LEAMINGTON finally put an end to their ten-game winless run with a 3-0 thumping of Altrincham at the Phillips 66 Community Stadium on Saturday.
The play-off chasing visitors were stunned when a Colby Bishop double following Junior English’s opener gave the hosts a 3-0 lead at the break, rocked further by a late red card for Jordan Hulme.
Callum Gittings’ return from injury, the signing of striker Mikey Taylor and Jordan Murphy’s loan extension from Solihull Moors gave the Brakes an added boost before kick-off.
Altrincham looked to settle quickest and had an early effort from Hulme whistle narrowly over the bar, but the Brakes were the first to open the scoring.
A corner saw James Mace’s header cleared off the line, but with the chance thought to be gone, Colby Bishop backheeled towards goal with Junior English getting the final touch on its way in.
Leamington almost had their lead extended, with English again at the centre of the action, flying an overhead kick just over.
Jack Edwards then had a header cleared off the line, but a penalty kick in the Brakes’ favour gave them a chance to pull further ahead.
A surging run from Murphy into the penalty area was only halted by a foul by Connor Hampson, leaving Bishop with the responsibility of crashing home the spot kick via the inside of the post.
The cushion provided the Brakes with some much-needed confidence to their play, and a third goal was put on a plate for Bishop – meeting English’s cross to power a header home.
Altrincham grew into the contest after the break, albeit unable to fashion any real chances of note, as Leamington hunted for more goals.
A deep cross from the impressive Jack Lane met the head of Bishop, directing the ball towards Murphy – who saw his subsequent header cleared over.
It took 65 minutes for the visitors to force Tony Breeden into a save, as he was forced to get down low to stop Sean Williams’ drive, which was followed by a shot shanked over the bar from a penalty box scramble.
A red card was produced by referee Samuel Barrott after Hulme kicked out at English, all but ending Altrincham’s hopes of mounting a late comeback.
Gittings almost marked his return to the side with a goal, seeing his header blocked after making full contact with an inswinging free-kick by Joe Clarke.
Leamington were good value for their lead, and despite not making the most of a man advantage, could celebrate ending their winless run in convincing style.
The Brakes next visit Bradford Park Avenue in National League North on Saturday (3pm) as they hope to build on finally claiming an elusive win.
