Dodd returns to the fold with devastating effect

After suffering a recurrence of a hamstring strain against Bashley, Dodd was not risked against Redditch and Bedford despite pressing his claims for a recall.

And the decision to allow him extra recovery time has been fully vindicated by two man-of-the-match performances on the wideman’s return to first-team action.

A hat-trick of penalties in the 4-1 win at Cambridge was followed by the game-clinching third in the Easter Monday success over Banbury to move Leamington just three wins away from the championship.

“We were holding him back,” said Holleran.

“If it meant him missing one or two games, it would be worth it if we could get him playing through to the end of the season.

“There aren’t many players like Matty Dodd at our level, purely for carrying the ball.

“But he also scores goals and asks a lot of questions of defenders.

“It was well worth giving him a little longer.”

Leamington go into the final month of the season with a double-figure points advantage over chasing duo Hemel Hempstead and Stourbridge.

The Glassboys, who also picked up maximum points over the Easter weekend, appear the main danger to Brakes, having played a game less than second-placed Hemel.

However, speaking ahead of tomorrow’s trip to AFC Totton, Holleran insisted the results of Gary Hackett’s men are of little concern to him.

“We’ve got to look after our own performances half by half and then things will fall into place.

“We’re in a good position and can’t afford to be complacent because there are some good sides chasing us.

“But there will have been nothing more disheartening for them than to see us pick up six points over the weekend.”