New boy Justin Marsden and man-of-the-match James Husband deserved to score the goals in an end-to-end encounter in which Leamington bounced back from their recent defeat to Sutton Coldfield Town and strengthened their second place play-off position.

The visitors could count themselves unlucky having hit the woodwork twice but the result rarely looked in doubt once Brakes went in at half time with a two-goal advantage.

There was little incident in the opening stages as the wind dictated play and made distribution unpredictable.

But things livened up on 18 minutes as Marsden, on loan from AFC Telford United, burst down the right and delivered a cross for Husband to hammer past Sam Gilder in the Bishop's goal.

Marsden, whose pace down the right channel was causing the visitors a lot of trouble, was unlucky not to score just two minutes later when his powerful shot from an acute angle cannoned back of the post.

Brakes continued to press with Martin Thompson being denied at close range by Gilder after a typically bustling run and Marcus Jackson helping Husband dominate the midfield in an all action display.

Then, just before half time the ever tenacious Marsden was on hand to stab a Jamie Towers cross into the back of the net.

Bishop's Cleeve could have pulled one back in first-half injury time
only for Nick Williams' shot to come back off Leamington's crossbar.

Early in the second half a penalty appeal from Brakes was waved away after Jamie Towers looked to have been tripped in the box.

Brakes continued to threaten the Bishop's goal through Marsden, Thompson and Husband but it was their back three of captain Arron Parkinson, Adam Cooper and Guy Sanders who came to the fore, using their experience to shut up shop despite Michael Davis hitting the post for the visitors in the 68th minute.

Sensing victory manager Jason Cadden brought on Leamington old-boys David Care and Glenn Webb and Shay Morgan came on to make his debut for the club.

And it was Webb who could have added to the score, but his shot went wide as he raced clean through with seconds to go.

Leamington are now four points clear of third placed Sutton Coldfield who drew with Chasetown at the weekend.

They have a game in hand over their closest rivals and also league leaders Evesham, who beat Stourport on Saturday.

But with only a handful of games left it is looking as if Evesham's nine point advantage will prove decisive in the BGB Midlands Division title race.

Cadden said: "It was good to get back to winning form after Monday and we were good value for our win.

"We are pleased with the three points but there are still five matches to go and we will be looking to win them all."

Brakes' next match is against Rushall Olympic at home on Saturday (3pm).

Brakes: Richard Morris, Jamie Towers (Dave Care 83), Arron Parkinson (Capt.], Adam Cooper, Guy Sanders, Marcus Jackson, Scott Hadland, James Husband, Justin Marsden (Glen Webb 73), Martin Thompson (Shay Morgan 84), Ryan Parisi Subs Not Used: Martin Hier, Neil Stacey