Attendance: 211

Team: Sidhu; Burgess (Timms), Rowland, Gregory (Burgess*), Crabtree (Dix); Wickson (McGovern), Webb, Shearsby, Thompson; Agar (Mort), Nicholls

Goals: Nicholls (2), Shearsby

A fine first-half performance by the Brakes saw them beat a good visiting side, who played an understrength side due to a friendly on the previous night against a Coventry City XI.

Umbi Sidhu made his third appearance in as many games in goal, and thankfully had a much better game. This did not go unnoticed by the crowd, as they gave ironic cheers every time he gathered the ball.

Recent débutants Rowland and Crabtree played with composure at the back alongside the cool-headed Gregory and scampering Burgess.

This was the nearest to a full strength team that Leamington have started with this season, and they knocked the ball around reasonably well. With Morris, Sidwell and Blake the main names missing from the teamsheet, we now have a much more in-depth squad than last season.

The opening goal came courtesy of a penalty in the 18th minute which Nicholls slotted home straight down the middle, after Wickson was fouled.

A classic sucker-punch gave Leamington a three goal advantage within 3 minutes of the restart. Before Bedworth had a chance to get any rhythm going, Nicholls pounced to score one minute in. This was quickly followed in the 48th by a low drive into the corner from Shearsby.

The visitors had few chances thereafter, but did capitalise on the only two they did have, with a superb left-foot curling strike from just outside the area by first-teamer Ben Stean - a quality goal from an obviously talented player.

Bedworth struck a minute from time through Paul Woods. Andy Gregory was helped off two minutes from time after jarring his right knee slightly.