Forgettable trip for out-of-sorts Brakes

Cirencester belied their pre-match status as the Southern League Premier’s basement side to defeat an out-of-sorts Leamington at the Corinium Stadium, writes Paul Edwards.

Paul Holleran had to make a late change to his starting line-up after David Kolodynski was held up in the traffic that hindered the journey down the Fosse Way for many of the travelling supporters. Tom Berwick moved into the starting XI in his place.

After an even opening half-hour, the hosts took the lead in the 33rd minute.

Nathan Davies, who endeared himself to the Brakes faithful with some whole-hearted performances during a short loan spell in 2009, played in Paul Banks, who shot low across debutant keeper Lee Evans and into the net.

Leamington responded with a spell of pressure and were almost level as half-time approached, but it took a fantastic save from Centurions keeper Kevin Sawyer to keep out Berwick’s close-range volley.

Brakes continued to apply the pressure in the second half but again seemed to lack the cutting edge that has been absent in recent games.

Cirencester responded to the unfortunate loss of their captain Richard Mansell through injury by striking the bar and then adding a second goal with 12 minutes to play.

Mitchell Bryant was played through on goal and the result was the same, with a low shot into the corner giving the keeper little chance.

Leamington responded immediately, Jamie Hood heading into the top corner from a corner, but they were unable to fashion any further clear-cut chances.

Cirencester Town: Kevin Sawyer, Jared Wilson, Richard Mansell (Ellis Dunton, 67), Andy Gunn, Nathan Davies, Zak Westlake, Jamie Reid, James Mortimer-Jones, Paul Banks (Mark Ford, 80), Mitchell Bryant, Jon Else. Sub not used: Oliver Pitt.

Brakes: Lee Evans, James Mace, Stephan Morley, Lee Downes, Jamie Hood, Asa Charlton, Craig Owen (James Husband, 68), Alex Taylor (David Kolodynski, 68), Jacob Blyth, Tom Berwick, Richard Batchelor. Subs not used: Michael Tuohy, Sam Adkins, Dior Angus.

 Brakes have slashed prices for their Red Insure Cup first round clash at home to Brackley Town on Tuesday evening (7.45pm).

Admission will cost £7 for adults and £4 for concessions, with under-16s getting in free of charge.

 Brakes may be without a game this weekend, but Leamington Veterans are in action at the New Windmill on Sunday when they entertain Castle Vale.

Entry to the game is free and kick-off is at 10:30am.

Leamington maintained their 100 per cent start to the Central Warwickshire over-35s Division Three season with two further victories in their last two outings.

They ran out 5-0 winners against Erdington Old Boys at the New Windmill, with Stuart Hepburn (2), Mark Simmonds, Steve Thompson and Guy Rippon netting the goals.

They followed it up last Sunday with a 2-0 at Smithswood B, with Jonny Burgess and Steve Smith netting in a comfortable victory.