Wed, 18 Jul 2007 @ Away. vs Southam (1-1). Friendly: the Friendship Cup. By C Baker. With storm clouds gathering and a chilly wind blowing, it felt more like an October game than a mid-July pre-season warm up as a decent crowd - perhaps 200 - assembled for the Brakes first match of the 2007-08 season.
There were plenty of old friends in the Southam line-up, with Barry Shearsby and Harj Dhesi now managing the club and Chris Hanrahan and Tom Sidwell on the field. Conversely, Leamington's starting side had a new look about it, as Darran Tank (Caddsy being on holiday) fielded ex-Woodford signings Russell Dunkley, Tom Fountain and Aaron Parkinson, as well as Ryan Willetts who took up the right back position. Ryan began his career at Coventry City and Walsall before spells at Hucknall Town and Stamford. At Walsall he signed professional forms and made one appearance for the Saddlers before being released in 2005. From the close season acquisitions, only Richard Adams was not present while Chris Gibson started on the bench.
Southam had already played two friendlies and appeared fitter and well motivated to win the game. Conversely, Brakes, it appears, had not been doing too much ball work during training before this game. The lack of match sharpness showed, but of course these games are more about building fitness, clicking as a unit and trying out tactics than anything else. The first half had few memorable moments.
Many half time changes saw Martin Thompson, Avun Jephcott and Dave Pearson enter the fray and for the first ten minutes it was all Leamington, with several chances going begging. Southam were definitely making a play of it and deservedly took the lead mid way through the half. The lead was short-lived, however, as Chris Hanrahan gave away a penalty which Josh Blake duly converted, although only after his initial shot was parried. The rest of the game petered out to finish 1-1.
This being a cup game, a result is necessary and Leamington's five penalties were all stroked in with aplomb, Southam missing their fifth - and the silverware was on its way back to the New Windmill Ground.- MotM None named.