Moore earns the accolades as Brakes enjoy happy Christmas

Leamington rounded off an unforgettable Christmas period with a 3-1 win over Brackley to lift themselves to 11th in the Conference North table.
Stefan Moore MHLC-01-01-14 Brakes Brackley Jan2Stefan Moore MHLC-01-01-14 Brakes Brackley Jan2
Stefan Moore MHLC-01-01-14 Brakes Brackley Jan2

Having already picked up seven points from tricky fixtures at Brackley and at home to Workington and Hednesford, manager Paul Holleran said the impressive return was something even he did not foresee.

The return to full fitness of the likes of Craig Owen, Joe Magunda, Lee Moore and David McNamee have increased Brakes’ options over the past few weeks, but it has been the prolific form of Stefan Moore which has dovetailed with Leamington’s rise up the division.

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The former Aston Villa striker scored six goals in December to earn the Skrill North Player of the Month accolade and followed it up with two more and an assist against Brackley on New Year’s Day.

And Holleran said it is not just the league’s judging panel who have been impressed by the veteran’s goalscoring exploits.

“The last four weeks he has been unplayable,” said Holleran.

“And the reason I use that word is because two opposition managers have said it to me over Christmas.

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“He’s not been at this level for a few years but he has been phenomenal.

“Him and Ricky Johnson have been fantastic together.

“It’s not just the goals that Stefan is scoring - he’s been involved in all our goals.

“We knew what we had when we brought him to the club, so his quality has never been in doubt.

“And he’s proving that now.”

The victory over Jon Brady’s highflyers lifted Leamington 11 points clear of the bottom three.

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But while delighted with Brakes’ upturn in fortunes, Holleran said they cannot assume their safety is assured, with tomorrow’s trip to Moss Lane kicking off another tough sequence of fixtures.

“We’re well aware how unforgiving this league is,” he said.

“We’ve been asked questions and so far we’ve answered them, but we’ve got another tough game in Altrincham just around the corner and we need to keep on the front foot.

“Thankfully, the players are confident and have a lot of belief - we’re beginning to look like our old selves.”