LEAMINGTON suffered a 2-1 defeat away at divisional rivals Redditch United as the Brakes were knocked out of the FA Trophy at the first hurdle.
Substitute Jack Edwards scored a late consolation for Paul Holleran’s side after goals from Calum and Reece Flanagan either side of the break put Redditch in command at the Valley Stadium.
Brakes goalkeeper Callum Hawkins made an early save from Prince Henry before Henry Landers was denied by Reds stopper Adam Harrison at the other end.
And Redditch took the lead on 17 minutes when C Flanagan headed Callum Rowe’s free-kick beyond the reach of Hawkins.
The home side went close again soon after as Hawkins made a double save to keep out both Brad Burton and AJ George.
Leamington forced Harrison into another save at the start of the second period as Cally Stewart’s powerful header went straight at the Redditch keeper.
However, the Reds doubled their lead on 58 minutes when R Flanagan sent Hawkins the wrong way from the penalty spot after George went down in the box.
The home side almost sealed the win when Liam Armstrong shot narrowly wide with four minutes left to play before Edwards ended the Brakes 270-minute goal drought with a header in injury time.
However, Holleran’s men were unable to find an equaliser in the remaining minutes as the Brakes slipped to a third straight defeat in all competitions.
Leamington are next in action away at Needham Market on Saturday, October 14 with kick-off at 3pm at Bloomfields.
