Cup nightmare quickly forgotten as Brakes turn attentions to top-of-the-table clash

Looking to give some of his fringe players a run-out in the Birmingham Senior Cup tie, Holleran found his hand forced by the loss of Lee Chilton and niggly injuries to substitutes Richard Batchelor and Dean Perrow.

And to round off a forgettable night, Leamington bowed out at the first hurdle, with the Midland Alliance Division One side running out 3-1 winners.

“Everything about it was an absolute nightmare,” said Holleran.

“We had Niall Cooper and Martin Naylor cup-tied and Hoody suspended. And then we had Richard Batchelor feel something go in the warm-up and Dean Perrow feel a pull in his groin at half-time.

“And to cap it all, Lee Chilton’s van broke down on the motorway and he didn’t get home until midnight.”

Despite being shorn of several first-choice players, Holleran believed his side still had enough quality on the pitch to progress.

However, on a tricky pitch, he felt that several players failed to show the application necessary against lively opponents.

“The 11 players we put on the pitch were more than capable of doing a job.

“But with the poor pitch and the rain, one or two of them had their minds elsewhere.

“The play into the final third was nowhere near where it needs to be.

“Me, my missus and two kids could have formed the Alvechurch backline and we’d have coped.

“But fair play to them, they’re a young side, full of energy and we weren’t quite at it.

“It’s disappointing but it’s not something I’ll look too deeply into.”

Jamie Hood sits out the second game of his three-match suspension for tomorrow’s trip to league leaders Hemel Hempstead, while Richard Batchelor is still thought to be a week or two away from fitness.

However, Leamington will be strengthened by the return of Niall Cooper, Martyn Naylor and Lee Chilton as they look to stop Hemel’s impressive march.

Dean Brennan’s side have taken 13 points from their last 15 to go five points clear at the top of the table and Holleran says it is no surprise the Hertfordshire side are in the position they are.

And, with Leamington lying eight points adrift of their hosts, despite holding four games in hand, he knows it is important his side do not lose any further ground.

“They’ve always had good players and been financially well backed and I don’t think I’d be out of turn in saying they’ve under-achieved in the last two or three years.

“But this season Dean has spent his money wisely and I was impressed when I went to see them.

“Ideally we’d want everyone fit and raring to go and while we’re not quite there, we’ve shown we’re capable of going to difficult places and doing a job.”

 Brakes travel to Rugby Town on Tuesday night (7.45pm) for their rearranged Red Insure Cup tie.

The original fixture was abandoned due to floodlight failure.