Leamington prepare for league finale with a final

Paul Holleran was delighted with the application of his side after they beat a young Walsall outfit to reach the final of the Birmingham Senior Cup.
Jack Edwards fires in the winner against Walsall in midweek. Picture: Tim NunanJack Edwards fires in the winner against Walsall in midweek. Picture: Tim Nunan
Jack Edwards fires in the winner against Walsall in midweek. Picture: Tim Nunan

Ahead of a criticial trip to Hitchin tomorrow, it was a game Brakes could have done without. However, a threadbare line-up, with many of those playing carrying niggles, produced two late goals to seal a 2-1 win.

“It did us more good than a training session,” said Holleran, who added that the substitutions of Jamie Hood and Darren Pond were precautionary.

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“The second-half performance was right up there with my time at Leamington.

“This is a Walsall side that is doing well in their division and, if anything, with the keeper and (Amadou) Bakayoko in they were stronger than when they beat Solihull.

“The last 20 minutes we kept possession for a long spell, our ball retention and decision-making were good and you could see the players didn’t want to get beat.

“For us to keep going the way we did was a great effort from the players. It showed great desire. I’ve nothing but praise for the players.”

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Hitchin sit just three points behind Brakes and Holleran is not underplaying the importance of the encounter.

“The top of the table is fascinating,” he explained.

“A few of the teams have got to play each other and we’ve got to make sure we get something out of the game - Chippenham have got to go there in a few weeks.

“But it’s a good time for us Our confidence is good and our form is good.

“It’s probably our toughest away game. With everything that is at stake, it’s a real six-pointer.”

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