Sun, 29 Jul 2007 @ Liberty Way Nuneaton. vs Nuneaton Borough (0-1). Friendly. By P Edwards. Brakes put in a hard working performance and were unlucky to go down to Blue Square North side Nuneaton Borough at their new Liberty Way stadium.
Leamington were the first non-league visitors to their North Warwickshire neighbours new home, and it took an 79th minute goal by substitute Ricky Muggleton, with his first touch, to give the home side victory.
Despite there being two divisions between the clubs, Brakes dug in and put up a commendable display, and while Richard Morris had to be at his best when making a couple of smart saves in the first half, Boro were forced into several shots from distance which flew into the terracing behind the goal.
Martin Thompson looked hungry for more goals and put in another hard working performance. He forced Darren Acton into a save when he turned his defender smartly, but shot straight at the keeper.
It was good to see Richard Adams back in the Gold and Black, and he very nearly stabbed in a loose ball, only for Acton to grab the ball off his toes.
Although it was disappointing to hear that Jon Adams had not been offered a contract at Kidderminster Harriers, it was very heartening from a Leamington point of view to see him back in the squad.
Former Boro player Avun Jephcott also drew a smart save from Acton during the first forty five minutes.
Jamie Towers looked a different player with his shaven head, and didnt respond to the Brakes fans rendition of his song, but he had a quiet game and was well marshalled by Josh Blake before being substituted in the second half.
One player who really caught the eye was trialist Marcus Jackson, wearing the number 2 shirt vacated by Towers. The contrast in size between the two players couldnt be greater, but Jackson showed a willingness to get stuck in and showed some good footwork. He certainly impressed the travelling Brakes fans, who told Cadsey what they thought with chants of sign him up!
Richard Adams thought he had given Brakes the advantage in the second half when his shot appeared to be just over the line before being cleared, but the assistant referee was not quite up with play, and did not signal a goal, much to the disgust of those in Gold and Black behind the goal. There was also another shout for a goal later on, which was not given.
Overall, this was an encouraging performance from Brakes and the players acquitted themselves well against their opponents from two levels above. Hopefully this is sign of things to come over the next nine months.