Football
Morley makes his mark for Brakes

Leamington 1 Oxford City 1

A STUNNING free kick from Stephan Morley earned Brakes a share of the Evo-Stik Southern League Premier Division spoils against fellow play-off hopefuls Oxford at the New Windmill on Saturday.

Morley struck midway through the second half to cancel out a deflected effort from Pablo Haysham on the stroke of half time.

It kept Brakes in contention for a play-off place despite the fact that they have only picked up three points from their last six games during which they have slipped to sixth in the table after being top at Christmas.

Midfielder Jon Adams, returning on loan from Conference outfit AFC Telford, quickly showed why he became such a fan’s favourite in his last spell at Brakes with plenty of good touches.

But both teams struggled to come to terms with the windy conditions in the opening 20 minutes although Brakes gradually took control and Michael Tuohy saw a well struck 20-yard shot saved at full stretch by giant keeper Jason Mooney.

Richatrd Batchelor then set up Luke Corbett who cut inside and fired a shot inches wide of the far post, while shortly after Asa Charlton had an effort smartly saved by Mooney.

At the other end, recent recruit Nathan Vaughan could only punch a cross from Liam Malone as far as Reece Fleet who unleashed a powerful shot but the home keeper atoned for the error with a good save.

Oxford broke the deadlock, against the run of play, when Oliver Taylor found Haysham on the edge of the area and his shot struck Brakes defender Liam Daly before looping over the helpless Vaughan.

Brakes continued to dominate proceedings after the break but the solid visitors defence and the imposing Mooney were proving a formidable barrier.

Mooney got down well to thwart the busy Batchelor before Brakes deservedly got back on level terms in the 64th minutes.

Corbett was brought down just outside the area and Morley exacted sweet revenge by planting a fierce 25-yard trademark free kick just inside the post which left Mooney rooted to the spot.

The joy almost proved short-lived as Oxford hit back through the lively Haysham but his shot was superbly turned over the bar by Vaughan.

Brakes, who played some neat football, continued to look the most likely but a winner proved elusive.

Brakes entertain fellow play-off contenders Chippenham Town this Saturday (3pm).