The three points mean Brakes can finish no lower than fourth in the Division One Midlands table and will contest a one-legged play-off semi-final on Tuesday April 29. The match will be at the New Windmill if they finish second or third.

The young home team was made to pay for missing chances at Cecil Street. Keeper Tom Smith denied Brakes an early lead when beating back a fierce shot from Robbie Beard, but was beaten on six minutes when Ben Mackey ran at the defence and crossed to the far post where Ryan Parisi crashed the ball home.

Smith again denied Beard before Rothwell almost equalised when Jon Stead turned Marcus Jackson on the edge of the penalty area, but his shot went across the face of the goal.

Beard went close for a third time and a header by Guy Sanders from an inswinging James Husband corner was cleared off the line before Rothwell hit back, with Stead drawing a good save from Richard Morris.

Guy Sanders sent a free-kick just wide after the break and had another goalbound header stopped by Smith with the help of a defender. Parisi also blasted wide after being set up by Mackey.

Chris Difante had a golden opportunity to equalise, but put his shot wide of the far post with only Morris to beat.

Jamie Towers replaced Beard and, with Parisi switching to the left, James Husband reverted to midfield. His recent effectiveness there continued as he released Mackey to partner Justin Marsden in attack.

The changes worked. Mackey headed home a fine Jamie Towers cross from the right on 75 minites and Husband wrapped it up ten minutes from time after Smith had failed to gather the ball under pressure from substitute Shay Morgan.

Brakes travel to Woodford United on Saturday (April 12, 3pm). They host Aylesbury United a week later and finish the regular league programme with a trip to bottom side Berkhamstead Town on April 26.

Brakes: Richard Morris, Ryan Parisi, Arron Parkinson (capt], Guy Sanders, Martin Hier, Marcus Jackson, Scott Hadland, Ben Mackey (Martin Thompson 84), Justin Marsden (Shay Morgan 81), Robbie Beard (Jamie Towers 69), James Husband. Subs not used: Adam Cooper, Craig Dutton. Att 257.