Brakes lose two more battles as keeper leaves but defender signs up

Leamington FC suffered two more defeats in the space of four days as their struggle to remain in the National League North continued.

On Saturday, they were beaten 2-0 at home by Chester, before title-chasing Merthyr Town arrived on Tuesday night and went away with a 2-1 win, two goals in three minutes in the first-half doing the damage despite Will Glennon reducing the arrears on 74 minutes. A late brawl also saw Demico Burton red carded in stoppage time.

Rogan Ravenhill has had his loan cut short and has instead been sent to Macclesfield FC by parent club Barnsley. Photo: Leamington FC.

placeholder image — Rogan Ravenhill has had his loan cut short and has instead been sent to Macclesfield FC by parent club Barnsley. Photo: Leamington FC.

This weekend, Leamington go to Worksop Town before travelling to AFC Telford United on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, the Brakes suffered a blow prior to the weekend when goalkeeper Rogan Ravenhill was recalled from his loan by parent club Barnsley.

Ravenhill made 21 appearances and impressed throughout, but has now been loaned out to fellow National League North side Macclesfield FC.

A club statement read: “Naturally we are disappointed at this news as Rogan has been a larger than life presence on and off the pitch. We would like to thank Rogan for his substantial efforts for us during his time here and wish him all the best for the future.”

Interim boss Chris Knott has acted swiftly to improve his central defensive options with the signing of Ben Blythe.

The 24-year-old, who hails from Leeds, began his career with Doncaster Rovers, where he captained their Under 18s side to a league title and also featured in the first team.

He spent time on loan in the National League North at Farsley Celtic before joining Swansea City in 2022, where he spent more time out on loan with Barry Town during the 2023/24 season.

Last season he was with Bradford (Park Avenue), and has spent time this season with Bourne Town and more recently promotion-chasing Spalding United in the SPL Premier Central.

Knott said: 'We crossed paths a few years ago but due to his location geographically a move was never considered. However, more recently we were aware of Ben being at Spalding and we are grateful to their manager Jimmy Dean for helping us out.”