Brakes Show Promise

Willenhall Town, 6th in the Alliance last season and fresh from a demolition job, 7-0, against Kenilworth Town, played keep-ball for five minutes but Brakes persevered and were matching them when a break on the right, a cross and a superb volley put the visitors 0-1 up after 11 minutes.

In a mostly even first half Brakes looked favourites to score next in the five minutes up to half-time. A Steve Thompson cross was met by Sidwell whose powerful header was beaten out in the 41st and a minute later McFarlane headed over from a Care free kick. A Care run on goal and chances for Eden and Blake followed as Brakes took control. But with seconds to the end of the 45 a short corner was intercepted and, with Brakes pressing upfield, Willenhall broke swiftly on the right, crossed and slotted home in one flowing movement to make it 0-2 and stun Brakes and 226 fans.

Gettings made several good saves in the second half as Willenhall piled on the pressure but in the 58th it was 0-3 when a defensive slip left an attacker with a simple tap-in. But Brakes were back in contention in the 61st at 1-3 with a superbly worked goal when Nicholls met Steve Thompson's cross to drive home. Gettings, again, showed what an excellent goal-stopper he is; one save, from Timms in the 71st, was top class!

This was becoming a thoroughly entertaining game as Brakes, like Willenhall, rang the changes to try new players and tactics. McFarlane was outstanding in a good defensive display and Kristensen was much-improved on last Saturday. With Parisi and Care looking dangerous, and Frost a superb acquisition, this mix of players could do well for Brakes in the coming campaign. Vernor Sleem also promises much when he gets to know the other players better.

Leamington (From): James Gettings, Jonny Burgess, Harj Dhesi, Simon Walker, Nick McFarlane, Darren Timms, David Care, Paul Frost, Paul Eden, Tom Sidwell, Josh Blake, Paul Nicholls, Steve Thompson [Capt.], Niels Kristensen, Ryan Parisi, Vernor Sleem

Team News: Andy Biffin has an achilles tendon problem, missed when his broken leg was diagnosed; Andy Gregory has further problems with a broken foot - further prognoses on both when we know more. Good news: new goalkeeping coach, Malc(olm) Hyland, was at the match; more when we know more.

And more good news. Six of our players have been selected for the Midland Combination League representative team. Their first match is a friendly against Knowle on Saturday 2 August. The magnificent six are: Nick McFarlane, Steve Thompson, Barry Shearsby, Chris Hanrahan, Simon Walker and Paul Nicholls. The only down side is that we have had to cancel our friendly at Alvechurch on the same day.