LEAMINGTON boss Paul Holleran has moved to strengthen his side ahead of the season finale with the signings of strikers Khaellem Bailey-Nicholls and Daniel Dubidat, as well as goalkeeper Leighton Smith.
Brakes sit just four points off Southern League Premier Division leaders Redditch United as the title race hots up before the Easter weekend and Holleran has added to his squad as they aim to bounce back to the Vanarama National League at the first attempt.
Bailey-Nicholls and Smith, both 18, have linked up with the club on work experience forms after being released by Championship side Birmingham City.
Both players came through the ranks at Blues and come highly recommended from coach Ian King who worked with them during his time at the club.
Striker Dubidat has joined Leamington from Bedworth United and lists Chasetown, Tipton Town and Hinckley United among his former clubs.
The 26-year-old should provide Holleran with plenty of firepower in attack having scored 29 goals last season for Bedworth as they won promotion to the Premier Division.
He began the season as captain of league rivals Redditch United and scored eight times for the Worcestershire side before returning to Bedworth in December.
Dubidat scored a further three goals for Bedworth before agreeing to a move to the Phillips 66 Community Stadium.
Leamington’s chase for the title took a knock on Tuesday evening after they were beaten 3-0 away at Chesham United.
Confidence had been high in the Leamington following Saturday’s 1-0 win away at Dorchester Town but it was the home side who took a sixth minute lead through Sam Youngs, who drilled a low shot past Tony Breeden.
Just five minutes later Breedon was beaten once again by Youngs who doubled Chesham’s tally by flicking the ball over the Leamington goalkeeper.
Brakes boss Holleran was sent to the stands for venting his frustration by kicking out in the dugout but he got a reaction from his side after the break with Lee Moore being denied by Curtis Ujah.
But Chesham made it 3-0 on 51 minutes when Ryan Blake crossed for Dave Pearce to fire home past Breedon.
The best chance of the match for Brakes fell to striker Courtney Baker-Richardson after Moore ‘s attempt at goal had been saved but the Leamington striker’s effort on goal was blocked on the line.
This Saturday Leamington will be hoping to get their title charge back on track when they host Chippenham Town before visiting Stratford Town on Easter Monday.
