Football
Brakes start at Bedford

LEAMINGTON will begin their Evo-Stik Southern League Premier division campaign with a trip to Bedford Town on Saturday, August 18.

The fixtures were released yesterday (Wednesday) and Brakes first league game at the New Windmill is against Stourbridge on Tuesday, August 17.

It will be the first of two games in quick succession against the Black Country outfit who visit Leamington in the first qualifying round of the FA Cup on Saturday, September 8.

Brakes continue their league campaign by entertaining Hitchin Town on Saturday, August 25 and the opening months fixtures are completed with a trip to newly promoted neighboiurs Bedworth United on bank holiday Monday, August 27.

Other highlights include a trip to Banbury United on Boxing Day, while the return fixture with Bedworth takes place at the New Windmill on New Year's Day and Brakes end the season by playing host to Sy Albans City on Saturday, April 27.

A late penalty sentenced Leamington to a 1-0 defeat against Blue Square Conference Premier Division outfit Mansfield Town in their latest pre-season friendly at the New Windmill on Saturday.

Brakes shaded the first half exchanges but Mansfield enjoyed much the better of the second half in what proved a good workout for both sides.

Mansfield grabbed the only goal eight minutes from time through Matt Green who converted a spot-kick awarded for a foul by central defender Liam Daly.

Brakes continue their warm-up by visiting Midland Alliance outfit Coventry Sphinx this Saturday (3pm) before entertaining a Birmingham City XI at the New Windmill on Wednesday (7.30pm).

Meanwhile, Racing Club Warwick were forced to postpone their scheduled friendly with Redditch United due to a waterlogged pitch.

Racing continue their pre-season preparations by entertaining Evo-Stik Southern League Division One Central outfit Rugby Town at Hampton Road this Saturday (3pm).

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