Brakes sign off pre-season campaign with lacklustre showing at Halesowen

A bright opening which saw Ricky Johnson head Stephan Morley’s deep cross into the side netting and Stefan Moore sting home keeper Paul Evans’ hands and then guide Johnson’s cut-back over the bar, promised much.

However, after Morley whistled a 25-yard free-kick just past the angle, the game died as both sides struggled for fluency on the lush turf.

Ben Haseley gained a yard on Morley, but his shot was straight at Tony Breeden before Johnson came closest to breaking the deadlock, with Adam Meacham clearing his header off the line.

The half finished two minutes early following an injury to Halesowen striker Kyle Brady and neither he nor Johnson reappeared for the second half, with the Brakes striker having picked up a minor knee injury.

Halesowen began the second half with more purpose, but it was a mistake all of Brakes’ making which presented them with their first clear-cut chance in the 63rd minute.

A slip from Josh Green, whose makeshift centre-back partnership with Joe Magunda was not entirely convincing, allowed Tom Tonks a clear run on goal.

However, Tonks never looked confident and a poor touch took him too close to Breeden who saved with his legs.

It was to provide a temporary reprieve for Paul Holleran’s side, with the hosts going in front three minutes later.

The quality of the goal was completely out of keeping with the rest of the game, with fine work from captain Neil MacKenzie and Ben Haseley allowing Chris Lait to provide an assured finish past the dive of Breeden.

Lee Moore almost fashioned an instant response, but after good footwork in the box, he snatched at his shot and cleared the bar, while Green’s header from a corner was stopped on the line, with the home defender knowing little about it.

Lee Chilton flashed a half-volley over the bar in the 88th minute, while at the other end, substitute keeper Lewis Fenney’s only meaningful action was to get down well to save from Sam Whitehurst after the striker latched on to a loose ball eight yards out.

Halesowen Town: Paul Evans (Sam Pearson, 76), Kristian Green, Adam Meacham, Neil McKenzie (Matt Martin, 79), Gavin Winsper (Aaron Griffiths, 46), Dan Parker (Nigel Penney, 76), Chris Lait, Tom Tonks, Kyle Brady (Sam Whitehurst, 46), Ben Haseley (Matt Fulloway, 76), Jean-Michel Gueyes.

Brakes: Tony Breeden (Lewis Fenney, 76), James Mace, Stephan Morley, Craig Owen, Josh Green, Joe Magunda, Jamie Tower (Sam Adkins, 60), Lee Moore (Josh Thompson, 79), Stefan Moore, Ricky Johnson (Matt Dodd, 46), Lee Chilton. Sub not used: Paul McCone.