Brakes Youth Off the Mark But Late Goal Denies Victory

Young Brakes matched a bigger and stronger Chasetown in the early stages but conceded in the 10th when a corner from the left was nodded in at the back post, 0-1. A good save by Heath four minutes later, after a defender slipped, kept Brakes in the game and they then started to control the midfield, with McGarvey and Webb linking well but without troubling the Chasetown 'keeper.

But it all came right five minutes before the break stemming from a superb Lockyer tackle to break up a promising Chasetown attack. The ball was played out to the influential Jordan, who had an excellent game; he fed Ellis who released McCarthy for a chip over the onrushing Chasetown 'keeper for the equaliser, 1-1 in the 40th and at half-time.

Now it was end-to-end stuff that kept the 50-strong crowd involved, an excellent turnout as the seniors were playing at the same time. Chasetown had more goal attempts though Heath was rarely troubled. The defence looked solid with James and Griffin secure at the back and Aubak and Ellis working hard on the flanks. McCarthy was unlucky in the 62nd to see his shot turned round the post for a corner which was scrambled away by the Chasetown defence and Foster linked well with Ellis to create yet another chance as Brakes turned the screw.

With all four subs on for the last 15, Brakes' 'keeper Russell came out strongly to punch clear from a dangerous free-kick and Brakes looked to have won the game when Webb made it 2-1, with an excellent strike, in the 87th. But, deep into injury time, Chasetown drew level at 2-2 with a 25-yard screamer.

This was an excellent performance by young Brakes and their two performances this week show that they have the makings of a very good team. A word of thanks is due, also, to the Chasetown players and officials for leaving the changing rooms spotless. Chasetown is, clearly, a very well-run club and we look forward to our Seniors' games in the MFA.

Leamington Youth From: Tom Heath [GK]; Henry Jordan; Tom James; Mark Griffin; James Lockyer [Capt]; Mike Ellis; Kevin McGarvey; Jamie Webb; Mike Aubak; Jamie Foster; Sean McCarthy; Dylan Russell [GK]; Chris King; Adam Sutton; Parminder Sidhu