Much-changed Brakes are held by Town in hard-fought derby

Richard Batchelor, who opened the scoring at Stratford, brings the ball away during last Fridays clash with Cheltenham. Picture: Mike Baker

With several players unavailable or nursing minor injuries it gave Liam O’Neill the chance to run the rule over trialist Ben George, formerly of Walsall, while Jamie Tank and Luke Hubbins also featured.

There were unfamiliar names on the bench with the club involving some of the newly formed under-21 squad.

Leamington moved in front with the first serious effort on goal for either side, courtesy of some neat build-up play which culminated in Richard Batchelor crashing a first-time volley past Andy Kemp and into the far corner of the Stratford net.

Stratford levelled things up just past the half-hour when recent signing Harvey Headley powered in a header via the far post from Jamie Sheldon’s precise right-wing cross.

The home side should have gone in front right on the half-time whistle but Loyiso Recci could only find the roof of the net from close range.

Stratford spurned another gilt-edged chance and they were left to rue that miss when Tank knocked on Stephan Morley’s right-wing corner for James Mace to tap in from close range in the 74th minute.

They were not behind for long, however, substitutes Sean Brain and Tyrone Amory combining for the latter to crack a powerful low drive past the dive of Liam Maher.

Brakes: Liam Maher, Ben George (Luke Hubbins, 46), Stephan Morley, Jack Edwards (Franny Bolter, 86), Jamie Tank, James Mace, Aron Wint (Callum Powell, 77), Luke Connolly, Jordan Goddard, Lee Chilton, Richard Batchelor (14 David McNamee, 62).Subs not used: Brad Jones, Martyn Naylor, Matt Warmer, Matt Hill.