Corbett proves an able replacement

Leamington secured three precious points with a late winner from substitute Luke Corbett at St Georges Lane on Saturday, writes Paul Edwards.

Evesham provided a stern examination for Paul Holleran’s side but Brakes created the better openings and were rewarded with a late goal that put them right back into play-off contention after indifferent results for the teams around them.

Jamie Hood had an excellent opportunity to open the scoring in the seventh minute when the ball was headed on to him from a corner, but he failed to take advantage, shooting well wide.

Nathan Vaughan was, as ever, a rock between the posts for the Robins, and he prevented an almost certain goal by plucking the ball off the head of the onrushing Jacob Blyth after James Rowe’s persistence had taken him past Evesham skipper Wayne Daniel.

Blyth impressed again and was a real handful for the Evesham defence, holding the ball up superbly. After keeping possession on the edge of the area he shot just over the bar. There was some tidy approach play from Leamington early on, but they were nearly caught out by a quick break, David Accam shooting across goal.

Blyth again shielded the ball well before playing a cross into the six-yard box that was knocked on by Neil Barnfield for Rowe, who blazed over.

Former Brakes striker Craig Wilding had two stabs at goal early in the second half but was unable to force the ball home and Anthony Watson’s drive from distance fizzed past the post.

Leamington were not finding quite as much space as they had done in the first half, but continued to forge the more promising chances.

Vaughan had to react quickly to keep out an effort from Rowe, who was replaced shortly after by Corbett.

Blyth saw a curling shot saved by Vaughan before James Husband was left in a heap after a challenge inside the penalty area. Having received lengthy treatment he was carried off on a stretcher with what was later dignosed as a broken tarsal bone.

Vaughan got down just in time to keep out Corbett’s first effort on goal, but the substitute was not to be denied, popping up with a 90th-minute winner. Blyth’s shot took a deflection and looked to be travelling wide, only for Corbett to pop up at the far post and sidefoot the ball into the net to spark wild celebrations from players and supporters alike.

Evesham United: Nathan Vaughan, Anthony Watson, Jamie Hyde, Wayne Daniel, Andrew Jones (Dennis Pearce, 46) , Craig Wilding, James Blake, Sam Mensah, Leo Brown (Marcus Palmer, 33), Isaac Shaze, David Accam. Subs not used: Lewis Sykes, Kevin Spencer, Jemel Clarke.

Brakes: Tony Breeden, Scott Lycett, Stephan Morley, Lee Downes, Jamie Hood, Liam Daly, Alex Taylor, Neil Barnfield, Jacob Blyth, James Rowe (Luke Corbett, 72), James Husband (Jamie Sheldon, 80). Subs not used: Adam Newbury, Chris Knight, Lee Williams.