LEAMINGTON FC saw their winless run extended to eight league matches after the Brakes began the year with a disappointing 1-0 home defeat to Gloucester City.
Ben Gerring’s goal proved the difference between the two teams on a day that saw James Mace move level with Josh Blake as the club’s record appearance holder in the modern era.
The result means Leamington have slipped to 12th in the National League North table as they await their first league victory since November last year.
And the home side made a lively start when Kelsey Mooney played Dan Turner through on goal in the opening minutes only for the latter to lose his footing as he shaped to shoot.
The visitors responded when Matt McClure produced a stinging strike that was well-saved by Brakes goalkeeper Jake Weaver.
However, after Dan Meredith’s low strike was saved by Jake Cole, Gloucester took the lead on 16 minutes after Gerring was left unmarked from a corner from the left which allowed the defender to score a stooping header at the near post.
Mooney and Turner combined again later in the half, with the latter denied by a fine block from goalscorer Gerring following a spell of Gloucester pressure.
Leamington continued to search for an equaliser when Jamie Andrews forced Cole into a diving save as the away side went into the break with a narrow one-nil lead.
Gloucester dominated possession in the second period with Bernard Mensah coming closest to doubling City’s lead when his shot was deflected behind.
However, the Brakes almost snatched a point when Weaver’s free-kick was latched onto by Mooney only to once again be denied by a fine save from Cole.
Kyle Morrison headed one final chance into the arms of Cole from close range as Leamington were unable to sustain pressure in the Gloucester half and rescue a point.
Leamington are next in action at home to AFC Fylde on Saturday, January 15 with kick-off at 3pm at the New Windmill Ground.
