Leamington hoping first win is kickstart needed ahead of FA Cup clash with Ilkeston Town
Leamington are hoping their first win of the season can kickstart a long overdue FA Cup run when they host NPL side Ilkeston Town in the First Qualifying Round on Saturday.
Having drawn 1-1 at home to Worcester City on Saturday, the Brakes won 2-0 at bogey side Stourbridge on Tuesday.
The only time they have ever made the FA Cup first round was back in 2005 and manager Scott Easterlow said: “As long as that devil is on your shoulder and you're looking for that first win, you're always a bit tentative and probably snatch at stuff.
“Hopefully tonight is a big result for the season moving forward and the result will kick us into Saturday a bit more confident and we can follow it up with another result.
“I would love to get a result for the fans and people connected with the club.
“I know it's been far too long to not have a cup run, so we will enjoy tonight, but preparations for Ilkeston started about three days ago.”
On the first win of their Southern League Premier Division campaign following relegation, a relieved Easterlow said: “From the first minute to the last we were the much better side tonight.
“I don't think anyone could have any questions over the result.
“If we are being super critical of our group we could have put three or four past them – we have had the chances.
“Yes, they have had a couple from crosses too, but it was a much improved performance from us.
“I think we set the tone from the very first minute and carried it on through the night, which is something we've been asking of the lads since we came in here.
“For the first time, that looked like a side of mine should look really.
“All credit to the players, they have had a frustrating couple of weeks and I am really pleased for them.
“From one to 16 they were absolutely superb.”
After captain Kyle Finn had givenm Leamington the lead as early as the fiufth minute, young Birmingham loanee Cameron Eubank scored a screaming second goal to seal the victory and Easterlow added: “It wasn't just his goal, I thought his all-round performance was superb.
“It's a bit of a learning curve for Cammy as it's a different type of football coming out of the pro game.
“But you could see tonight what he brings to the game and his qualities. We've just got to see that more regularly.
“Hopefully that's the first of many impressive performances from him moving forward.”
After a tough start to the league season, Saturday’s first win may just be perfectly timed ahead of this weekend’s FA Cup clash.