The returning striker's deflected second-half shot saw off determined Rushall, who have designs of their own for a top-five finish in Division One Midlands.

It put Jason Cadden's side seven points clear of third-placerd Sutton ahead of Tuesday's trip to Rothwell Town.

Although lucky, the 75th-minute winner was just rewards for long spells of Leamington pressure. Mackey received the ball inside the area and unleashed a shot that took a huge deflection off defender Richard Brown and wrong-footed keeper Tony Breeden.

James Knott twice went close as Rushall made the better start in wintry conditions. Brakes front men Martin Thompson and Justin Marsden each tried to send the other clear, but the ball just wouldn't run for them.

Jamie Towers saw a dangerous cross headed behind by Lee Gough as the half drew to a close.

Brakes were much better in the second period. Towers headed a Ryan Parisi cross just over the bar and James Husband mustered two good shots.

The home side looked likelier still when Mackey replaced Thompson after an hour, bringing a new impetus to the attack and causing problems with his ball control.

Breedon saved one Mackey effort and saw Towers' follow-up shot bounce off the bar, but his luck ran out when the former Sky Blue beat him 15 minutes from time.

Belatedly Rushall threatened, prompting keeper Richard Morris to twice sprint from his line to save.

Leamington: Richard Morris, Jamie Towers, Arron Parkinson (Capt], Adam Cooper, Guy Sanders, Marcus Jackson, Scott Hadland, James Husband, Justin Marsden (Robbie Beard, 80), Martin Thompson (Ben Mackey, 61), Ryan Parisi. Substitutes not used: Martin Hier, Craig Dutton, Shay Morgan. Att 547.

Next game: Rothwell Town away (Tuesday April 8, 7.45pm).