FOOTBALL: BRAKES slipped to a second successive home defeat on Saturday afternoon after losing 1-0 to Southport.
Paul Holleran’s men failed to prevent Southport’s third successive league win despite enjoying large periods of possession throughout Saturday afternoon’s game at the Phillips 66 Community Stadium.
Another strong crowd watched Leamington create some strong early chances as Ahmed Obeng set up an early opportunity for Junior English in the opening two minutes while at the other end Brakes cleared a dangerous ball from a free kick.
Paul Holleran’s men had to work hard to keep the visitors at bay when Liam Martin saw a shot blocked while Andrew White was also denied from inside the penalty area.
The Sandgrounders were quick to pick up on any half clearances by Brakes, but – equally – Leamington proved handy in midfield as Milan Butterfield and English made some timely interceptions.
Leamington grew into the game as Southport’s attacks came at a premium in the second part of the first half.
Junior English – who opened his Brakes account against Tamworth last Tuesday – was unlucky not to score again when a deflected shot went wide before heading a chance over Southport’s crossbar.
Obeng had a great chance on the half volley following a long throw, but he fired his shot into the ground as it bounced kindly for Turner to hold.
Two further chances came and went for Leamington before half time.
Richard Taundry’s free kick was blocked by the defensive wall but Rob Thompson-Brown’s rasping first time drive was heading towards the top corner until Turner intervened.
Turner had to be on his toes against when a powerful downward header from Jamie Hood was blocked with his leg as the teams ended the first half level.
Brakes continued to look lively at the start of the second half as Obeng had a shot saved.
A half time team talk appeared to benefit Southport though as Ethan Jones put the visitors ahead 15 minutes into the second half when weak pass from Joe Magunda was intercepted, allowing Jones to put Southport ahead.
The goal appeared to suck the life out of the game as neither side created chances towards the end of the game, Southport running out eventual 1-0 winners.
Brakes are next in action tomorrow night, August 15, against Kidderminster Harriers away from home. Kick off is at 7.45pm.
Leamington: Tony Breeden ©, Richard Taundry, Connor Gudger, Joe Clarke, Jamie Hood, Joe Magunda, Rob Thompson-Brown (12 Kurtis Revan, 79), Milan Butterfield, Colby Bishop (15 Stefan Moore, 79), Junior English (16 Callum Gittings, 46), Ahmed Obeng.
Southport: Iain Turner, Bradley Jackson, Andrew White, Curtis Jones, Adam Dugdale, Dominic Smith, John Paul Kissock, Alex Fletcher (12 Steven Jennings, 53), Gary Roberts, Jack Sampson, Liam Martin (14 Ethan Jones, 64).
Attendance: 711.
