FOOTBALL: THE winning groove continued for Paul Holleran’s Leamington Brakes side as they defeated Wolverhampton Wolves’ Academy on penalties to win the Birmingham Senior Cup.
Leamington fans were once again left on the edge of their seats as Brakes could only manage a draw after 90 minutes.
With the game going straight to penalties, Holleran’s men stepped up to the job for the second time in less than ten days to scoop the club’s second major on pitch victory after earning promotion to the Vanarama National League North just days before following a playoff win against Hitchin Town.
Successful penalties from Breeden, Thompson-Brown, Pond, Taundry, and Edwards left Wolves needing to convert for their last penalty – which was saved by Brakes’ keeper Tony Breeden.
It marked Leamington’s first win in the competition for 45 years.
Brakes fans were in voice earlier in the game as Obeng was brought down in the box, gifting Leamington a penalty on 15 minutes.
Thompson-Brown calmly converted from the spot to hand Leamington the early advantage.
Wolves then started to apply pressure as they forced multiple corners and free-kicks – making Brakes’ defence work to its limit.
Thompson-Brown went close to doubling Leamington’s lead on 33 minutes when fired his shot wide from 25 yards out.
A free-kick to Wolves just before the close of the first half was shot just wide as Leamington held their one goal lead.
Wolves Academy were forced to clear off the line on 50 minutes before the post saved Wolverhampton conceding a second goal just minutes later.
Sealy then scored from the back post on 69 minutes to level the scores after a free-kick into the box evaded all but the Wolves player.
Wolverhampton pressed for a late winner with a last minute corner, however Breeden comfortably handled the delivery to take the game to penalties.
The dramatic win capped off a memorable season for Brakes fans who now have the second tier of non-league football to look forward to next season.
Picture: Sally Ellis Photography.
