Football
Brakes set for big kick-off

LEAMINGTON begin their Evo-Stik Southern League Premier Division campaign with a trip to Bedford Town on Saturday (3pm).

Brakes, who just missed out on the play-off places last season, will be eager to get off to a good start as they look to launch a push for promotion.

Brakes continue a busy start to the new campaign by entertaining old rivals Stourbridge at the New Windmill on Tuesday (7.45pm).

Manager Paul Holleran has been busy strengthening his squad over the summer and his latest acquisition is striker Lee Moore.

The 26-year-old, who was released by Blue Square Bet Conference Premier Division outfit Nuneaton Town last week, put pen to paper on Tuesday night, having played in the second half of the final pre-season friendly against Worcester City which ended in a 2-2 draw on Saturday.

Holleran said: “Obviously we’re delighted to bring in a player of this quality. I see him as a someone who can play down the middle and score goals but he does have other strings to his bow, which is good, but one thing about him is he is a very talented footballer.

“ I did a bit of work with him at Telford United when he was there,and I tried to sign him when I was Halesowen manager. His brother played for me, so we’ve got links. He’s another one of our squad members who is a comfortable Conference North player.

“He’s as good a player as I have seen, he’s two footed, and it’s important that we get him into games and get him on the ball because he can certainly make things happen.

“He’s obviously disappointed with how it ended at Nuneaton but he still has that hunger to do well. He is not available for Saturday but will be included for selection for the Stourbridge home game.”

Dean Perrow and Stephan Morley are also doubtful for the trip to Bedford Town due to injury but experienced goalkeeper Kevin Sawyer will make his league debut.

The 32-year-old finished last season on loan at Chippenham Town but has previously played for Cirencester Town, Salisbury City, Gloucester City and Weston-Super-Mare.

Holleran said: “It was important that we replaced Nathan Vaughan with an equally experienced head, as it is a position that you can’t afford to take a risk with.

“Kevin knows this division well and has won promotion from it twice so he knows what is required to do well at this level.”

Meanwhile, summer signing Jimmy Deabill has left the club along with Lewis Powell.

Brakes completed their warm-up with a promising performance against Blue Square Bet North Worcester in which they led twice before being pegged back.

Brakes took an early lead when Stuart Whitehead turned a cross from Matt Dodd into his own net.

Danny Glover equalised ten minutes before the break with a neat finish.

Substitute Richard batchelor had already hit the post with a header before being fouled in the area 20 minutes from time and Matt Dodd converted the resulting penalty.

But Worcester finished strongly and were rewarded with an 80th minute equaliser from Charlie Reece.

Meanwhile, Brakes have been handed a trip to old Midland Combination and Midland Alliance rivals Alvechurch in the first round of the Birmingham Senior Cup.

The tie is scheduled to be played on or before Saturday, October 24.

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