THE Brakes have been rewarded for their slender victory over Spennymoor Town with a trip to another National League North rival in AFC Telford United in the first round of the FA Trophy.
A 2-1 win at the Phillips 66 Community Stadium, courtesy of goals from Connor Taylor and Jack Edwards, continued Leamington’s recent revival as they extended their winning run to three games.
Leamington will make the trip to New Bucks Head on Saturday December 14, where they will vie for a place in the last 32.
The result against the division high-fliers was made all the more impressive given that Paul Holleran was without George Carline, Jordan Murphy, Dexter Walters and Callum Maycock due to administration problems, while Josh March was rested despite passing a late fitness test.
After a lacklustre start to proceedings, Leamington took an 18th-minute lead when Taylor fizzed a shot into the bottom corner of the net from Kaiman Anderson’s lay-off.
It gave the hosts the incentive to strive for a second goal, with a similar opportunity being crafted by Edwards, though Callum Gittings’ final effort was deflected behind.
Spennymoor were made to survive for extended periods without possession but went close through Glen Taylor’s effort that glided narrowly past the post.
Down the other end, Anderson had an effort deflected off target after promising build-up play between the forward, Joe Clarke and Kieran Dunbar, in what proved the final action of the first half.
After a slow start to the second half, the visiting Moors threatened to level the tie when Rob Ramshaw saw his ferocious attempt swerve narrowly past the upright.
Leamington had a similar chance of their own through Stephan Morley, who drove a left-footed strike just over, as the intensity of the game went up a level.
James Mace was called into action to produce a goal-saving challenge on Taylor as the forward lined up to shoot, although he was later left unmarked at a corner and should have done better when directing his header away from goal.
Chances continued to be wasted as Edwards failed to trouble Spennymoor keeper Matt Gould with a header, a miss that looked to be crucial as the visitors levelled 11 minutes from time through Taylor.
After bringing the ball down from a long throw, the forward weaved through the hosts’ defence before placing the ball past Weaver.
But just five minutes later the Brakes were back in front, following a goalmouth scramble from Junior English’s cross that was poked home by Edwards past the helpless Gould.
Leamington managed to see the game out with relative ease, meaning they go into Saturday’s (3pm) trip to Guiseley on the crest of a wave.
