Half-time wake-up call pays dividends

Brakes produced a storming second-half performance to claim the points against Tiverton Town at the New Windmill Ground to hoist themselves back into the top five, writes Paul Edwards.

The visitors moved in front in the third minutes with their first attack of the game. A cut-back from the touchline eluded Tony Breeden, and was diverted into the net via Stephan Morley on the goalline.

Tiverton went close again with a shot across the penalty area, before Luke Corbett directed a header at goalkeeper Ryan Draper for Leamington’s first chance of the game.

Morley then latched on to a high crossfield ball but volleyed wide.

Richard Batchelor saw a well- directed header plucked out of the air by Draper before Marcus Jackson picked up possession from a corner, dropped his shoulder and played a dangerous ball into the six- yard box which was sliced behind by Tivvy defender Ed Palmer.

Despite Brakes exerting sustained pressure, they were nearly caught out by a break down the right, with Ashley Yeoman’s dangerous ball across the goalmouth just eluding a teammate.

Another quick break from a Leamington corner saw Tiverton almost double their lead, but the goalbound shot was blocked by Morley.

With the half-time instructions of Paul Holleran still ringing in their ears, Brakes proceeded to tear into their opponents, creating several opportunities in the opening five minutes of the second period.

Corbett saw a header saved and Jackson sent a cross whistling past the far post before centreing for Corbett to power in another header which Draper tipped over.

From the resulting corner, Liam Daly headed the ball into the six- yard box, where Corbett was just unable to connect.

James Husband then sent a header straight at Draper from Morley’s left-wing cross. The keeper was forced into another save when James Rowe headed down Scott Lycett’s right-wing cross, and Batchelor drove in a shot.

The chances continued to come thick and fast. Rowe broke down the left and played the ball across goal, where Corbett played it back in for Batchelor to send an overhead effort just over the bar.

The pressure finally told in the 59th minute. A Batchelor shot was parried by Draper, who was then penalised for pulling back Rowe as he tried to pick up possession. The visitors furiously contested the penalty award, but Corbett remained calm to smash the ball down the middle for the equaliser.

Tiverton went close from the restart as Breeden hared off his line to try and cut out a shot, Daly heading the cross away from danger.

Batchelor put Corbett in for a one-on-one with Draper, who saved well, and the overworked keeper produced another fine save, palming away Daly’s close-range header.

Leamington thought they had taken the lead when Batchelor forced home the loose ball after Husband’s shot had been parried, but the celebrations were cut short by a raised flag.

Corbett then struck a free-kick over the bar after Jackson was bought down.

Draper again denied Daly with another fine one-handed save. From the resulting corner, Brakes went in front, Corbett heading into the far corner of the net from an almost impossible angle to give Leamington the advantage their second-half performance deserved.

Given the slender lead, there were a few nervous moments as the final minutes were played out, but Leamington held on to claim the three points which keep them firmly in the play-off mix.

Brakes: Tony Breeden, Scott Lycett, Stephan Morley, Lee Downes, Jamie Hood, Liam Daly, Marcus Jackson, James Husband, James Rowe (Matt Lewis, 86), Luke Corbett, Richard Batchelor. Sub not used: Alex Taylor, Craig Wilding, Guy Sanders, Michael Tuohy.

Tiverton Town: Ryan Draper, Ian Sampson, Jak Martin, Kevin Hill, Ed Palmer, Adam Faux, David Steele, Colin Marshall (Adam Mortimer, 83), Joe Bushin (Ryan Turner, 75), Ashley Yeoman, Liam Ellis (Tom Gardner, 70). Sub not used: Russell Jee, Michael Nardiello.