Football
FA Cup exit for Brakes

Corby Town 3 Leamington 2

BRAKES’ hopes of a money-spinning FA Cup run ended as they slipped to a narrow second qualifying round defeat at Blue Square Conference North outfit Corby on Saturday.

Brakes made the perfect start by opening the scoring after just three minutes when Tom Berwick delivered a cross which Matt Dodd fired into the net via the inside of the post.

Dodd was only just off target with another effort but the hosts recovered from the setback to stamp their authority on the tie.

They got back on level terms in the 37th minute as a neat move ended with Ryan Semple swinging over an inviting cross from which Moreman’s effort was blocked but Tom McGowan was on hand to turn home the loose ball from close range.

Corby got their noses in front three minutes into the second half when Pierrick Briand released Josh Moreman who clinically beat advancing keeper Kevin Sawyer.

In response Joe Magunda had a header saved by Paul Walker, while Stephan Morley was well off target with a long range free kick.

Corby, who introduced former Coventry City player Leon McKenzie as a 72nd minute substitute, continued to look dangerous with McGowan having a shot turned over by Sawyer before Moreman rattled the bar.

Brakes survived a scare when Semple spurned a gilt-edged opportunity but it was only a brief respite as Corby sealed victory with a fine 79th minute strike from Moreman.

Brakes continued to plug away and substitute Sam Adkins fired home a stoppage time free kick thanks to a wicked deflection which wrong-footed Walker but there was not enough time to find an equaliser and Corby progressed into the next round in which they face a trip to Blue Square Conference North rivals Histon.

Brakes switch their attention to the FA Trophy this weekend when they travel to Evo-Stik Northern Premier League Division One South outfit Belper Town for a first qualifying round tie on Saturday (3pm).

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