Football
Brakes play-off hopes fade

Leamington 2 Swindon Supermarine 2

BRAKES suffered a blow to their Evo-Stik Southern League Premier Division play-off hopes after being held to a draw by relegation-threatened Swindon Supermarine at the New Windmill on Tuesday night.

Brakes never really stamped their authority on the game and twice squandered the lead which leaves them seventh in the table, three points adrift of the play-off places having played more games than all the sides above them.

The home side survived an early scare when former Brakes midfielder Nick Stanley struck the post with a fierce cross-shot.

But Brakes opened the scoring in the 19th minute when Lee Chilton started and finished a neat move by rifling a shot into the roof of the net.

Swindon got back on level terms after 34 minutes when Max Etheridge nipped in between central defender Jamie Hood and keeper Nathan Vaughan to flick home a dangerous cross from Stanley.

Brakes got their noses back in front five minutes later with a trademark 30-yard strike from Stephan Morley which left keeper Ashley Harrison helpless and flew into the net via the post.

David Kolodynski, Liam Daly and Jacob Blyth all wasted chances to increase the lead after the break and it eventually proved costly as lowly Swindon levelled again nine minutes from time through Ben Wells who curled a 20-yard free kick into the top corner.

Brakes almost hit back instantly when Craig Owen delivered a free kick to the far post but the unmarked Daly headed wide and Blyth was also carried off with a nasty looking ankle injury in the closing stages as the play-off challenge faltered.

Brakes had previously enjoyed a 1-1 draw at second placed AFC Totton on Saturday.

The title-chasing hosts got off to the perfect start when Ryan Moss headed them in front after just two minutes.

But Brakes recovered from the setback and recent recruit Lee Chilton grabbed a 57th minute equaliser with his first goal for the club which was certainly one to savour.

The diminutive winger received a pass from Jacob Blyth and ended a good run by hammering a powerful shot in the 57th minute.

Brakes, who have five matches remaining, have no scheduled game this weekend and return to action with a trip to Frome Town on Saturday, April 7.

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