LEAMINGTON will host fellow National League North outfit Gainsborough Trinity in the FA Cup third qualifying round after seeing off stubborn Midland League Premier Division opponents Westfields on Saturday.
The Brakes were pushed all the way by the Herefordshire side, who reached the first round proper last season, but late goals from Colby Bishop and Rob Thompson-Brown (penalty) secured a 2-0 victory in the second qualifying round tie at Allpay Park.
Brakes were slow out of the blocks and were handed a let-off when Westfields striker Richard Greaves fired a tame penalty low into the arms of Tony Breeden after being brought down by the stopper halfway through the first half.
At the other end, Callum Gittings cracked a low drive past the upright and James Mace hit the top of the bar with his attempted cross from the right but there were no goals before half time.
Shortly into the second half Brakes boss Paul Holleran introduced Ahmed Obeng and Bishop and their impact was instant as Obeng drove in a shot from the edge of the box that was deflected behind for a corner, from which Jamie Hood thumped in a header that deflected off a Westfields defender on to the crossbar.
More chances came and went and Westfields were still a threat themselves, but the opener arrived when Bishop rose highest to power a header into the roof of the net after Kieran Dunbar sent a brilliant ball back into the six-yard box after his initial free kick from the left wing had been blocked.
The striker then helped to make the game safe deep into injury time as he was fouled by Matt Sysum and the Westfields centre back trudged slowly off the pitch having received a red card. Thompson-Brown then did the business from 12 yards.
Holleran told the club website: “The game wasn’t really any different to what we expected. We were hoping we could press the game hard early on and maybe force errors, but to be fair they dealt with it well and you could see why they have had so many good results there in cup competitions.
“We were what you have to be when playing away from home. We were nice and solid without being at our best, we were very functional and disciplined apart from the one incident and we limited them to one shot on target in the whole game.
“I was hoping that in the second half as the game opened up, our subs would make a difference, and that’s what happened and in the end I don’t think anyone can deny we deserved to win the game.
“It was a good cup game, Westfields were great hosts and very gracious in defeat. I am just happy our supporters have been able to have a good FA Cup day out and we’re delighted to be in the next round.”
Lowly Brakes welcome in-form Bradford Park Avenue to the Phillips 66 Community Stadium on Saturday.
