Young Brakes Turn On the Mikes to Announce Premier Safety

The "Mikes" of Boldmere St Michaels swept into a 1-0 lead in the 1st minute after only 36 seconds when a huge kick from the goalkeeper set a forward free on the right and his cross was knocked in. Those of us watching the Boldmere warm-up had been astonished at the length and accuracy of their bearded goalkeeper's practice kicks, clearly a secret weapon that we should have mentioned to the team though they probably wouldn't have believed us. But Brakes were soon back on parity when a through ball from deep was picked up by Lewis who rounded the 'keeper with great aplomb to slot home an equaliser in the 4th minute, 1-1.

With the free-flowing Brakes forwards carving their way through the Boldmere defence, and two goals in four minutes, a reasonable crowd on a warmish, dry evening settled down for a goal-fest. But the Mikes' attack created vulnerabilities in the Brakes' defence and it wasn't one-way traffic. A 16th minute chance for the Mikes should have been put away but Brakes also deserved better, five minutes later, when a beautifully weighted pass from Lewis set Alex Taylor free and his hurried shot was just wide. Captain Ben Elkington, who had been struggling with an injury, limped off in the 22nd to be replaced by Mark Anderson, Andy McKinley taking the captain's armband.

There was no doubt that Brakes were having the better of the exchanges but they nearly conceded in the 27th when a defender stopped, appealing for an infringement, rather than playing to the whistle. In the same minute Mikes had a golden opportunity with a free-kick just in front the area but Morgan brought off a brilliant save turning the ball round the post for a corner. Alex Taylor was in tremendous form up-front, linking well with the other forwards to play some entertaining football. The Manchester United scout standing next to me was particularly impressed by Taylor but wanted him to be a couple of years younger so that he could be "moulded" before being able to command adult wages.

The early promise hadn't been realised in goals and, although Brakes continued to dominate and Boldmere's attack seemed burnt out, there was always the fear of a late, lucky goal, or free kick that would undo all Brakes' possession. Alex Taylor was now turning it on and Tolley, on for the injure Coleman, was also getting down the wings. A solid defensive display provided a platform for some entertaining forward play with Sheppard, playing his first competitive game since September after serious injury, growing in confidence.

The pressure finally paid off when Tolley took a free-kick from the right touch-line and swung in a hard cross that was expertly nodded in by McKinley in the 87th minute, 1-2. Anderson, who had replaced Elkington, also went off injured a minute later and Morgan was called upon to make another astounding save in the 90th with two added minutes played. But in the 90th with five minutes already added, and two still to be played, Alex Taylor rounded off a superb performance running in from the right to smash an unstoppable shot in the corner for an excellent 1-3 win that will, bar miracles, see Brakes safe from relegation and a chance of finishing 5th if they keep up this form.

Leamington Youth: Richard Morgan; James Taylor; Jamie Coleman (Josh Tolley 52); Iain Groves; Andy McKinley; Ben Elkington [Capt] (Mark Anderson 22 (Ben Halstead-Smyth 88)); Phil Thompson; Jac Sheppard; Chris Lewis; Martin Groves; Alex Taylor
Sub(s) Not Used (3 From 5): Nik Kyriacou; Ashley Kitchen

Team News: The magnificent six who play for Kenilworth School were finally thwarted by a 2-0 reverse at a Manchester school in the quarter finals of the National Schools Competition cup. To make the last eight with 124 teams starting is an excellent result and we're mightily glad that they also play for Leamington. The six are: Iain Groves, Martin Groves, Nik Kyriacou, Chris Lewis, Alex Taylor and Phil Thompson.