Burgess Strike Keeps the Bandwagon Rolling

Early season league tables can be deceptive but there is no doubt that Brakes are sitting in the position that every other club would want. A Jonny Burgess goal on 28 minutes secured a hard-fought win against strong-tackling opponents to maintain the club's 100% start to the season.

With club captain Steve Thompson suspended, Josh Blake moved out wide on the left and Jonny Burgess filled his slot down the middle. This allowed David Care in to the right wing-back position and he showed great flair and pace throughout continually causing the home defence problems.

Pershore set out their stall in the opening minute when Care was upended on the first of many runs. Shearsby took the free-kick which was met by Blake whose shot came off the post into the arms of 'keeper Barry McLean. In the third minute, Care then sent a long range shot over the bar and again came close to scoring on 18 minutes with a free kick following another foul, this time on Blake. Brakes were serving up some great entertainment and got their reward in the 28th minute. A cross by the excellent Shearsby was touched onto the post by Darren Timms and Burgess was on hand to put the ball into the net (1-0).

It was all Brakes now and, within a minute of the re-start, Care had sent Vernor Sleem clear. The Brakes' striker saw his shot pushed away by McLean and Blake had a good chance to follow up but put the ball wide. Pershore's best chances came from free-kicks on 38 and 42 minutes but James Gettings dealt with the danger comfortably. On the stroke of half-time, yet another run by Care ended with Shearsby shooting just over the bar.

Pershore came into the game more in the second half, although not before Andy Gregory and Blake had gone close with long-range efforts. The tackling remained as robust as ever but, to their credit, Brakes did not react and got on with the game. Another foul on Care on 60 minutes saw a booking for Pershore's Tony McLean (only the second punishment handed out by the referee). Despite their pressure, Pershore's best chance came courtesy of a Brakes' player when, in trying to clear the danger on 76 minutes, Shearsby put the ball onto his own post. There was a nail-biting last ten minutes (plus another five of stoppage time) for the visiting supporters who made up most of the official 144 crowd. However, whenever danger threatened, Gettings was on hand in another assured performance.

Trying to pick a man of the match was virtually impossible as every player gave his all. However, if forced to choose, I would select Tom Sidwell who was a tower of strength in the centre of defence when the going got tough in the second half.

Manager Jason Cadden was understandably pleased at the result, describing the first half performance as "outstanding." He added "we rose to the challenge well and everyone gave 100%. Josh Blake and David Care did a great job tackling back to support the defence which again kept a clean sheet. It was a tough match, but they will not get any easier and we are expecting another one against Meir KA on Saturday."

Leamington: James Gettings; David Care (Chris Hanrahan 87); Harj Dhesi; Andy Gregory; Tom Sidwell; Darren Timms [Capt.]; Simon Wickson; Barry Shearsby; Jonny Burgess (Scott Easterlow 73); Vernor Sleem; Josh Blake
Subs Not Used: Paul Frost

Team News: Steve Thompson suspended; Nick McFarlane and Simon Walker injured