By David Hucker

Stacey Brace as Shadows Lengthen

Sandwiched in between two important first-team matches, this historic youth team fixture drew a good-sized crowd of 75 to the New Windmill Ground. Playing a competitive fixture on home soil for the first time, Young Brakes ran out 2-0 winners thanks to second-half strikes from leading scorer, Neil Stacey.

Umbi Sidhu again deputised for the injured Lee van der Heyden in goal and brought off two fine saves, on both occasions diving to the foot of the post. He rode his luck when a Highgate free kick on 30 minutes hit the angle of the post and bar but, overall, turned in a solid performance.

Despite their industry, Brakes looked to be heading for a draw when, as the sun went down and the gentle breeze wafted the now-familiar smell from the nearby chicken farm, Stacey pounced to convert two crosses from the right. Jimmy Claridge provided the first on 78 minutes and Tom Rudge, complete with distinctive green boots, obliged with the second in the 85th minute.

A good result for the improving Leamington side who go into action again at Stratford on Thursday. Tim Green and Ben Webster were strong in defence with Nick Collen and James Taylor adding good cover at full-back. Up front, Jimmy Claridge was again busy and James Mellings can also look back on a good night's work.

Leamington: Umbi Sidhu; James Taylor (Matt Mellings 63); Nick Collen; Tim Green (Capt.); Ben Webster; James Mellings; Mark Beezley; Jimmy Claridge; Leigh Martin (Josh Tolley 69); Neil Stacey; Tom Rudge