Another Late Winner Puts Brakes Youth in the Danger Zone

A perfect pitch at Aggborough and an appealing, well-appointed ground greeted the travelling fans who had their pick of comfortably-cushioned seats in the stands. But, come on Harriers, we know that life in the league is an expensive business, but £1 for a cup of tea!

Life at the top is certainly no easy ride and young Brakes showed the same failings that were apparent at WBA. Matching their more illustrious opponents for much of the game they were just that little bit slower to the ball, needed slightly longer to react and maintained their tendency to give the ball away. Although they look good at times going forward they need to employ a midfield more and keep the ball on the ground instead of relying on the speed of the front-runners to get through as that isn't working at this level.

But, although Brakes slipped into the bottom three, after another late strike, there is much to find encouraging. They have now beaten the bottom side, drawn with the team in 4th and lost to the top 3, WBA twice. What they do to the teams in between will decide their final position. But, despite playing all the better teams their goal difference is not bad and they haven't been outplayed by anyone, including WBA and Harriers who both swamped them last season in cup and friendly.

Harriers started off at a furious pace and Cole, in goal, made an early save. Alex Shaw was holding the centre well in the absence of strong-man Moulding, and gradually the defence got the upper hand and snuffed the early threat. Tolley set up Rowan for a chance in the 16th but the referee awarded a wasted free-kick when advantage may have been more productive.

Crowley, making his first start, was showing well, robbing a Harriers' player to create an attacking move between Iain Groves and Anderson that promised much until they were foiled by the speed of the pitch. Crowley, again, got up the wing to put a cross along the face of the goal with nobody there to take advantage. With McKinley having his normal, exceptional game in defence and Brakes winning balls it all looked quite promising. But, too often, the strong, skilful Howell found himself up front surrounded by three defenders with nobody to pass to. Maybe this is a confidence thing and players are hiding but there seemed to be more of their players on the pitch. Harriers still threatened in breaks and McKinley made a saving tackle as the half ended.

Brakes started the second period with greater threat and Kyriacou had the best chance of the game from a Howell through ball in the 51st running free on goal only to see his shot pushed round for a corner. In the 64th Howell also had a shot saved at the expense of another corner and, as Brakes pushed for goal, Tolley, in the 75th, hit the ball goalwards so hard that the defender who blocked it needed treatment.

This was the end of Brakes' threat as the game moved towards its conclusion and, seemingly, a 0-0 draw conceded by both sides. But late pressure from Harriers brought a very good save from Cole in the 83rd and a cruel blow in the 85th when Harriers picked up a ball, again given away at a promising Brakes move, to break at speed and slot home the winner, 1-0. A late surge saw the Harriers 'keeper save in the 90th but it was all too little and too late as another likely point, or three, turned to nothing.

Leamington Youth: Luke Cole; Andrew McKinley [Capt.]; Martin Groves; Iain Groves; Alex Shaw; Mark Anderson; Kyle Crowley (Alex Taylor 86); Ben Rowan; Nik Kyriacou; Ryan Howell; Josh Tolley
Sub(s) Not Used (3 From 5): Chris Lewis; Ben Halstead-Smyth; Philip Thompson; Jamie Coleman

Team News: Luke Moulding back too soon after last injury and crocked again; Ben Elkington training with Derby County.