BRAKES ARE NOW OFF FOR MARKET
This was a tale of two goalkeepers, two defences who gave away very little, and a visiting side seemingly on their way to the Premier Central Division title.
Ultimately, it was Needham Market who extended their lead at the top of the table to five points courtesy of Jamie McGrath’s cheeky backheel 13 minutes from time, with play off chasing Leamington left to rue a catalogue of missed chances.
Henry Landers crashed a first minute effort inches over the crossbar, while the home support felt they had a legitimate shout for a penalty when Will Shorrock was left in a heap a minute later, but Referee Dale Wooton was unmoved.
After a frantic opening 20 minutes, the visitors began to settle into the game, testing Callum Hawkins with a free kick before they were awarded a penalty just past the half hour mark.
Theo Streete’s challenge on McGrath was deemed worthy of a spot-kick; the Brakes defence vehemently disagreeing. Luke
Ingram stepped up, but saw his shot superbly saved by Hawkins down low to his right.
It was Marcus Garnham’s turn to shine in the second half. The veteran stopper produced a fine save when Shorrock sent Cally Stewart in on goal, before producing an even better stop from Stewart after the young striker won his side a penalty.
Ewan Williams saw his thumping effort from a corner cleared off the line, with Tyrone Barnett’s follow up deflected wide.
Dan Meredith produced a fantastic goalline clearance as Market pressed forward late on. Ingram beat Hawkins to a high ball, heading over the advancing keeper only for Meredith to head off the line.
However, the league leaders were ahead from the resulting corner. McGrath’s quick thinking saw him backheel into the net to delight the raucous travelling support.
The visitors dug deep in the face of late Leamington pressure to secure an important three points, while the Brakes are now hanging grimly on to a play-off place after seeing their ten-game unbeaten streak come to an end.
“In the last two weeks; Kettering and today, we’ve created enough chances to win both games comfortably,” said disappointed Brakes boss Paul Holleran. “You’ve got to give them credit. The biggest thing between the two sides is that they
wouldn’t have conceded the goal that we did today.”
Marketmen boss Kevin Horlock added: “The goal was pleasing, then we had to hold on and scrap, but we know how to get over the line this season.
“It’s a massive, massive win for us. I would have settled for a point if I’m being honest, but we’re quite a resilient group, we don’t concede many goals.” STAR MAN: Marcus Garnham (N.Market) ENTERTAINMENT: ★★★★★