Football
Brakes suffer more frustration

Leamington 0 Chippenham Town 0

GOAL-shy Brakes were held to a frustrating Evo-Stik Southern League Premier Division draw by play-off chasing rivals Chippenham at the New Windmill on Saturday.

Brakes, rather worringly, have managed just one goal in their last three matches although they remain only just outside the play-off places despite failing to register a victory in their last seven league games.

Players from both sides constantly surrounded referee David Avent to contest decisions which contributed to a niggly encounter that will not linger long in the memory of the 470-strong crowd.

The game never flowed and was littered with a succession of yellow cards which eventually led to Chippenham's Toby Osman being sent off for his second bookable offence four minutes from time.

Shortly after, as tempers continued to boil over, Brakes substitute Luke Corbett and Chippenham substitute Ashley Williams were lucky not to be dismissed as the match officials missed them trading punches in an ugly off the ball clash.

Clear cut chances were at a premium as both sides lacked creativity and neither keeper was forced into a save in the opening 45 minutes.

Brakes only effort of note came four minutes before the break when David Kolodynski and Richard Batchelor combined to set up Jon Adams who fired over from the angle of the penalty area.

Chippenham went close after 52 minutes when a free kick from James Guthrie found Alan Griffin and his header was deflected for a corner which was only cleared as far as Ian Herring whose shot was smartly saved by Nathan Vaughan.

Brakes responded with Michael Tuohy just off target with a long range effort, while Adams had an angled volley well saved by Tommy Smith who then turned a shot from Kolodynski around the post.

Brakes went closest to breaking the deadlock after 73 minutes when Adams was brought down on the edge of the area and Stephan Morley thumped the free kick inches wide.

Brakes will be aiming to record their first league victory of the year when they visit Bedford Town this Saturday (3pm).

Meanwhile, Brakes are currently holding a sports prediction competition to raise money for the secure the clubhouse fund.

Copies of the entry sheet , which cost £2, can be downloaded from the club website at at www.LeamingtonFC.co.uk and they need to be completed and returned by March 9.

The winner will receive a Brakes season ticket with a signed Coventry City shirt, a signed Brakes football and a Brakes clubshop voucher also among the prizes.