Brakes 2 Workington 0: Workmanlike win eases Brakes away from the relegation zone

Visitors Workington, now ten points behind Paul Holleran’s side and in the relegation zone, made their first visit to south Warwickshire with new manager Ian McDonald taking his seat in the dugout.

Leamington have lined up for several fixtures this season facing clubs in the same situation, but despite being down to the bare bones they won this game with something to spare.

Josh Hawker was absent with a calf strain, while Stefan Moore and Craig Owen started the game despite suffering from a sickness bug and Matt Dodd could have been excused for not being at his best having spent the night at a hospital after his cousin was involved in an accident.

With Kieron Morris suspended and Lee Chilton and Luke Connolly working their way back to fitness, efforts to bring in reinforcements were unfortunately scuppered late on Friday.

A strong swirling wind was always going to cause problems for both sides, something debutant Reds keeper Luke Simpson found in the first half as several of his clearances curled out of play.

Ricky Johnson almost played in Moore for the first chance of the game early on, the offside flag stopping him in his tracks.

So prolific in front of goal in the Southern League title-winning campaign, Liam Daly broke his seasonal duck in style in the tenth minute.

Lee Andrews gave away a free-kick on the left, handing Stephan Morley the chance to swing in an inviting ball to the edge of the box where Daly outjumped his marker to send a looping header into the top corner past the diving Simpson.

Johnson was thwarted by the on-loan Oldham Athletic keeper when he flung himself at another cross soon after, but the recalled striker was handed an early Christmas present to double Leamington’s advantage just prior to the half-hour mark when he intercepted an awful back pass and slotted into an empty net.

Joe Magunda was in commanding form in the centre of midfield and he almost added to the lead with a crashing drive from outside the box that flashed past the far post.

Stefan Moore also fired wide after a strong run into the area.

Workington offered little in reply, although Daniel Wordsworth saw a shot cleared away from danger following a corner and fired over the bar later on after a sharp turn.

Playing towards the North Bank with the wind at their backs, the visitors saw far more of the ball in the second half, David Lynch driving a shot wide early on.

McDonald threw on all three Workington substitutes but it did little to alter the course of the game with Leamington content to protect their advantage.

Tony Breeden was forced to push away a shot from Ben McKenna late on, but his goal was rarely troubled over the 90 minutes.

Brakes: Tony Breeden, James Mace, Stephan Morley, Joe Magunda, Liam Daly, Josh Green, Matt Dodd (Luke Bottomer, 84), Craig Owen, Stefan Moore (Will Green, 71), Ricky Johnson, Lee Moore (David McNamee, 81). Subs not used: Liam O’Neill, Lewis Fenney.

Workington: Luke Simpson, Lee Andrews, Anthony Wright, Bruno Fernandes, Daniel Wordsworth, Stephen Hindmarch, Ross Wilson (Andy Murray-Jones, 73), David Lynch, Josef Jackson, Scott Allison (Alberto Saidi, 61), Gavin Skelton. Subs not used: Connor Tinnion, Valter Fernandes.