A DEPLETED Leamington Brakes earned themselves a point away at Hyde in what was an entertaining 2-2 draw at Ewen Fields in the Conference North.
Hyde twice led in what was a very open contest but Brakes showed plenty of character to come from behind with Jordan Goddard drilling home a spectacular late equaliser 15 minutes from time to rescue a point.
Brakes manager Paul Holleran was without goal-scoring duo Stefan Moore and Danny Newton and was also forced to make a number of changes in both defence and midfield.
The hosts went ahead on 32 minutes when Connor Hughes cut in from the right and beat Brakes loan goalkeeper Mats Morch with a low effort.
Brakes worked their way back into the game and could have been back on level terms shortly before the break when Matt Dodd fired over the bar from six yards out as the ball rebounded off Hyde keeper O’Brien who had saved well following a fierce drive from Aron Wint.
The second period started with Brakes on the front foot and saw them level tow minutes after the re-start after being awarded a penalty.
James Fry had a cross blocked by the raised arm of Luke Giverin and Matt Dodd made no mistake from the resultant penalty.
Within three minutes, however, the Tigers had regained their advantage. Hughes whipped in a cross from the left and Brakes substitute Jamie Tank, who had been introduced at the break, could only divert the ball into his own net.
Leamington heads could have dropped but on 75 minutes they got back on level terms once more.
Young Goddard tricked his way past three defenders as he made his way inside the box from the right and then steadied himself to slam an unerring finish into the bottom corner of the net for a glorious equaliser.
Brakes were on the front foot and looking the more likely winners as they forced a series of corners that saw a Jack Edwards header cleared off the line but no winner came from either side.
It can be seen as a well earned point for the Brakes against a Hyde outfit, who although having a poor start to the season had gained a one all draw with leaders Chorley and a five one win over Lowestoft in their previous two home games.
Lee Moore in action against Hyde. (s) Photo by Sally Ellis
