Holleran urging Leamington to ‘do a Rushall’

Wins for Cambridge City, Chesham and Oxford City on Saturday left Leamington, who were without a game, six points adrift of the final play-off position.

A vastly inferior goal difference effectively gives them seven points to make up on the Lilywhites in fifth with just five games left to play.

However, with Brakes on the back of a seven-match unbeaten run, Holleran says the momentum is still with them, although he admits it will need one of the top five to suffer a slump in form for Leamington to reach the play-offs

“I’ve seen it from both sides,” said Holleran.

“At Halesowen we were dead certs for the play-offs and we took one point from the last nine and missed out.

“But at Rushall we won our last four and sneaked in on goal difference.

“I still believe that any side down to St Albans who strings a run together can get in.

“It’s whether we can find the consistency to get those four or five wins.

“To do that we must get the mindset right and the way we play has to be positive.

“We’ve got to treat it like cup football and get as many three points as we can and see if we can take advantage.”

Brakes travel to Frome tomorrow before entertaining Barwell on Easter Monday, with Holleran hoping teenage striker Jacob Blyth will be able to play some part over the bank holiday weekend.

The striker was carried off against Swindon Supermarine but the 11-day break has allowed his ankle injury to improve.

The two games might come too soon for Matty Dodd, however, but Holleran will be able to call on deadline-day signing Lee Steele, who has joined from leaders Brackley.

The 38-year-old is well into the twilight of his career after more than 300 Football League appearances, but Holleran believes his experience will be invaluable to his young squad.

“He’s been a great pro and he’s done well over the last few seasons at this level.

“Lee’s desperate to get his 200th career goal - I think he’s on 198 - and he does Iron Mans so he’s in good nick.

“He’s still knows his way around a football pitch and despite it being a late signing, I think he can have a positive impact in the last five games.”