LEAMINGTON held title-chasing Mickleover to a goalless draw despite the home side playing with 10-men for the final 20 minutes.
The Brakes were unable to make the man advantage count at the Don Amott Arena as goalkeeper Callum Hawkins starred to help the visitors come away with a point.
And the result means Leamington sit third in the Southern League Premier Central table, four points behind leaders Needham Market who have three games in-hand.
Hawkins made his first save of the game inside the opening minute, pushing Andrew Dales’ shot over the crossbar, before Cally Stewart fired narrowly wide at the other end.
Brakes keeper Hawkins then produced a pair of superb saves, first keeping out a well-struck snapshot before saving with his legs moments later.
The visitors remained a threat at the other end as Ewan Williams headed just over the crossbar before Hawkins somehow kept out Dales’ header from close range.
Paul Holleran’s side almost broke the deadlock early in the second half as Adam Walker curled an effort narrowly over the bar from the edge of the penalty area.
Leamington’s best chance of the game fell to Williams who shot agonisingly wide after excellent play from substitute Tyrone Barnett and Walker to create the opening.
And the game looked to have swung in favour of the visitors on 72 minutes when Mickleover’s Dan Bradley received a second yellow card for a rash challenge.
However, Mickleover kept the ball well thereafter and continued to threaten the Brakes goal as Hawkins held firm to earn the visitors a point.
Leamington are next in action at home to St Ives Town on Saturday, December 23 with kick-off at 3pm at the Your Co-Op Community Stadium.
