Pitmen’s three-goal spell brings Leamington back down to earth

The euphoria of an opening day Skrill North win over Bradford looked set to extend through to the weekend with Leamington 2-0 up with 20 minutes to play at Keys Park on Tuesday night.
Matty Dodd celebrates his opener against Bradford Park Avenue MHLC-17-08-13 Brakes Bradford Aug48Matty Dodd celebrates his opener against Bradford Park Avenue MHLC-17-08-13 Brakes Bradford Aug48
Matty Dodd celebrates his opener against Bradford Park Avenue MHLC-17-08-13 Brakes Bradford Aug48

Strikes from Lee Chilton and Stefan Moore had put the visitors on their way to a second successive three points only for Hednesford to ram home the harsh realities of Conference football with three goals in a 16-minute spell.

The defeat left Brakes boss Paul Holleran jealously eyeing the home side’s bench, with midfield reinforcements not set to arrive at the New Windmill until after the bank holiday fixture at home to Gloucester.

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“It’s a learning curve. Every team at this level has quality players that can hurt you,” said Holleran.

“Nathan Woolfe was at Bolton not so long ago and he, Aaron Rey and Dave McPherson all came on and contributed.

“Sadly, with Craig Owen failing a fitness test, a couple of seven-day approaches not coming up and Alex Taylor not being ready, we didn’t have as many options as we would have liked.”

Holleran admitted Brakes had ultimately been undone by the Pitmen’s direct style, but said it needed a moment of magic to swing the momentum the home side’s way.

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“We didn’t do a lot wrong. It was an excellent away performance for long periods.

“I wouldn’t say we were the architects of our downfall, they did well and you’ve got to give them credit.

“The first goal was a good one and you hold your hands up - you can see why league clubs are watching him.

“But nine times out of ten we would have got away with it. On Tuesday night it just wasn’t one of them.”

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There is no let-up for Brakes, with a trip to Boston United being followed hot on the heels by the home clash with the Tigers.

However, Holleran believes the unrelenting nature of the fixture list will work in their favour.

“We thought the Southern League was hard, but in this league you haven’t got time to dwell on the defeats.

“That’s the league we’re in now and we have to regroup and go again because there’s another difficult one coming up at Boston.”

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