Brakes Evoke Cup Memories With Victory At the Town Ground

In front of a record crowd of 320 at the Town Ground, Brakes survived a hectic last ten minutes to book their passage into the FA Vase third round. Goals from Vernor Sleem and Baz Shearsby were enough to overcome higher opposition in the shape of Alsager from the Springbank Vending Midland League and bring back memories of cup runs of old.

The wet and miserable Warwickshire weather was left behind as the Brakes fans travelled and a cold, clear day greeted their arrival at Wood Park. Alsager set out their stall early on attacking Leamington from the kick-off with prolific scorer Andy Kinsey being denied by a saving tackle from Chris Hanrahan in the first five minutes. The lively Will Hurley, a law student from Keele, also went close on thirteen minutes, but then blotted his copybook when bringing down Josh Blake as the Brakes' striker went on a promising run towards the home goal.

The match turned the visitors' way in the 18th minute when good work by Blake and Paul Nicholls set up Vernor Sleem who, from outside the penalty area, turned and struck a stunning shot into the top corner of the net (1-0). This stung Alsager into action and five minutes later, Richard Morris was called on to push clear a curling free-kick from Alan Fraser. Brakes struck back through the energetic Jonny Burgess whose cross cum shot on 29 minutes was tipped over the bar by home 'keeper Rob Powner. The lively Hurley (my choice for the home side's man of the match) then tested Morris again and, with the ball still in the danger zone, Niels Kristensen acted swiftly to clear for a corner.

As half-time approached, the home side appealed for handball against Burgess and, although not many decisions seemed to go Brakes' way, it was a relief to see the referee waving play on.

Alsager had to come at Brakes at the start of the second half and within a space of three minutes had three clear cut opportunities to equalise. The worst miss came from Kinsey who shot over with the goal at his mercy. Andy Gregory was booked on 58 minutes (for no reason that this observer could see) but this did not impede Brakes' progress as a minute later, in the 59th minute, they doubled the lead. Substitute Steve Thompson was brought down wide on the left and Baz Shearsby drove in a shot that deceived everyone and hit the back of the net to great applause from the travelling faithful (2-0).

Any thoughts that the match was wrapped were soon dispelled as, on 65 minutes, Morris had to save well from a header by home skipper Wayne Brotherton. A third goal looked on the cards when Paul Nicholls sprinted clear four minutes later only to be brought down by Steve Grocott who seemed to escape censure form the referee. With time ticking by, the sun gave way to a bright red sky and a swirling mist that gave the clubhouse an eerie look. Still, with the North Bank in full voice (although some clearly didn't feel the cold having discarded their shirts) and Brakes continuing to push forward, a win was looking increasingly on the cards.

Alsager did, however, pull a goal back in the 89th minute through a twice-taken penalty. Kristensen had handled a shot inside the area (although Morris seemed to have it covered) and became the first Brakes player to be sent off this season. Morris saved the spot kick but the referee ordered it to be taken again and Andy Kinsey made no mistake the second time (2-1). A prolonged period of stoppage time had the visiting fans chewing at their increasing frozen finger nails, but all was to end well. In the excitement, Darren Timms threw his shirt into the crowd and it is to be hoped that it comes back by Tuesday night.

Manager Jason Cadden was understandably delighted saying "It was great to get through, this was the job that we came here to do. Our work rate was superb and we defended well, closing everything down. Vernor's goal was good enough to win any cup tie."

For me, this was a hat-trick of good news. The birth of my first grandson, the England World Rugby Cup success and a stirring Brakes victory made Saturday one of those times to remember for my old age.

Leamington: Richard Morris; Jonny Burgess; Harj Dhesi; Niels Kristensen; Andy Gregory; Darren Timms; Barry Shearsby [Capt.]; Chris Hanrahan; Vernor Sleem; Paul Nicholls (Mark Simmonds 80); Josh Blake (Steve Thompson 48)
Subs Not Used: James Gettings; Simon Walker; Anthony Episcopo

Team News: Tom Sidwell and David Care both there; Josh Blake left pitch with a bad knee, don't know how bad.