Leamington sent out a warning to their title rivals that they are still right in there, with a rout of bottom club Cheslyn Hay.
Brakes controlled the game for the most part, but did not really get into their stride until the second half, when they struck four times, and could, and perhaps should, have scored more. There were seven changes in total from the disappointing showing at Marconi two weeks previous,with recent signing Nick McFarlane making an assured debut in defence.
Barry Shearsby sent an early header over from a left wing centre by Josh Blake, returning from his lengthy suspension. The lively Blake was next to threaten, with a mazy run ending with a shot being blocked. The deadlock was broken in the ninth minute by veteran striker Brian Agar (pictured left), who was played through and slotted low under the advancing goalkeeper.
The first quarter of the game was dominated by Brakes, but Cheslyn threatened and their striker had a close range effort well saved by James Gettings. a second goal for Leamington was ruled out by a linesman's flag, as Nick Mort's free kick was blocked, and the rebound put in. The rest of the half became scrappy, as the visitors forced their way back into the game, and neither side really troubled the goal. A well-struck free kick from way out on the left touchline by Mort was narrowly missed by the diving Tom Sidwell at the far post.
Paul Nicholls was getting his fair share of opportunities, but can't seem to buy a goal at present, though it's not for the want of trying. A good link up with Jon Burgess saw a brilliant turn, but he poked his shot wide. McFarlane was showing good awareness in defence, and Mort worked his way out of a tight spot with a pass to him, to set up another Brakes attack. Cheslyn were playing a dangerous offside game, which worked for the most part, as the frontline were caught off side more than once during the first half.
Nicholls had two more opportunities before the break, first scuffing his shot at the keeper, and the second was parried, and pushed away before it could be followed up.
Brakes gave themselves a cushion on 48 minutes as good work from Shearsby in the box set up Agar, who turned and despatched his second of the game. Minutes later a good shot from Shearsby was blocked, the rebound turned in, but again the linesman flagged for offside, despite a defender being on the line. Nicholls's lack of confidence showed as his shot was blocked when virtually one on one with the keeper, but his goals will come as he is still getting in the right positions.
Cheslyn pulled a goal back on sixty minutes, from a break away attack, the ball was lifted over Gettings, who got a hand to it but did not prevent it dropping into the corner. Like so many goals Brakes have conceded recently, it perhaps could have been avoided.
Brakes are never more dangerous on home turf than when they have just conceded, and two minutes later Josh Blake was on hand to stab home after a cross was knocked down by Sidwell. A fourth goal went begging minutes later when a good knock-back across from Mort was blazed over by Nicholls. Mort then just missed a good cross at the near post, and he then turned provider, with a good ball for the on-rushing Agar, who sent a shot just over, with two defenders on his back.
On seventy-two minutes Blake made the game safe as he side-footed an easy two yard shot from a brilliant right wing cross from man-of-the-match Shearsby.
James Harri replaced Agar, and was caught offside in his first run on goal. However, he got his first senior goal for Leamington five minutes after coming on, slotting under the keeper after being played through. The first of many, we hope.
Brakes were playing some delightful football now, with some good passing, and Mort hit a brilliant deep cross-field ball to Shearsby, whose hard shot was well held. Darren Timms had a good effort lobbed over, before the final whistle blew on an accomplished performance, one that will hopefully restore confidence for the tough run-in ahead.
| NBB Man-of-the-Match: Shearsby | 
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Match report by Paul Edwards