Brakes’ winner comes from unlikely source

Away fixtures against Evesham have nearly always been cagey affairs in the past few years, with few goals and little between the two sides, but this one broke the mould, writes Paul Edwards.

It was always going to be an interesting evening, with former Brakes striker Ben Mackey making his home debut for the Robins having signed after a short spell at Stratford Town.

Brakes signalled their intent inside the opening minute. A smart one-touch passing move carved open the Evesham back line and presented David Kolodynski with a shooting chance, which was pushed behind by David Bevan.

Kolodynski forced the Evesham keeper into another save in the ninth minute, with Bevan holding on to the snap-shot at the second attempt.

Leamington notched a third clear- cut effort on goal when Stephan Morley cut into the area and stood the ball up for Michael Tuohy to produce a first-time volley which stung the palms of Bevan.

However, moments later Brakes found themselves behind. Evesham were awarded a penalty after what appeared to be a harmless 50-50 challenge just inside the area, with Marcus Palmer the player going to ground.

Mackey stepped up to convert the spot-kick, despite Lee Evans guessing the right way, but to his credit the former Brake refused to celebrate the goal.

Evesham looked lively going forward and, from one of a host of free-kicks awarded by referee David Ricketts, Simon Fitter found Evans equal to his curling effort.

Leamington pushed forward again and Richard Batchelor cut the ball back for Jacob Blyth to strike at goal, with Bevan gathering at the second attempt.

The home side were the width of a post from doubling their advantage when the ball cannoned back off an upright and they were left to rue that missed opportunity as Leamington were level in their next attack.

James Mace picked out Kolodynski in space at the far post and the striker produced a deft touch before flashing a shot past Bevan.

Blyth headed just wide from a Morley free-kick, while Lee Downes was booked after a challenge in the centre circle, a decision which would come back to haunt him later in the game.

Brakes made a bright start to the second half and deservedly took the lead nine minutes in.

James Husband found space down the left and after his first cross was blocked, he drove the rebound low into the box where Mace pounced to ram home his first goal for the club.

Downes picked up a second booking to leave his side a man light for the last 20 minutes, but his team-mates continued to push forward in search of a third goal.

Blyth’s shot from the edge of the area was well saved by Bevan, while at the other end, former Brake Craig Wilding blasted a shot inches over after a neat exchange of passes on the edge of the box.

Evans then preserved Brakes’ three points with a brave block from a one-on-one.

Evesham United: David Bevan, James Blake, Jamie Hyde, Wayne Daniel, Melvin Gourlay, Craig Wilding, Simon Fitter, Gary Walker, Marcus Palmer, Ben Mackey, Lewis Poutney. Subs not used: 12 Josh Quaynor, 14 Ryan Keen, 15 Craig Connor, 16 Kevin Vogeli, 17 Panene Casimir.

Brakes: Lee Evans, James Mace, Stephan Morley, Lee Downes, Jamie Hood, Asa Charlton, Michael Tuohy, James Husband (16 Craig Owen, 71), Jacob Blyth (12 Tom Berwick, 87), David Kolodynski (15 Alex Taylor, 80), Richard Batchelor. Subs not used: 14 Sam Adkins, 17 Jamie Sheldon.