Holleran sees plenty of plusses in Guiseley loss

A bumper four-figure crowd saw a Danny Newton double earn Brakes victory over the Hatters in a match Holleran admitted “was far from a classic”.

But despite failing to gain any reward from their trip to Nethermoor in midweek, Holleran felt his side had more than matched one of the Skrill North’s more-established sides.

“The second half we were excellent,” he said.

“It was our best 45 minutes for a long time, especially away from home.”

“We outplayed and outpassed Guiseley and just needed the bounce of the ball - it didn’t quite drop for us.

“But to go to the other side of Leeds on a Tuesday night, the performance was just what we wanted.”

With just 11 games remaining for Leamington, they lie a healthy 11 points clear of the bottom three.

Vauxhall Motors’ decision to resign at the end of the season means it is likely only two teams will be demoted.

However, Holleran is determined not to let Brakes’ first season in the Conference North end on a whimper.

“The position looks more stable,” he said.

“But we want to get as many points as we can on the board.

“Our aim is to get firmly into the pack in mid-table.”

A trip to Oxford City, who currently lie in 21st, provides an excellent opportunity for Brakes to cement their place at the head of a group of five teams separated by just two points.

However, they will travel to Marsh Lane without midfielder Lee Chilton who landed heavily on his ankle in the victory over Stockport. An X-ray showed no break, but the damaged ligaments are expected to keep him out for three to six weeks.

Leamington then entertain Vauxhall Motors on Tuesday night (7.45pm).