Ewan Williams sends Southport on their bikes with sublime acrobatics

On a mild Tuesday night, Leamington FC looked to continue their positive start to the season in the National League North with a home game against Southport. The Brakes returned to the Your Co-op Community Stadium a mere three days after an impressive victory against Chorley, courtesy of a late winner by defender Max Ram. Meanwhile, the visiting Sandgrounders sat bottom of the table.

Southport fans had travelled well for this game, and there was also a decent home crowd, helped by the provision of a free shuttle bus by the club’s Supporters Trust. The visitors- playing in sky blue- had not had the start to the season they wanted, having only amassed three points from their opening six games. Nevertheless, they started this game brightly and at times showed a poise on the ball that belied their league position. However their attempts to grab an early opener were thwarted by Brakes goalkeeper Rogan Ravenhill, on a one-month loan from Barnsley. Ravenhill snagged the man of the match award in his debut against Chorley, and was similarly busy early on here. Visiting striker Jordan Slew saw his cutback excellently clawed away from the bottom corner by Ravenhill, drawing applause from the home faithful.

Southport had the better of the play in the first half, producing some intricate combinations and forcing a few more smart stops from Ravenhill

In the opening period of the game, Leamington’s main attacking outlet came through long balls into industrious forward Owen Farmer. Although Farmer was at a significant height disadvantage compared to the Southport centre-backs, his movement caused consternation at times. Elsewhere, winger Miro Pais (who I have an affinity to as he shares the name of my department) and left-back Demico Burton carried the ball effectively, easing some of the pressure on the Leamington backline.

Nonetheless, it must be said that Southport had the better of the play in the first half, producing some intricate combinations and forcing a few more smart stops from Ravenhill. The keeper’s rangy frame meant he did not need to dive for many of the shots that came at him. As is customary in non-league football, plenty of meaty tackles were flying in, with Southport full-back Ben Collins producing a particularly egregious one, leading to him being substituted by his manager. Although the first-half had not been short of entertainment, there was an audible gasp in the ground when seven minutes of added time were announced, which passed without notice.

A curiosity about non-league football is that due to the lack of segregation, fans are able to move around during the game. This meant that both team’s ‘ultras’ essentially switched ends at half time to stand next to the goal their team was attacking. As they had in the first half, Southport started the second with more possession and territory. The half was still young when Southport’s pressure paid off, as Arthur Gnahoua slotted a shot into the far corner. Leamington struggled to get back in the game after conceding, and it seemed that the Sandgrounders were on course for a precious three points. However, Brakes manager Paul Holleran’s decision to make a triple substitution on the hour mark proved inspired, as the substitutes galvanised the team.

At full-time, the home fans showed their delight with back-to-back home wins, which leave the Brakes sitting pretty in tenth place in National League North

A few minutes later, a threatening cross by centre back Rob Evans ricocheted before substitute striker Ant Lynn tucked home beyond the Southport keeper. With around half an hour left to play, this was anyone’s game. The momentum had clearly swung in the Brakes’ favour though, and captain Adam Walker would have made it 2-1 if not for a smart block on the goalline. Southport then fizzed a dangerous ball across the box which did not find its target.

With fifteen minutes of play left, Owen Farmer’s cross after a smart turn was repelled, before Ewan Williams pulled off an audacious bicycle kick from just outside the six-yard box. It was an instinctive and magnificent piece of skill from the midfielder which sent Brakes fans into raptures. The goal was a due reward for the team’s second half performance, with the substitutes contributing to an uplift in the team’s energy levels. After the goal, Southport were unable to make inroads, aside from a few drilled crosses. Although the bright-looking Burton had to be substituted, Leamington stayed resolute and hung on to their lead. At full-time, the home fans showed their delight with back-to-back home wins, which leave the Brakes sitting pretty in tenth place in National League North.