LEAMINGTON put up a valiant fight in a 1-0 home defeat against National League leaders Rochdale in the third round of the FA Trophy.
Paul Holleran’s side pushed Dale all the way as Levi Amantchi’s goal early in the second half settled the contest at the Your Co-op Community Stadium.
And the Brakes have now lost each of their last five games in all competitions.
The home side went close early on as Seb Thompson flashed a low shot inches past the post from just inside the penalty area.
At the other end, Brakes goalkeeper Eddie Brearey spread himself well to divert Connor McBride’s shot behind in a one-on-one situation.
And Rochdale midfielder Jake Burger then received a yellow card for simulation after he went to ground too easily for the referee’s liking in the penalty area.
The Brakes responded with a chance at the other end when Ant Lynn beat the offside trap and saw his low curling effort pushed to safety.
However, Rochdale broke the deadlock six minutes after the break as Amantchi worked space for a shot in the box and coolly found the bottom right corner.
The visitors almost doubled their lead later in the half as Liam Humbles fired a dipping shot inches over the crossbar from 15-yards out.
The home side almost drew level late on when Miro Pais lashed a low shot towards the bottom corner which Rochdale goalkeeper Tom Myles palmed behind at full stretch.
However, the Brakes could not force penalties while Joe Clarke made his 300th appearance for the club from the bench.
Leamington are next in action against Radcliffe on Saturday, December 20 with kick-off at 3pm at Stainton Park.
