Brakes hope their Christmas number one will lead to title treble

Farnborough led the way on Christmas Day 2009 before going on to clinch the title and Truro repeated the trick last year, eventually finishing four points clear of Hednesford.

And, in their third season in the Southern League, Paul Holleran’s side are aiming to complete the treble and achieve their sixth promotion in 12 years.

Three successive victories have followed the cruel last-minute defeat at Weymouth and Holleran says it has been the perfect response.

“It’s been a great way to end the year,” said Holleran.

“Overall, we’ve been delighted with the way the season has gone after a difficult October.

“The last five or six weeks we’ve found some consistency and have been playing some good stuff.

“We’ve had problems with injuries and suspensions and it hasn’t been plain sailing, but we’ve got a fair points return for the games played.”

Despite Brakes’ elevated position, Holleran is refusing to talk of a title assault, pointing to the extra matches his side have played.

“If all the teams win their games in hand we’re down to fifth.

“The aim is still to stay in the pack.

“We played Cambridge a month ago and they were top.

“Now they’re 11 points off the pace. It’s a little reminder of what happens when you take your foot off the gas. Anyone can beat anyone in this league.

“We’ve got some tricky games over Christmas and the aim is to keep the run going as long as we can.”

Brakes kick off a busy festive programme with a trip to Barwell on Boxing Day, which is followed by a home clash on New Year’s Eve against Frome Town.

Redditch visit the New Windmill on January 2 for the third fixture in a eight-day period which should test Holleran’s small squad to the full.

Brakes will be bolstered by the return from suspension of striker Jacob Blyth, while Alex Taylor should be fit despite limping out of the win at Arlesey.

However, Holleran knows he can ill-afford any more injuries to key players if Leamington are to keep punching above their weight.

“We’re well aware the Brackleys, Tottons and Oxfords have got the resources to do a bit more than us.

“A few sides have got good individuals but they haven’t got the team we’ve got.

“The key thing is to keep the squad together. We wouldn’t want any more situations like Jamie Hood and Jamie Sheldon.

“There are only so many times you can pull a rabbit out of the hat.”