Derby day glory for Leamington as they renew rivalries with Banbury

Games against the Puritans haven’t been too frequent in recent seasons, but this has been far more of a traditional local derby than those against nearer neighbours with a back catalogue stretching back over 70 years to 1949.

But Brakes recorded their first win and clean sheet in seven games to kick off the month in a hugely positive fashion.

With his squad selection hampered by injury and suspensions, boss Scott Easterlow thrust new signing Theo Rowe straight into the side – Brakes' 23rd debutant of the season.

The afternoon got off to the perfect start when Iddriss Fuseini intercepted a defensive clearance, the ball running nicely for Kai Tonge to stroke first time past Jack Harding, who had moved off his line to try and clear.

The only disappointment was that a number of the travelling support were not able to see the goal, as they were still queuing to get into the stadium.

Tonge was played clean through two minutes later and rounded Harding, but from a tight angle his shot was charged down by Tolu Ikuyinminu.

There was only one team doing any attacking in the opening 15 minutes, and Callum Cockerill Mollett came close to adding to Leamington’s lead from the first corner of the afternoon, heading Owen Farmer’s left wing flag kick narrowly over.

Banbury’s first half chance came past the 20 minutes mark, but Nat Kelly intelligently got his body in the way of Ben Nash’s shot.

The home side did get an effort on target in the opening 45; but it was directed straight at Okonkwo, who had probably his quietest 45 minutes in a Leamington shirt so far.

A free kick won out on the left was delivered into the box by Farmer in first half added time, Cockerill Mollett stooping to head over the bar.

Banbury inevitably came out all guns blazing, and Levi Steele’s downward header had Okonkwo scrambling across his goal to turn the ball behind.

Connor Ferguson won and took a free kick 30 yards out, but Okonkwo was alert to the danger, pouncing on the well struck dead ball.

Home players and supporters pleaded with the officials as Okonkwo just about managed to keep it the right side of the line after a headed effort towards goal resulted in a scramble on the line.

Banbury were starting to drive at the Leamington backline with more regularity, and Joel Anker thrashed a loose ball towards goal only to be denied by a superb flying save from Okonkwo.

Leamington were beginning to look a little tired, but were defending like Trojans, no one more so than Flanagan, who was clearly up for playing against his old club.

Okonkwo produced an unorthodox save as Nash drilled in a powerful low effort from the left, but it did the job and his team mates mopped up.

There was a heart in mouth moment for Leamington when the ball was played to the far post from the left, Cockerill Mollett getting there before Steele but almost slicing the ball into his own net.

Tonge was played in down the left inside the final five minutes, poking his shot past Harding at his near post but not quite on target. Nash then beat Finn inside the box to cross low for Anker, who lashed a first-time effort over the bar.

BRAKES: Okonkwo, Cockerill-Mollett, Kelly, Tonge, Finn, Farmer, Rowe (Wright 56), Fuseini, Flanagan, Palit, Kabeya. SUBS NOT USED: Pennell, Tyer, Arthur, Farquharson.

REFEREE: Mitchell Terry.

ATTENDANCE: 907.

BRAKES MAN OF THE MATCH: Josh Flanagan.