Brackley trip holds no fear for Brakes

Leamington make a long-awaited return to action tomorrow with a trip to Southern Premier League leaders Brackley.

It promises to be the toughest possible examination of Brakes’ play-off ambitions, with the big-spending hosts having lost just two of their last 19 league outings.

Their form contrasts sharply with that of Paul Holleran’s side, who have yet to register a victory in 2012.

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However, bolstered by the recent acquisition of Halesowen winger Lee Chilton and, with Jon Adams having bedded in after his loan move from AFC Telford, Holleran is in confident mood.

“It’s a tough game but when we’re at it, we’re a match for anyone,” he said.

“The squad is as strong as it has been since I’ve been here, but we’ve got to start turning draws into wins.

“I’m looking forward to Saturday. It’s going to be tough but we don’t fear playing anyone.”

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Following two blank weekends due to the cold snap, Brakes returned to action on Tuesday night with a hastily arranged friendly at Blue Square North side Solihull Moors.

A Jacob Blyth strike and trademark Stephan Morley free-kick earned the visitors a 2-2 draw, with Moors equalising in the dying seconds.

The scoreline was a side issue for Holleran, however, with the chance to give his players and Jamie Hood in particular, a much-needed run-out proving invaluable.

And Holleran was delighted his to see his central defensive lynchpin come through 45 minutes unscathed following two months out with knee ligament damage.

“It was good to get back out on grass,” said Holleran.

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“I was wary of last year after the break when we weren’t quite at it for a week.

“It was an ideal opportunity to get Jamie Hood back in and give Lee Chilton a first start.

“It was good workout and the players gained a lot from it.

“I’m not usually one for friendlies as I think players play enough, but we’ve gone two to three weeks with not much football and it was an ideal scenario.

“The players said they felt much better after it and it was a good game. We were positive and played well for long periods.”

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With Lee Chilton almost certain to start on the wing at St James Park tomorrow, Jimmy Husband looks likely to drop to the bench.

However, Holleran would not be drawn on the claims of Hood, who would have to dislodge one of Asa Charlton and Liam Daly to return to the heart of defence.

“Jamie’s trained hard and had a good 45 minutes on Tuesday night.

“He’s getting there and this little break has benefited him.

“With Liam Daly, Asa and Jamie competing for the centre-back positions it’s a good position to be in.”