Cup win just what was needed for Brakes after league woes

Brakes at home to Wroxham in the FA Cup 2nd qualifying round. Second-half action.
Dan Newton scores number four.
MHLC-27-09-14 Brakes Wroxham NNL-140927-191818009 — Brakes at home to Wroxham in the FA Cup 2nd qualifying round. Second-half action. Dan Newton scores number four. MHLC-27-09-14 Brakes Wroxham NNL-140927-191818009

Brakes came out convincing 4-1 winners in their FA Cup second qualifying round tie at home to Isthmian League side Wroxham on Saturday, a result and performance which proved to be a welcome tonic for the team after suffering back-to-back defeats in the league.

“I was pleased with the manner of our performance,” said Holleran.

“We had to work hard for the first hour and match them but as the game went on we used the space really well, we finished really strongly and scored some top drawer goals as well.

“It was nice to get away from the league and get some cup action but we have two games in four days now which will be tough.

“Hyde are bottom of the league but in their last outing they beat Lowestoft 5-1 so make what you want of that.

“Then we have the long trip to North Ferriby which is always a difficult place to go.”

Brakes have drawn fellow Conference North side Worcester City at home in the third qualifying round, a stage they have not reached since 2005 when the club famously reached the FA Cup first round proper.

Worcester sit just two places below Leamington in the league and Holleran expects them to bring a big following to the match.

He said: “We’re a few games away from the possibility of playing a really big team and apparently Worcester are the side BBC Midlands are following in the cup so the further you can get the more it can raise your profile.

“But we have to get through those games first.

“I have to get the players’ heads into the league because our last two results in that have been a bit disappointing and we need to get some points on the board.

“I don’t think it’ll be like last season when two or three teams got cut off and if we can make it to 16 points on Saturday that will be a good start.”