Holleran: backbone saw Brakes through

Paul Holleran has paid tribute to Brakes resilience after the 1-0 victory at Northwich Victoria made it five clean sheets in six. Pictured: Defensive stalwart Liam Daly. MHLC-30-11-13 Brakes Trophy Nov116

A solitary Stefan Moore goal was all that separated the sides, with the Evo-Stik Division One North outfit believing several key decisions went against them over the course of the two games.

However, Holleran said Brakes’ defensive solidity - Tuesday night’s replay win was their fifth clean sheet in six - meant Leamington always held the upper hand.

“We’re not blessed with some of the luxuries other clubs have, but we’ve put together a hard-working unit with a bit of backbone,” said Holleran.

“A lot of sides would have gone there on Tuesday night and crumbled.

“But for all their play over the two games they’ve not had a shot on target.”

Holleran admitted his side were some way below their best in the first meeting but saw enough in an improved midweek performance to suggest his side could go a long way in the competition.

“We defended well enough on Saturday but we made so many bad decisions on the ball.

“It was as poor as we’ve been at home.

“But on Tuesday we passed the ball better and asked a lot of questions and were deserved winners.

“Now we’ve got a lovely trip to Dover.

“Once you get into the last 32 and string a couple of wins together you never know.

“If we show the same courage we demonstrated on Tuesday we might be able to do something.

“The beauty of the Trophy is that anyone can beat anybody.”

First Brakes must turn their attention to two tricky away league trips, with tomorrow’s visit to AFC Telford being followed on Tuesday by a journey up to East Yorkshire to face surprise packages North Ferriby.

The Villagers sit just a point off the top of the Skrill North table but Holleran admits it is Liam Watson’s side who have most impressed him this season.

“I saw them play a few weeks ago and they’re the best team I have seen this season.

“But they seem to either win 3-0 or lose 3-0.”

Brakes will be without Lee Chilton for both games with the midfielder ruled out for two to four weeks with a groin problem, while Joe Magunda is suspended tomorrow after picking up five bookings.