Altrincham 3 Leamington 2: Brakes’ endeavour goes unrewarded after Walshaw’s late screamer gives Alty victory

Brakes more than matched their hosts for long spells and looked good value for a well-earned point after dragging themselves back into the contest from two goals down only to fall to a brilliant 87th- minute strike from substitute James Walshaw.

Buoyed by an unbeaten sequence over the festive period, Brakes signalled their intent inside the opening minute, skipper Stephan Morley stinging the palms of Alty keeper Stuart Coburn with a powerful drive from 30 yards.

However, Paul Holleran’s side found themselves behind after five minutes when a right-wing corner was headed back into the six-yard box by Tom Marshall, Kyle Perry outjumping Matt Dodd to allow Damian Reeves to loop a header over Tony Breeden and into the net.

Boosted by the early advantage, the hosts tested Breeden twice with well-struck efforts, while James Mace had to be alert to clear another shot from Adam Griffin.

As the half developed, Brakes began to cause more problems, with Dodd, in particular, giving the Altrincham back line plenty to think about.

A jinking run into the box ended with both players and supporters screaming in frustration as the midfielder appeared to be knocked off his feet by Marshall, Ryan Higgins driving the loose ball over the bar.

Ricky Johnson glanced a header wide under pressure from two defenders, before a strong run from Higgins forced a corner.From the delivery, Liam Daly’s far-post header bounced in front of Coburn, forcing the keeper into an unorthodox save as he scooped the ball away from goal.

Johnson forced another corner with a deflected shot before Coburn saved a glancing header from the striker after Craig Owen lofted the ball back into the area, but the assistant referee’s flag was already raised.

Reeves blazed a gilt-edged chance to double the Altrincham lead over the bar early in the second half and then saw Breeden push another shot behind.

Brakes were not without chances of their own, however, Stefan Moore forcing Coburn into another smart save after good play from Morley and then crashing in a swerving drive from outside the box.

Despite this, Altrincham moved two goals clear in the 53rd minute, Perry heading in at the second attempt after his initial shot was cleared off the line by Mace.

The scoreline was tough on Brakes but to their credit they continued in the same fashion and were offered a route back into the match within four minutes when home debutant Danny Higginbotham was penalised for pulling back Stefan Moore as he attempted to latch on to a long throw into the six yard box.

Dodd stepped up to outfox Coburn with his run up, calmly placing the ball into the opposite corner to the keeper’s dive.

Joe Magunda was inches from connecting with a dangerous cross from Dodd before the livewire wingman won a free-kick on the right. Morley fired a left-footed cross into the path of Johnson, whose flicked header was helped into the net by the slightest of touches from Magunda.

The noisy travelling support were now beginning to dream of a repeat of the scoreline on Brakes’ last visit to Moss Lane in February 1982, when Graham Allner’s team won their first game of the season at the 27th attempt, coming back from two goals down with 20 minutes remaining to win 3-2.

There was still danger at the other end, however, Reeves and Breeden coming face to face yet again as the striker was played through on goal, but the Leamington keeper made himself big and the shot went wide.

The game looked to be heading for a draw after Daly’s powerful header was hacked off the line by Shaun Densmore.

However, the goal that won it was a worthy one, Walshaw turning sharply on to a pass from Moult and firing a cracking first-time effort around the dive of Breeden and into the net.

Altrincham: Stuart Coburn, Scott Leather, Adam Griffin, Danny Higginbotham, Gianluca Havern, Tom Marshall, Simon Richman (Shaun Densmore, 37), Jake Moult, Kyle Perry (James Walshaw, 74), Damian Reeves (Greg Wilkinson, 90), Nicky Clee. Subs not used: Matt Doughty, James Lawrie.

Brakes: Tony Breeden, Ryan Higgins, Stephan Morley, Joe Magunda, Liam Daly, James Mace, Matt Dodd, Craig Owen (Will Green, 90), Stefan Moore, Ricky Johnson (David McNamee, 86), Lee Moore (Kieron Morris, 68). Subs not used: Josh Green, Lewis Fenney.