BRAKES manager Paul Holleran believes results will soon go in his side’s favour after a 1-0 defeat at home to Alfreton Town on Saturday.
Bobby Johnson’s eighth-minute goal was the difference, handing Leamington a fourth defeat in five games in National League North.
Despite the loss, Holleran remains optimistic going forward and said: “It’s frustrating but that was probably our best performance out of the last two or three and at the moment the results are going the other way.
“In terms of our levels, in terms of our play, in terms of chances created, play in the final third – I think against a good side we couldn’t have done much more.
“If we keep those performance levels there, then all of a sudden I’m sure these 1-0 defeats will start to turn the other way.”
The Leamington manager does not believe the recent downturn in form can be attributed to a drop in effort levels, adding: “It’s always disappointing to lose those sort of games because you’ve gone toe to toe all over the pitch, and we’ve come out the wrong side of a wonder goal.
“It’s important as a group that we hold our nerve, get back on the training pitch and work hard and if the players keep those levels where they are at the moment I am quietly confident.
“We’ve got as strong a group as we’ve had for a while, I’m really optimistic about moving forward into the winter months. I think we’re going to be fine, I really do.”
The returning George Carline slotted back into the starting line-up as one of four changes following his loan extension to January 2020 from Solihull Moors, joining Steph Morley, Joe Clarke and Dexter Walters on the pitch.
It took just eight minutes for the decisive goal to arrive, coming from an audacious dipping volley from long range from Johnson past Jake Weaver.
Unfortunately for the home faithful at the Phillips 66 Community Stadium, the wonder goal was a rare moment of quality in an otherwise forgettable opening half.
Josh March forced Leamington’s first effort on target with a powerful drive that had to be tipped away by Alfreton custodian Charlie Andrew, while Walters went close with an effort that skimmed the head of an Alfreton player and just evaded the post.
Jack Edwards should have done better when heading a free kick straight into the goalkeeper’s gloves, as the visitors continued to come under increasing pressure – notably surviving a goalmouth scramble.
A strong appeal for a penalty was waved away after Brakes defender Junior English was shoved to the ground, with it becoming increasingly clear it was not to be Leamington’s night following a scuffed effort over the bar by March in stoppage-time.
Meanwhile, the club have announced the departure of defender Reece Flanagan, who is set to join a non-League step three side imminently.
Brakes have a weekend off before Tuesday’s (7.45pm) home tie with Highgate United in the Birmingham Senior Cup.
