Battling Brakes Stunned by Baggies' 93rd Minute Winner

140 fans were spellbound by a thoroughly absorbing contest between two very good sides. WBA came to the New Windmill with a 100% record but met a very good Brakes side which matched them in every department. Young Brakes had far more chances to win the game before a WBA free kick in the 3rd minute of added time stunned those who were preparing themselves for one point instead of an anticipated win.

Brakes tore into WBA from the start and Kyriacou drove just wide in the 10th, heading home for a disallowed goal in the 13th after good work by Howell and Thompson. Brakes were harrying and forcing errors and though WBA looked dangerous on the break they were not getting sight of goal. Iain Groves was jinxing through the WBA defence with Howell showing strength and speed up front and Kyriacou adding strength, as he gets older, to the speed he has always shown.

The rest of the first half was, more or less, a litany of the start. The game was fast and furious, Brakes' passing play was excellent and their passing incisive. What they lacked was the killer punch against a strong, WBA back four who were often passed but rarely totally breached. Howell loked as if he must score, driving over and past both posts with both feet; Rowan topped a good chance in all the excitement and Kyriacou ran down every loose ball. When WBA threatened the Brakes' defence proved equal and 'keeper Cole was called upon rarely but did well when he was.

WBA showed a liitle more guile at the start of the second half, looking dangerous down the right. In the 51st minute they had their first, real shot on target but Cole saved well. This was now a more even contest with play going from end-to-end with swift, skilfull passing movements. Yet despite the furious pace this was an exceptionally well-mannered match with little foul play and a very good referee managing the balance of keeping play flowing while spotting the occasional infringement and having "a quiet word".

Still Brakes looked the more likely scorers but as the game wore on the fans were starting to accept that this might not be a famous win but an excellent point with a rider that "you have to take your chances". All the subs came on in the last couple of minutes of normal time to try and snatch that elusive goal. Then, with three minutes already added to the 90, and play mostly in the WBA half, play broke upfield, a WBA player tumbled and the 25 yd free kick was blasted round the wall into the top, right corner.

You had to be there to appreciate how devastated fans and players felt at this seeming injustice. But, of course, it wasn't (an injustice). Young Brakes can be very proud of their overall performance and they are a joy to watch. But teams like WBA have excellent defences and a professional attitude that is not easy to overcome. Brakes will overcome lesser teams this season and, maybe, with a little luck, WBA when they meet again in a hastily reorganised match Wednesday week (1 October) at Lilleshaw (where WBA youth play). Directions are on the website and a coach leaves the Windmill pub. in Tachbrook Road at 4:30. Be there or you might miss a treat.

Leamington Youth: Luke Cole; Andrew McKinley; Martin Groves; Iain Groves (Kyle Crowley 89); Andrew McKinley [Capt.]; Mark Anderson; Phil Thompson; Ben Rowan (Alex Taylor 77); Nik Kyriacou (Chris Lewis 90); Ryan Howell; Josh Tolley
Sub(s) Not Used (3 From 5 Used): Jamie Coleman; Adam Butcher

Team News: Martin Groves, Andy McKinley and Josh Tolley are in the squad for the Birmingham County FA representative side to play Darlington on Sunday next (28th) at Great Barr.
James Taylor was selected but is on crutches after picking up an injury playing for Easington; Jac Sheppard out for "up to 10 weeks" allowing shin splints (muscles) to recover; Luke Moulding injured - no prognosis yet.