With Atherstone winning again to move into second place this was a crucial Division One Midlands result at The Meadow, even though Nuneaton and Chasetown helped Jason Cadden's side by drawing 1-1 at Liberty Way.

Chesham competed well throughout, giving keeper Chris Kiely his busiest game since arriving on loan from Gillingham. He parried an early Darrell Cox cross, but Kevin Cotton fired the rebound over the bar from close range.

Centre-back Ryan Parisi was disappointed to be forced off with a hamstring problem after just 19 minutes, but a substitute of Martin Hier's calibre meant Brakes weren't weakened.

The in-form Stuart Herlihy put Brakes in front on 27 minutes, collecting a Jai Stanley ball and chipping keeper Michael Underwood, who was off his line.

Chesham were level before the celebrations had died down. Striker Luke Corbett conoceded a penalty while tracking back and Generals top scorer Danny Burnell beat Kiely from 12 yards.

The scrappy, disrupted flow of the first half continued after the break. Bellingham was twice flagged offside when seemingly well placed, while at the other end Kiely did well to push a deflected shot over the bar.

James Husband showed some fine close control on the left touchline and beat his marker to roll the ball into the area for Bellingham, whose shot was put behind. Guy Sanders' header from the corner was scrambled clear.

Brakes got the winner 16 minutes from time when Bellingham seized on a mistake in midfield and sprinted towards goal for a decisive shot.

Chesham weren't finished and gave the visiting fans some nervous moments in the closing stages. Sanders in particular was impressive in a solid defence though. Kiely saved a free kick at the death.

Leamington: Chris Kiely, Marcus Jackson, Ryan Parisi (Martin Hier 19), Adam Cooper, Guy Sanders (capt], Stuart Herlihy, Steve Palmer (Chris Murphy 77), Jai Stanley, Luke Corbett (Mykel Beckley 72), Mark Bellingham, James Husband. Subs not used: Richard Anstiss, Josh Blake. Attendance: 282.