Long Range Strikes Seal It For Brakes In Alveston Scorcher

In temperatures more suited to lying on the beach than playing football, Brakes continued their pre-season build-up with a comfortable win over neighbours Alveston.

Traffic jams in the Warwick and Stratford areas caused delays for players and fans alike and the home goalkeeper, Lee Hendrie, was amongst those who didn't make it in time for the delayed kick-off. Brakes' Richard Morris, who had played for Alveston in the 2002/3 season, made a guest appearance for the first thirty minutes having just returned from holiday. Youth team player Richard Morgan was making his first team debut in the Brakes' goal joined in the starting line-up by midfielder Andy Bradley who has stayed in the area following completion of his studies at Warwick University.

Tom Friend, who had scored the winner against Bedworth United earlier in the week, almost made his mark in the very first minute sending an overhead kick just wide. On 12 minutes, Steve Smith was chopped down from behind and limped off injured with Darran Tank taking over in the heart of the defence. The visitors mounted a number of attacks, but the final pass always just fell short of the target man, notably in the thirty-fourth minute when Jonny Burgess and Vernor Sleem combined well with the latter's cross going past the face of the goal with no Brakes player on hand to capitalise.

It was not surprising then that the opening goal came from a long way out as a shot from Andy Bradley on 39 minutes deceived Hendrie to creep in under the bar, 0-1. Friend had a good chance to double the lead within three minutes latching onto a pass from Baz Shearsby only to send his shot into the side netting. However, with half-time approaching, Darren Timms picked up on a loose ball just inside the Alveston half and sent a finely-placed shot over the stranded Hendrie to equal Bradley's feat and send Brakes in to the cool of the changing room with a comfortable two goal lead.

The second half was notable for three things. Firstly, Brakes' failure to increase their lead which looked an even better bet than Best Mate in the Cheltenham Gold Cup. Secondly, the impressive display from former West Midlands Police player Richard Adams. Thirdly, and perhaps most surprisingly, the appearance of Leon Morgan as a substitute. Like a number of former Rugby Town players, Morgan has been training at Leicestershire Senior League side Downes Sports at Hinckley, but he is keen to join Leamington. He has the potential to be a match winner if he can harness his talent and be more effective than when last seen being substituted in the match at Rugby last season.

Andy Bradley almost scored a second goal drawing a good save from Hendrie within two minutes of the restart and Mark Delaney had the best chance of all when pushing a fine cross from Ryan Howell onto the post on 81 minutes. As it was, the only goal of the half came from Alveston's Steve Brown who capitalised on some slack play to thread his way past several defenders and plant the ball wide of Morgan with seven minutes remaining, 1-2.

Special mention is due for the fine performance of Ryan Parisi and for the dedication of Dave Care who turned out on the day that his wife was due to give birth. Best wishes go to physio Matt Papworth who moves on to a new job in Basingstoke and after the match Chairman Mick Brady presented him with a memento of his time with the club.

Manager Jason Cadden was happy enough saying "It was nice to win again, but I was disappointed that we didn't keep a clean sheet. We got sloppy and were punished with the goal."

Leamington: Richard Morgan; Jonny Burgess (David Care 69); Harj Dhesi; Ryan Parisi; Steve Smith (Darran Tank 12); Darren Timms (Mark Delaney 63); Baz Shearsby (Mark Anderson 57); Andy Bradley (Richard Adams 50); Vernor Sleem (Ryan Howell 63); Tom Friend (Leon Morgan 63); Steve Thompson [Capt]

Other Team News (by Roger Vincent): Niels Kristensen still having knee problems but at the match; Andy McKinley another week's holiday to go; Paul Eden knee problem; Richard Morgan is the youth team goalkeeper but Dad, who attends every youth match is distraught at missing Rich's senior debut through holiday - but plenty more chances on this display.