Leamington put Brakes on Reds run

Leamington 2-2 Willenhall Town

By Martyn Simpson

Willenhall Town’s 100% record in pre-season came to an end at Leamington’s impressive New Windmill Ground. The fact that the Reds battled back from a two goal deficit is encouraging, but in truth the Midland Alliance outfit ran them ragged and should have emerged as comfortable victors.

Greg Ellard returned to the side in place of the injured Craig Slater, and trialists Chad Sheppard and Paul Fellows also made the starting line up. Unfortunately for Fellows, his first contribution was to pick the ball out of the back of the net with the game just four minutes old, courtesy of a looping Kristian Kelsall header following a teasing cross from the left.

The visitors huffed and puffed but rarely threatened, and were left stunned when the Brakes doubled their advantage. Another inviting cross from the left hand side found Ryan Howell. He made space for himself and fired the hosts into a two goal lead.

The Reds got themselves back in contention just before the half hour mark. Leamington failed to clear a free kick crossed in from the right and though Phil Rowe’s initial effort was blocked, great anticipation from Dean Perrow saw him react quickest and blast the ball into the top corner.

Leamington controlled the game for the remainder of the half, and would have restored their two goal cushion if it wasn’t for a disallowed goal. Though the shots rained in after the interval, Willenhall looked a lot more comfortable, although a smart header from Richard Adams bought the best out of Fellows.

With twenty minutes remaining, good work from Scott Voice found the impressive Sheppard in space, who drew Willenhall level with an unstoppable 25 yard drive. The hosts dominated territorially late on, but an improved defensive performance helped the Reds hold out for a draw in front of a noisy 289-strong crowd.

Willenhall line up: Fellows; Ellard, Heaney, Petty (Brady); Derry (Holland), Sheppard, Swann, Rowe (Rochester), Bradley; Voice, Perrow (Jones)