"Father of Three" Slots the Winner

Brakes youth put on a stunning display that should have resulted in a big, winning margin. Worcester City had not been together for many days whilst Brakes' Youth pre-season preparation is well under way, and it showed. First to every ball Brakes' youngsters looked stronger, fitter and very well organised.

With more than half of the squad on holiday, and many 1st years in the side, Brakes played football at times that was better than much of last season's championship campaign. All very encouraging but, and it is a big but, the end result was a one goal difference and two missed penalties. So many times Brakes wasted chances and when they were on target they found a very good 'keeper in the Worcester goal.

Iain Groves jinxed through the defence to be brought down by desperate defending for the first penalty miss in the 24th minute by Howell and McKinley missed the second in the 42nd minute after handball; both kicks were on target but saved by the 'keeper. In between these two misses Chris Lewis made it 1-0 in the 30th minute when a rare goalkeeping error left him a loose ball at a tight angle which he lobbed superbly into the empty net.

Several new players caught the eye, the solid Luke Moulding in defence and Ben Rowan up front being the pick with Andrew McKinley not far behind. The Groves' twins will make a mark this season with Howell almost certain to lead the goal-scoring pack. But others will not be far behind and there wasn't a weak performance. Chris Lewis has still to get his confidence back after his bad injury last season and may, one day, prove the pick of the bunch. Some of his work had the Worcester coach bemoaning the use of over-age players ("wife and three kids that one") but an introduction to young Steve Lewis (Dad) and confirmation that Chris is still 16 until December scotched that one

This is an entertaining team well-worth watching. Whether they can reproduce this form against the stronger, premier sides when their fitness levels have caught up will be another matter; and if they don't put away some of their chances the good approach work will be irrelevant anyway.

Leamington Youth from: Lee van der Heyden; Adam Butcher; Mark Anderson; Chris Lewis; Martin Groves; Iain Groves; Luke Moulding; Andrew McKinley; Ryan Howell; Ben Rowan; Alex Shaw; Lewis Scott; Richard Sutton

Team News: Lee van der Heyden was drafted in, though over age for this friendly, as all Brakes' goalkeepers (and a majority of outfield players) are on holiday.