Striker search not critical for Holleran after glut of goals

Leamington manager Paul Holleran insists he is in no rush to replace striker Stefan Moore.
Brakes striker Danny Newton makes a nuisance of himself against Bradford Park Avenue. Picture: Morris TroughtonBrakes striker Danny Newton makes a nuisance of himself against Bradford Park Avenue. Picture: Morris Troughton
Brakes striker Danny Newton makes a nuisance of himself against Bradford Park Avenue. Picture: Morris Troughton

Moore left to join Solihull Moors in December, but having seen Brakes score eight goals in their two festive home fixtures, Holleran says the pressure to enter the transfer market has eased.

“We’re still making enquiries but any replacement has to be better than what we already have,” said Holleran.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Players like a fit, confident Lee Moore are very hard to come by.

“The key is to keep him and Danny (Newton) fit.

“It’s not going into the net for Danny at the moment but his all-round game is fine and the goals will come.

“The workrate and work ethic of Lee and Danny can’t be faulted.”

With a fit-again Lee Chilton providing further attacking options from midfield, Holleran believes it will only be a matter of time before Leamington reach the relative safety of mid-table.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

However, it is the form of Jordan Goddard, who has scored four goals in his last five appearances, which gives him the biggest cause for optimism.

“Jordan is into double figures and every time he goes out there you feel there is a goal in him.

“The quality he gives you in the final third - he’s an excellent young player.

“There’s always an element of risk when you take players out of the professional game like him and Jamie Tank.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“With their psychology and the physicality you don’t know how they will cope.

“But they’ve adapted to the league and it bodes well for Leamington.

“I’m certain they will kick on again, but at the moment with Jordan I just look forward to watching him play.”

Leamington take a break from Conference North action this evening (Friday) when they entertain Birmingham City in the Birmingham Senior Cup.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

And, although Holleran admits he would rather have been playing for three points, he said the competition is one the club is taking seriously.

“There are a couple of players we want to get minutes into but we’ll play a strong side as we want to advance.

“But whoever we bring in won’t weaken us.

“Momentum is important to us and if we get through Friday we’ll only be one game away (from the final).”

Brakes will be without Jamie Tank tonight after the centre-back was forced off at half-time in the 4-3 win over Bradford Park Avenue due to a hip flexor problem.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Matt Dodd is also rated doubtful after feeling a spasm in his hamstring in the warm-up on Sunday.

 Brakes’ Conference North fixture at home to Chorley has been rearranged for Tuesday February 3 (7.45pm).

Related topics: