A final test for Brakes

30 April 2008

ANOTHER bumper crowd is expected when Leamington face Stourbridge in the BGB Southern League Division One Midlands play-off final at the New Windmill on Saturday.
Brakes booked their place thanks to a hard fought 1-0 victory over Rushall Olympic on Tuesday, while Stourbridge edged out Sutton Coldfield by the same scoreline.
It will be the fourth meeting between the two sides this season with Brakes eager to make amends after losing the three previous encounters.
Manager Jason Cadden said: “We certainly owe them one. We’ve got to beat them some time and it would be a perfect way to end the season.
“There will be a massive crowd and hopefully will give them plenty to cheer about by reaching the Premier Division.”
Clear-cut chances were at a premium in the Rushall clash which was played in driving rain in front of a healthy 783-strong crowd.
Brakes forced a succession of corners in the opening five minutes, from one of which Justin Marsden had a shot saved by keeper Tony Breeden.
But Rushall should have taken the lead on the half hour when Richard Beale carved out an opening for Neil Barnfield who dragged his shot wide with just keeper Richard Morris to beat.
Brakes responded with Ben Mackey firing over from the edge of the area, while Guy Sanders curled a 30-yard free kick just over the bar on the strole of half time.
But Sanders grabbed the only goal four minutes after the break with a powerful close range strike after the visitors failed to clear Jamie Towers’ cross.
Brakes comfortably protected the slender advantage with Sanders, Martin Hier and Adam Cooper commanding figures in another solid defensive display, while Morris made fine saves to deny Barnfield and Lee Gough.
A delighted Cadden added: “We had the best two defensive records in the league so it was always going to be tight.
“It was always going to be about who took their chance and, thankfully, when it came along we did.
“I felt we held the edge and I was proud of the lads who were worthy winners.”

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