Football
Brakes are stunned by old boys

Barwell 3 Leamington 1

BELOW-PAR Brakes were knocked off the top of the Evo-Stik Southern League Premier Division table after slipping to a disappointing defeat at Barwell on Boxing Day.

And to make matters worse former Brakes players Jamie Towers, who helped himself to a double, and Guy Sanders who scored the goals to settle a scrappy affair and sink the table-toppers.

Brakes were first to threaten with Michael Tuohy heading over before Luke Corbett beat a couple of defenders only to thump a cross-shot wide of the far post.

But it was Barwell who eventually broke the deadlock midway through the first half with their first meaningful effort of the game when Jai Stanley delivered a free kick into the area which Towers neatly headed home.

Brakes responded with a free kick from Luke Corbett which reached Richard Batchelor but his goalbound effort was blocked by a defender who knew very little about it.

Corbett was only just off target with a well struck volley early in the second half but, despite enjoying plenty of possession, Brakes sadly lacked the guile to unlock the home defence.

The visitors were left with a mountain to climb in the 53rd minute when former Brakes skipper Sanders was on hand to head home another inviting free kick from Stanley.

Barwell went close again shortly after when Kevin Charley’s close range effort was deflected inches over the bar for a fruitless corner.

Brakes got themselves back in the contest after 74 minutes when Stephan Morley lashed a stunning 30-yard free kick beyond helpless keeper Liam Castle.

The visitors continued to press for an equaliser with Tuohy having an effort well saaved by Castle but Brawell wrapped up victory in stoppage time when Towers brushed aside the challenge of Asa Charlton and easily beat advancing keeper Lee Evans.

The setback means Brakes have slipped to third in the table on goal difference from new leaders AFC Totton and Brackley Town who also have three games and one game in hand respectively.

Paul Holleran’s side will be eager to bounce back to winning ways when they entertain Frome Town on Saturday (3pm). They follow-up by playing host to Redditch United at the New Windmill on Monday (3pm).

The Brakes defensive wall does its job in blocking Jai Stanley’s free kick on Monday.

Photo supplied by Sally Ellis. (s)

Brakes striker Luke Corbett challenges Barwell defender Peter Saunders watched by Richard Batchelor and Jamie Towers. Photo supplied by Sally Ellis. (s)