Football
Brakes finish on a high

Leamington 3 Chesham United 2

BRAKES completed their Evo-Stik Southern League Premier Division campaign on a high note with a hard fought victory over play-off contenders Chesham at the New Windmill on Saturday.

The success stretched Brakes unbeaten record to 12 games and ensured they finish seventh in the table, just three points adrift of the play-off places.

It left players, officials and fans to rue a dismal run midway through the season when Brakes, who had just reached the top of the table, went 11 league matches without a win.

Manager Paul Holleran did turn things round and they have finished with a flourish which offers hope of a sustained promotion challenge next term.

Chesham, one of five clubs chasing four play-off spots, were first to threaten through full back Danny Gudgeon whose powerful 30-yard shot flew just wide.

But Brakes broke the deadlock after 18 minutes when the visitors failed to clear James Mace’s free kick and David Kolodynski popped up to head home.

Chesham hit back within two minutes as a cross from Robert Bartley caused confusion in the Brakes defence and Chris Watters drilled home an equaliser.

Brakes restored their advantage six minutes into the second half with James Husband ending good work down the left by delivering a low cross to the far post which Kolodynski clinically converted.

Brakes strengthened their grip four minutes later with Husband again heavily involved by releasing Kolodynski whose low cross was turned in by Lee Steele.

Kolodynski should have completed his hat-trick midway through the second half when a poorly taken free kick by Gudgeon fell to the diminutive striker in the area but visiting keeper Shane Gore was swiftly off his line and smartly saved.

Brakes relaxed their grip and Chesham, who believed they still required at least a point to reach the play-offs, dominated the closing stages.

The visitors reduced the arrears in the 83rd minute when Simon Thomas powerfully headed home Bruce Wilson’s cross.

Chesham continued to press for an equaliser but Brakes held on and the visitors were relieved to find out they had still reached the play-offs due to Stourbridge only managing a 1-1 draw at Frome Town.

Meanwhile, Brakes will return to pre-season training in July eager to mount another promotion challenge.

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