LEAMINGTON lost ground on their title rivals after the Brakes could only draw 0-0 away at relegation-threatened Kettering Town.
Chances were at a premium throughout as Cally Stewart headed over for Leamington late on while Callum Hawkins denied Kobe Chong at the death at Mortimer Park.
And the result means Paul Holleran’s side sit fourth in the Southern League Premier Central table, 10 points behind leaders Needham Market, after stretching their unbeaten run to nine matches.
The visitors made a bright start as Tyrone Barnett saw his early shot deflected behind for a corner before Adam Walker fired narrowly wide moments later.
At the other end, Brakes goalkeeper Callum Hawkins had to be alert to push Harry Reilly’s cross over the bar before Kelvin Langmead headed straight at the Leamington stopper from the resulting corner.
In a half of few chances, Henry Landers headed Will Shorrock’s cross from the left over the bar while Walker drilled a shot wide after tireless work from Stewart.
Goalmouth action was at a premium in the second period as the Brakes saw a penalty shout for a foul on Landers turned down by the referee following a rapid counter attack.
The best chance of the half fell to Stewart with the Brakes forward only able to head the ball over the bar from Dan Meredith’s excellent cross.
Kettering pressed for a late winner as debutant Michael Reindorf shot over before Hawkins made a crucial save to deny substitute Kobe Chong and earn the Brakes a point.
Leamington are next in action at home to Needham Market on Saturday, February 24 with kick-off at 3pm at the Your Co-Op Community Stadium.
