Rowe’s rocket provides only highlight of dour derby

A moment of inspiration from James Rowe lit up a drab first-ever meeting between Leamington and Cirencester Town at the New Windmill, writes Paul Edwards.

Around 40 miles separate the two clubs, and in what could be called the Fosse Way derby, there was little to cheer the sparse crowd of 275.

Cirencester enjoyed the bulk of the early possession without making any inroads, while Brakes’ first real opportunity did not arrive until the half-hour. Richard Batchelor’s ball into the penalty area was helped back across goal and Luke Corbett looked set for a simple close-range finish, only to be denied by a fine block by Centurions keeper Matt Bulman.

Scott Lycett looked determined to make up for his off-colour display against Cambridge and charged through midfield dancing past three challenges before driving a low shot wide from distance.

The visitors then provided a scare for Brakes when they hit the post with a free header. James Husband saw a shot from a tight angle deflected over by Lyndon Tompkins, while Batchelor shot just wide after good work in midfield.

Leamington were beginning to create chances but were not testing Bulman in the visitors goal. Rowe’s electric pace took him into a good position as he turned across the edge of the penalty area, but again the shot was wide of the target.

The pacy frontman saw another chance go begging as he latched on to Corbett’s knock-down, shooting across goal.

The visitors began the second half as they had the first, only this time providing more of a threat to the Leamington goal.

A dangerous ball zipped across the six-yard box before defender Calum Henry rose highest from a long throw to head just wide at the back post.

James Mortimer-Jones’ well-struck free-kick gave Tony Breeden something to think about before Brakes broke the deadlock in the 63rd minute.

Batchelor challenged Bulman for a high cross and the ball was only half-cleared to the edge of the area where Rowe found space to swivel and power in a fine drive.

There was very little action of any note after the goal. Conner Thompson’s dipping shot from outside the box was held by Breeden and Brakes were happy to see out what, the goal apart, had been an instantly forgettable 90 minutes.

Brakes: Tony Breeden, Scott Lycett, Stephan Morley, Lee Downes, Guy Sanders, Liam Daly, Alex Taylor, James Rowe, James Husband, Luke Corbett (Jacob Blyth, 83), Richard Batchelor. Subs not used: Michael Tuohy, Jamie Sheldon, Chris Murphy, Arthur Byrne.

Cirencester Town: Matt Bulman, Zac Westlake, Tom Etheridge, Calum Henry, Justyn McKay, Lyndon Tompkins, Jamie Reid (Paul Banks, 85), James Mortimer-Jones, Mark Draycott, Carl Brown, Conner Thompson. Subs not used: Sean Wood, Matt Jack, Tom Willets.