same number of points as North Ferriby and are second from bottom.

It is being argued that Holleran peaks at Southern League Premier level and can't cope with National League North. However, I am not sure that the squad is strong enough. Even the defence couldn't stand up to Nuneaton today.

Attendance was 712.

Pilgrimage in vain

A large number of Banbury supporters came up the M40 this afternoon to see their team play at the Phillips 66 Community Stadium, boosting the crowd to over 800, but the Pilgrims went down 1-0.

In the first phase of the game attempts from Brakes were either off target or did not trouble the keeper. However, one shot come down off the crossbar and could well have gone in. Then, following a free kick, Jamie Hood found the back of the net for Leamington. He had an excellent game in defence as well.

A second goal eluded the Brakes, although they kept pressing. Banbury won two corners at the end of the game and could have scored from the second one.

At the end of the game the visiting support chanted 'You're going nowhere, we'll see you next year.' We shall see.