Brakes makes play-offs as Rowe gains a second at Oxford

Brakes put their supporters through the wringer, twice coming from behind before James Rowe’s second-half winner, coupled with Weymouth’s victory over Chesham, secured a play-off place with a game to spare, writes Paul Edwards.

Leamington started at a good tempo and Nick Stanley shinned Richard Batchelor’s cross over the bar before shooting straight at City keeper Joe White from a free-kick.

However, Oxford moved in front after 12 minutes, somewhat against the run of play. Marvin Martin’s cross-shot was pushed away from goal by Tony Breeden and Lee Steele was on hand to convert.

The lead proved short-lived thanks to superb persistence by Jacob Blyth who won back the ball in midfield and produced a smart turn before advancing on goal. His pass was deflected through to Rowe, who ran on to smash a shot across White and into the net for the equaliser.

Breeden saved a shot on the turn from Andy Ballard and Stephan Morley smashed a free-kick into the defensive wall, but despite Brakes’ determination to get a second goal they found themselves behind again eight minutes before half-time.

There were furious protests as Steele fed Jerome Anderson to score as moments before White appeared to have ventured from his penalty area to handle with Rowe closing in.

Stanley came close to restoring parity when he turned his marker and sidefooted wide of White, only for a desperate boot to poke the ball behind for a corner.

Brakes continued to push their hosts back after the break and Blyth’s stooping header whistled inches wide before the legs of White denied Neil Barnfield.

Leamington gained their equaliser in the 51st minute as Scott Lycett rose unmarked to head home a corner.

Rowe then latched on to an astute lay-off from Blyth to smack a rising drive that was pushed away from the top corner by White.

Breeden produced an equally telling stop to keep out a goalbound header from Ballard, diving full length to push the ball round the post.

The visitors continued to push for an all-important winner in the knowledge that their closest challengers were being well beaten.

It finally arrived with 12 minutes remaining, Rowe unleashing a powerful drive that curled around the despairing dive of White.

James Husband was introduced late on to provide a further boost for Paul Holleran’s side before the final whistle sparked scenes of jubilation as the players joined supporters in celebrating a memorable season.

Oxford City: Joe White, Michael Lyon (Adam Morris, 80), Wayne Blossom, Jerome Anderson (James Dobson, 70), Andy Ballard, Dave Savage, James Clarke, James Organ, James Knight, Lee Steele, Marvin Martin (Felipe Barcelos, 36). Sub not used: Paul Davis.

Brakes: Tony Breeden, Scott Lycett, Michael Tuohy, Alex Taylor (Jamie Sheldon, 86), Liam Daly, Stephan Morley, Nick Stanley (Luke Corbett, 75), Neil Barnfield, Jacob Blyth (James Husband, 82), James Rowe, Richard Batchelor. Subs not used: Chris Knight, Tom Cross.