FOOTBALL: BRAKES’ run against teams in the bottom half of the Vanarama National League North started in defeat against Southport.
Southport boss Kevin Davies signed three new men in the 24 hours prior to kick off, and two of them made an immediate impact as Jordan Richards and Dion Charles featured in the starting eleven.
And the new additions worked a treat for Southport, who edged a closely fought encounter by two goals to nil.
The result drops Brakes to 17th in the league table, two points clear of relegation bound Darlington in 20th.
The home side almost took the lead in the opening minutes Jason Gilchrist forced a goal line clearance.
Southport were soon ahead though when Brakes failed to clear their lines, ultimately allowing Jack Sampson to score from close range.
Brakes looked for a swift reply through Jack Edwards, whose effort from range was blasted over the bar.
Dan Udoh, Paul Holleran’s debutant loan signing from Crewe Alexandra, showed some good touches early on and carved out a chance for himself after he raced onto a ball over the top down the left.
Charles then showed his obvious quality once more as he chased the ball out to the left touchline before turning back towards the Leamington goal and exchanging passes with Adam Dawson, who neatly backheeled the ball to set up his team mate for a first time drive that clipped the crossbar.
Sampson then fired across goal and wide after a scramble in the penalty area just before half time.
Leamington began the second half brightly, getting on top for the first time in the game.
But they were unable to fashion any chances to trouble the Southport defence.
Gilchrist missed another chance for the hosts when he was played clean through on goal but passed the ball straight back to Breeden.
Richard Taundry was forced off with a nasty looking calf injury which required stiches after a challenge by the dugouts.
Gilchrist doubled Southport’s lead with 20 minutes remaining as he strike wrong-footed Breeden who was helpless in goal.
Breeden parried a shot from David Morgan in the closing stages as Leamington toiled in search of a consolation.
Southport: Jon Worsnop, Jordan Richards, Caleb Richards, David Morgan, Steve Howson, Billy Priestley, Adam Dawson, David Lynch, Jason Gilchrist, Jack Sampson, Dion Charles (14 Clive Smith, 53).
Leamington: Tony Breeden ©, Richard Taundry (16 James Mace, 66), Connor Gudger (17 Kaine Felix 77), Joe Clarke, Jamie Hood, Junior English, Kieran Dunbar, Callum Gittings (14 Kurtis Revan, 77), Daniel Udoh, Jack Edwards, Ahmed Obeng.
Attendance: 848.
