Manager's job on the line

Paul Holleran

First it was Lee Clark at Huddersfield. Then it was Gary Megson at the Massives. Now the latest manager whose job appears to be in jeopardy is Paul Holleran at Leamington.

The Brakes have gone nine league games without a win and have slumped to 9th in the Evo-Stik Southern Premier League. On Tuesday they lost 0-1 at home to West Bromwich Albion in the semi-finals of the Birmingham Senior Cup.

Holleran told the Leamington Spa Courier 'We're getting into a period where we have to start playing games or it will be me paying the price.' Holleran has been in charge at Harbury Lane for 27 months.

Brakes face Evesham United at the New Windmill Ground tomorrow.

Brakes face Baggies test

I've just been down to the New Windmill Ground where a number of volunteers were hard at work preparing for tomorrow's game against West Bromwich Albion. The groundsman was forking the turf and the players' shirts were drying in the breeze.

Even though Brakes beat Birmingham City 3-2 in the last round of the Birmingham Senior Cup, the Baggies could well prove to be a tougher test. Brakes have slipped out of the play off places in the Evostik Southern Premier League after some recent defeats.

I was able to have a look in the new hospitality suite. I was a bit sceptical when it first arrived, but the refurbishment work has been first class and it gives an excellent view of the pitch.

Fleeces out at Harbury Lane

Fleeces have been laid out on the pitch at Harbury Lane tonight to protect it from any frost damage prior to this afternoon's clash between Leamington and Chippenham Town.

Conference outfit Mansfield Town have swooped for left back Stephan Morley who has been given a trial. The left back has an eye for goal and is one of the best players for the Brakes. Understandably, he would like to become a full-time professional footballer.

Morley appears to have been noticed when scouts were watching Jacob Blyth who has recently given an outing with Birmingham City reserves. Blyth is, however, under contract which would mean any move would involve a transfer fee.

Brakes keeper Tony 'Bartram' Breedon was recently snapped up by Conference side Kidderminster Harriers. None of this helps the battle for a play off place.

Blues swoop for Brakes striker

Following the recent defeat of Birmingham City by Leamington the Blues have given a trial to promising young Brakes striker Jacob Blyth. He managed to score the winning goal for their reserves against Southampton reserves.

He has always been recognised as a promising talent and he has been put on a contract so that a transfer fee could be claimed.

Charlton scores as Brakes defeat Blues

Even the presence of England under-21 goalkeeper Jack Butland could not prevent Leamington inflicting a 2-1 defeat on Birmingham City in the Birmingham Senior Cup at the New Windmill Ground last night.

The match was played at a fast and furious pace but Leamington more than held their own. They were therefore rather unfortunate to go behind on 41 minutes after a goalkeeping error by Lee Evans let Blues in.

However, Asa Charlton levelled the score on 64 minutes and then substitute Luke Corbett put the home side ahead.

Referee Marc Perry had a good game.

Brakes face Puritans in cup clash

Leamington face local rivals Banbury United at the New Windmill Ground in a Birmingham Senior Cup clash tonight. The winners get a home tie against Birmingham City.

Last time we entertained the Blues in this competition we won 3-2 even though they included one or two Premiership players. The look on the faces of the quite substantial number of Blews supporters was a joy to behold.

First we have to beat the Purtans. It's a cold night with a strong wind blowing. The New Windmill Ground is in an exposed country location. This does not promise quality football and I shall certainly have to wrap up warm. The Vice-Presidents' lounge will be an especially welcome venue before the match and at half time.

Brakes won 3-0, playing some fluent football in front of a crowd of 176. And it was very cold!

Gold and Black Goal Machine

That was the chant from the Harbury Lane End as Leamington defeated Stourbridge 4-2 at the New Windmill Ground this afternoon.

The Glassboys were well organised at the back and the opening exchanges focused on midfield tussles. But then on 23 minutes Alex Taylor put in an opportunistic shot from distance and it crept under the bar to make it 1-0.

Half time: Brakes 1, Glassboys 0

Brskes looked to be in some difficulty after the interval when the ball richoted around in front of goal after a free kick and they had difficulty in clearing their lines. But then James Husband put Brakes 2-0 ahead on 53 minutes. After that the Glassboys stepped up the pressure. First they pulled one back with an excellent strike and then Broadhurst got a second for them with a header.

Some feared that they would go on to win the match, but a very well executed free kick allowed Tuohy to give Brakes the lead again. Taylor then ran in well down the left and scored with an angled shot that went in off the post to make it 4-2.

The referee then decided to invoke the six second rule and awarded an indirect free kick in front of goal, although not before a Stour player had run up to Evans and wrestled him to the ground. However, Brakes were able to clear.

The final phase was often end to end, but Brakes were in the driving seat, although hopes of the 'old five' were not to be realised. I was impressed with Francis brought in as cover who engaged in some intelligent defending directing his headers at someone in the gold and black.