Brooklands make the most of Premier League experience to overcome Khalsa

The Manchester-based outfit, one of three new sides in the division, won 3-2 to make it back-to-back wins and raise hopes of a quick return to the Premier Division.

Brooklands’ experience allowed them to press their hosts high up the pitch and smart play on the flanks saw them open up a fifth-minute lead, Dave Flanagan getting the faintest of touches to a cross.

Khalsa responded well to the early concession but neither Dave Harris or Gurminder Ghattaura were able to profit from some great service from Jas Singh and Jack Wells.

Brooklands then doubled their lead after a deliberate foul in the circle by Chris Darling resulted in a penalty stroke.

Keeper Elliot Rider got a hand to Peter Flanagan’s flick but was unable to turn it around the post.

Three minutes later Khalsa halved the deficit, Aaron Nagra converting their first short corner of the game.

Darling then turned from villain to hero with a glorious through ball to Harris who clinically lobbed the keeper to level the score at the interval.

Brooklands adopted a much more defensive approach after the break which made chances few and far between for both sides.

However, the visitors’ experience showed as Peter Flanagan clinically dispatched a short corner to restore their lead.

As Brooklands sat back and invited pressure on themselves, Harris saw a short corner well saved by the keeper while two yellow cards were dished out.

Khalsa captain Sean Robinson looked to be in a great position to equalise after a fine run down the wing only for a last-ditch tackle to deny him the shooting opportunity and allow Brooklands to claim all three points.

 A strong all-round performance from Leamington Ladies 3rds saw them open their Warwickshire Division Two campaign with a convincing 4-0 win at Edgbaston.

The 3rds, who have been promoted twice in two seasons, started nervously and had to wait until ten minute before half-time to break the deadlock, captain Debbie Burton converting a cross from new signing Laura O’Neill.

Joint player-of-the-match Ellie Musson then made a goalline save from a short corner to ensure Leamington held their advantage at the break.

The visitors relaxed after the interval and and regained the smooth passing form that has taken them to their two successive titles.

Emily Steer set up Lynsey Archer for Leamington’s second goal and Burton doubled her tally after a pinpoint delivery from midfielder Liz Solman.

The final goal of the game came five minutes from time when Steer skilfully slipped the ball past the Egbaston goalkeeper and in off the far post.