Play-off despair for Brakes

The Pitmen took a ninth-minute lead through the impressive Kyle Patterson but Richard Batchelor’s 43rd-minute strike looked certain to take the two teams into the interval on level terms.

It was the least the visitors deserved for a spirited response to the early concession, but their hard work was undone in first-half stoppage time when Liam Francis glanced home a Chris Clements free-kick to restore Hednesford’s advantage.

Sent out from the dressing room early for the second period, Leamington tore into the home side from the outset and could have restored parity inside the first minute.

However, Jamie Sheldon’s shot from the edge of the box was saved by the legs of home keeper Dan Crane.

It was to be Brakes’ clearest sight of goal after the break despite a 20-minute spell of dominance and the game was up in the 71st minute when Clements was allowed time and space to pick his spot from 25 yards.

Serious injuries to Neil Barnfield and Jamie Sheldon compounded Leamington’s misery with Holleran struggling to put a brave face on the defeat.

“We set ourselves up not to concede an early goal and we’ve gone and conceded a goal in the ninth minute.

“But after that we controlled the game and got the goal we deserved.

“Late goals have been our Achilles heel and to concede in the 47th minute, it’s a poor, poor goal to concede.

“The momentum was with us and that allowed the momentum to go with Hednesford.

“We threw everything at them [after the break] but you’ve got to take the chances.

“There’s no place for losers in the play-offs and it’s a disappointing way to lose it.”

Leamington’s three-man defence struggled to cope with the pace of Patterson all evening and Holleran admitted the striker was the difference between the two sides.

“We knew we had to look after Patterson. We didn’t and we paid the price.”

Having suffered previous play-off defeats with Rushall and Halesowen, last night’s exit brought about an unwelcome hat-trick for Holleran.

However, he believes there are still plenty of positives to take out of his first full season at the New Windmill.

“The aim was to establish ourselves at this level, like your Chippenhams.

“We’ve done that and know there’s nothing to be scared of.

“We’ll sit down with the squad next week.

“We’ve done well and attracted good players.

“But at the moment it’s so difficult with this being my third play-off loss.”