M6 taking its toll on Brakes

After a journey from hell which saw them arrive at Stalybridge Celtic five minutes after the designated kick-off time, Leamington are again heading north tomorrow as they make the trip to Ellesmere Port to face Vauxhall Motors.
Lee Chilton shields  the ball from Stalybridge Celtic captain Kristian Platt at Bower Fold last Saturday. Picture: Sally EllisLee Chilton shields  the ball from Stalybridge Celtic captain Kristian Platt at Bower Fold last Saturday. Picture: Sally Ellis
Lee Chilton shields the ball from Stalybridge Celtic captain Kristian Platt at Bower Fold last Saturday. Picture: Sally Ellis

Two big Premiership matches in the north-west and the half-term holidays combined to turn last Saturday’s two-and-a-quarter hour journey to Bower Fold into one lasting more than four-and-a-half.

Play eventually kicked off at 3.35pm, with an automatic fine and 2-1 defeat not making the somewhat shorter journey back to Warwickshire any more palatable.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

And, while loathe to blame the motorway tailbacks for their eventual defeat, manager Paul Holleran said the club had already taken steps to ensure further trips north are not beset by the same problems.

“It was chaotic and the officials weren’t helpful,” said Holleran.

“We got into the changing rooms at ten past three after we’d shifted everything off the coach and they wanted us to kick off at half-past.

“It’s difficult when you’ve got players with injuries and we’ve got some big players who hadn’t been able to stretch their legs (on the coach).

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Every time we’ve headed up the M6 - for Colwyn Bay and again at Stockport - we’ve had issues and we need to have a plan B in place.

“It’s something we have spoken about this week and whether that’s setting off earlier or looking at B roads, we’ll have a word with the coach company.”

Despite Brakes’ ill-fated preparations, a largely uneventful first half looking like passing off goalless until two Celtic goals in three minutes changed the complexion of the match.

But, having seen his side cope well with the hosts’ passing game, Holleran felt Leamington were the architects of their own downfall.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“We got through the first half and had settled into the game, then bang, bang,” he said.

“We were in possession and we orchestrated both goals ourselves.

“The second one’s a farce - we’ve taken two steps backwards instead of going towards the ball.

“We knew we’d have a hell of an advantage with the slope for the second half and be able to pin them back more.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“But for all the possession we had, we didn’t do enough with it and we looked disjointed.

“We didn’t look right, but when the preparation is so poor it’s difficult to point a finger at the players.”

Lee Moore limped off before half-time, while Craig Owen felt the effects of playing a full 90 minutes on a heavy pitch after his recent return from injury and both are rated doubtful for tomorrow’s game.

However, Holleran has boosted his midfield ranks with the addition of former Coventry professional Luke Bottomer from Evo-Stik Northern Premier League side Rushall Olympic.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Bottomer, who numbers Hednesford and Worcester City among his former clubs, was previously a loan target for Brakes while at Tamworth.

The 21-year-old completed the paperwork on Wednesday night and should slot straight into the starting XI at Vauxhall, with Holleran backing him to make the step up.

“He can play on the left or right-hand side of midfield,” said Holleran.

“He’s a tenacious player with a bit of quality and is very similar in mould to Lee Chilton.

“I’m looking forward to seeing him in action.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

 Brakes can now prepare for the visit of Burton Albion in the second round of the Birmingham Senior Cup after the Brewers won 2-1 at Romulus on Tuesday evening.

The two sides have not met since their Southern League days in the 1970s.

A date for the game has yet to be arranged but it must take place before November 30.

Related topics: