FOOTBALL: THE CURTAIN came down on Leamington’s Southern League Premier Division season in disappointing fashion as they prepared for Wednesday’s semi-final play-off clash against Slough Town with a 4-0 defeat away at Weymouth.
Brakes may have understandably had one eye on Wednesday’s crunch clash, but Paul Holleran’s exciting league campaign ended with little more than a whimper at mid-table Weymouth.
As expected there was a very end of season feel to the game at the Bob Lucas Stadium, particularly in the early stages. Rob Thompson-Brown’s free kick deflected through to Terras keeper Nick Thomas, the only time he really touched the ball from a Brakes attack all afternoon.
Calvin Brooks fired a shot well wide and Stuart Fleetwood was denied well by Tony Breeden, who rushed off his line to save at the strikers’ feet. The prolific front man was not to be denied for too long however, homing in on goal again a lifting the ball high over the Leamington skipper to open the scoring on 38 minutes.
Weymouth skipper Stephane Zubar saw a backheeled effort cleared away from goal, but the home side extended their lead just before half time, Fleetwood’s predatory instincts coming to the fore again as he found the top corner in a crowded penalty area.
Ben Thomson’s thunderous strike in off the post past a static Breeden made it three early in the second half before Fleetwood completed his hat trick, latching onto substitute Jordan Copp’s through ball and slotting past Breeden.
Leamington fashioned a couple of half chances in the closing stages, substitute Callum Gittings driving a powerful effort just past the post from distance, while the best move of the game by some distance from the visitors saw Richard Gregory find Tom James on the left, his ball into the centre fired in first time and inches wide by Jack Edwards.
It seemed a little anti climatic for the team to be presented with the runners-up trophy by the Southern League after the game, the players looking somewhat sheepish as they climbed the steps of the main stand at the Bob Lucas Stadium to receive the silverware, the hosts having kindly allowed the travelling supporters onto the pitch to share in the moment.
Attendance: 585
Leamington: T.Breeden, R.Taundry (B.George 81), T.James, J.Edwards, J.Mace, J.Magunda, K.Revan (C.Baker-Richardson 71), J.Goddard, S.Moore (C.Gittings 46), R.Gregory, R.Thompson-Brown.
Subs not used – C.Gudger, A.Obeng.
