THE LARGEST crowd of the season could not cheer Leamington Brakes to victory after Stockport County came away from the New Windmill Ground with all three points thanks to a comfortable 2-0 win.
County did not have to work hard for the two goals that secured all three points in front of the biggest home attendance (855) of the season.
Stockport began brightly with Kristian Dennis being denied by a Nei Collett save and Matthew Dodd hit a low cross which rebounded off a Brakes foot and wide of goal.
The breakthrough came on 11 minutes thanks to Scott Spencer who rose well to meet Jammie Milligan’s corner before sending a bullet header past Collett and give the visitors an early lead.
Brakes skipper Stephan Morley took two free kicks, the first was headed over by Danny Newton and the second was confidently claimed by the tall County goalkeeper Danny Hurst as the hosts searched for an equaliser.
But they were dealt a huge blow after conceding a second on 26 minutes.
Chris Churchman sent in an innocuous shot that deceived Collett who looked crestfallen when he realised where the ball was heading and the visitors lead was doubled.
Brakes bounced back as Stefan Moore was denied by the onrushing Hurst and the ball rebounded off the keeper to one of his defenders who cleared and Newton lifted a close range effort over the bar but it remained 2-0 at the break.
Brakes had it all to do after the interval and they came within a whisker of pulling one goal back just before the hour mark.
A great piece of ball control by Stefan Moore gave him the time to cross to Newton, who leaning back, clipped the top of the crossbar with his effort.
Two minutes later Spencer could have made the game safe for Stockport but after lobbing the ball over Collett, he could only hit the crossbar with the goal gaping wide open in front of him.
Referee Ford then refused to award the hosts a penalty when Danny Gregson seemingly stuck out an elbow to block a shot inside the area but despite the protests no spot kick was awarded.
With time running out Newton was in on goal late on but a spot of top class defending from Gregson took the ball away from danger.
Leamington will be looking to improve on their current 13th place position when they travel to Hyde this Saturday.
Joe Magunda wins a header. (s) Photo by Sally Ellis
