Competition

Date

Tuesday 8th February 2011

Match Report by the Swindon Advertiser

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Match Report from a Leamington perspective

Leamington had to work hard to break down fellow play off chasers Swindon Supermarine at the New Windmill Ground, but after a fairly even first 45 minutes an early second half strike from James Rowe set them on their way to another important three points.

 

With some clubs in the division having to adjust to a sudden change in circumstances due to the sad demise of Windsor & Eton, these two remained handily placed, and there was little to separate them in an opening half bereft of chances. Luke Corbett forced an early corner off keeper Will Puddy as Leamington threatened to break through, and Jamie Hood pushed up to power in a header from the corner that was blocked.

 

Midway through the half James Rowe’s quick turn made space for a low shot that was easily gathered by Puddy. Supermarine began to win the midfield battles as the clock ticked towards half time, exerting some pressure on the Brakes defence without unduly troubling Tony Breeden’s goal.

 

Leamington fired an early warning shot as the second half commenced, Lee Downes driving in a low shot that was held by Puddy, but the ball came straight back at the Swindon goal as the visitors lost possession. Luke Corbett was played in on the right, and charged into the penalty area before squaring to James Rowe, who looked like he may have been offside when Corbett received the ball, but was certainly not when it was played across to him for a simple close range tap in to give Brakes a priceless advantage.

 

Supermarine were not happy with the goal, and started to lose their discipline a little, picking up unnecessary bookings. Leamington were buoyed by the goal, and Corbett almost charged down a clearance by Puddy that could have resulted in a second. James Rowe was suddenly finding space that he had not had during the first half, and burst down the right, finding his strike partner inside the penalty area, but Luke Corbett should perhaps have let the ball run for James Husband behind him, who would have been free to strike at goal.

 

With visiting players still screaming at the Referee following the award of another free kick, Leamington almost added a second when Alex Taylor struck the outside of the post inside the penalty area, and then hit the rebound across goal. Rowe’s clever flick almost put Corbett in the clear, but a last ditch challenge from Swindon skipper Leigh Henry denied him. Jamie Hood towered above a packed penalty area to head just wide from the corner.

 

There were 13 minutes remaining when Michael Tuohy pushed up into the attack and danced into the penalty area, only to be halted by a late challenge. The Swindon players protested again, but the match officials were unmoved, and Luke Corbett leathered the spot kick into the top corner to double Leamington’s advantage.

 

Brakes continued to push forward in search of more goals, and Jamie Hood almost headed a ball forward from Corbett over goalkeeper Puddy, who was bailed out by substitute Joe Harris. James Rowe then hooked the ball back from the touchline and right across goal, with no Gold and Black shirted player in attendance to take advantage. Jacob Blyth and Jamie Sheldon made late appearances from the bench and caused more problems for the visiting defence. Good work by Sheldon gave James Husband the chance to deliver the coup de grace with time almost up. There was still work for the winger to do, but he made light work of weaving past two or three challenges, only to steer his shot wide of the far post.

 

This was another hard earned three points as Leamington embark on a run that sees them take on several of their rivals for a play off place in the next month, including the return against Swindon Supermarine. Paul Holleran and Lee Williams will be well aware that they cannot allow their side to rest on their laurels in the quest for promotion.