Stubborn Cinderford looked like claiming a point against a Leamington side that attacked all night without creating many decent chances.

That was until Beard's right-sided shot from a tight angle was fumbled into his own net by keeper Nick Church ten minutes from time.

The men from the Forest of Dean spent most of the match in their own half, although they made the better start.

Ryan Parker might have put them in front had he latched on to a left-sided cross after five minutes and Richard Morris pounced to thwart Luke Hopper, who was well placed to shoot.

Brakes grew as an attacking force after that, although Church wasn't severely tested. Ben Mackey blasted over the bar from a long Guy Sanders pass and Vijay Sidhu could only manage a tame shot from a dangerous position.

This pattern of constant pressure with no reward continued after the interval. Brakes forced corner after corner without summoning an aeriel threat and the strikers were often restricted to speculative efforts.

Mackey in particular was well shackled, being surrounded by three red-shirted players whenever he received the ball. Sidhu and Thompson found more space but never really looked like using it to significant effect.

The latter man made way for Beard with an hour gone. The former Brackley, Rugby and Bedworth striker immediately looked at home, adding pace and bite to the attack.

The ball came back to Beard when he fired it towards the near post from the right-hand edge of the area. He tried again, this time panicking the unfortunate Church into what could be considered an own goal.

Beard was having none of that of course. And why not? His industry and power made the difference on a night when Brakes' considerable efforts had looked like going unrewarded.

Captain Arron Parkinson was replaced by Adam Cooper after picking up a knock in the latter stages, when Liam Reynolds returned from injury in place of Sidhu.

In the end it was a deserved win against stubborn but limited opponents. The back three of Parkinson, Sanders and Hier - the latter making his 50th appearance - coped well with the occasional threats while James Husband and Craig Dutton were tireless in central midfield.

Manager Jason Cadden said: "We dominated from start to finish and would have been disappointed with just a draw."

"We deserved the win and I am chuffed for Robbie, scoring on his debut."

Brakes: Richard Morris, Jamie Towers, Arron Parkinson (capt] (Adam Cooper 71), Guy Sanders, Martin Hier, Craig Dutton, James Husband, Ben Mackey, Martin Thompson (Robbie Beard 63), Vijay Sidhu (Liam Reynolds 78), Ryan Parisi. Subs not used: Dale Jones, Andy Harper (gk). Att 452