Football
Cup cheer brings relief for Brakes

Leamington 2 Birmingham City 1

SUBSTITUTE Luke Corbett hit a late winner as Brakes put their poor league form behind them to overcome a youthful Blues outfit and book their place in the semi-finals of the Birmingham Senior Cup at the New Windmill on Tuesday night.

The success was a welcome relief for Paul Holleran's side who went into the clash without a win in four games.

And, in a low-key first half, there was little to suggest Brakes would end their miserable run.

Both sides passed the ball around but goalmouth action was at a premium until Blues were gifted the lead after 41 minutes by keeper Lee Evans whose delayed clearance was charged down by the alert Ashley Sammons who slotted into an empty net.

Brakes displayed a more positive attitude after the break and David Kolodynski tested England under 21 keeper Jack Butland with a low drive, while Sam Adkins fired wide from 25-yards.

Brakes eventually got back on level terms in the 64th minute when Stephan Morley's cross-shot took a deflection and fell kindly for Asa Charlton who fired home from close range via the underside of the bar.

Evans atoned for his earlier error by producing smart saves to deny Josh Hawker and Callum Reilly before Brakes grabbed the winner seven minutes from time.

The lively Kolodynski found space on the right and whipped over a cross which took a wicked defection over Butland and left Corbett with the simplest of finishes.

Brakes survived a scare in stoppage time when Evans clattered into Mitchell Hancox in the area but, to the relief of the home players and fans, referee Marc Perry awarded a goal-kick, while the young Blues striker received lengthy treament before leaving the field with blood gushing from a nasty head wound.

Meanwhile, Brakes suffered another blow to their Evo-Stik Southern League Premier Division title bid after losing 2-1 at St Albans City on Saturday.

Brakes, who were top of the table going into Christmas, have picked up just one point from their last four games which has seen them slip down to sixth.

Brakes fell behind after eight minutes when Sakho Bakare ran unchallenged into the area before firing home via the underside of the bar.

The below-par visitors were penned inside their own half for much of the opening 45 minutes and only really conjured up one worthwhile opening for Luke Corbett who shot straight at keeper Nick Jupp.

Brakes, with an interval ear-bashing from boss Paul Holleran no doubt ringing in their ears, began the second half much better with Jacob Blyth, Corbett and Richard Batchelor all going close.

The visitors continued to press for an equaliser with substitute James Husband firing just wide, while Blyth had a header saved by Jupp and a shot from Michael Tuohy flew just over the bar.

But Brakes were rocked 12 minutes from time when the lively Bakare showed good control and strength to hold off a challenge inside the area before beating keeper Lee Evans with a well placed shot just inside the post.

Brakes got back in contention six minutes from time when Corbett headed Blyth's cross down to substitute David Kolodynski who hooked the ball home but they were unable to conjure up an equaliser.

Brakes, who are now six points adrift of leaders Brackley Town, face a trip to mid-table Hitchin Town this Saturday (3pm).