Lack of options adds to the size of Holleran’s task

Josh Green has become the latest Brakes player to succumb to injury.

A 1-0 defeat at home to Solihull Moors on Tuesday night extended Brakes’ winless streak to seven games and left them anxiously looking over their shoulders ahead of tomorrow’s home clash with Gainsborough Trinity.

It is still far too early to be talking about relegation battles but Holleran admitted the tough introduction to life in the Conference has had a damaging effect on his side’s confidence.

“It’s my biggest test since I’ve been at Leamington,” said Holleran.

“We’ve had difficult periods before, but even in the Southern Premier you knew that when you played your Tottons and your Brackleys you’d get plenty of the ball.

“We’ve played a lot of good sides in this league already and the quality of opposition is testing us.

“On Tuesday night you’ve seen two sides, one who finished last season eight or nine unbeaten and have carried that through and another side who are just hanging in there.”

A string of injuries have further hampered Brakes’ progress with Josh Green (ankle) and Craig Owen (hamstring) joining long-term absentees Richard Batchelor and Martyn Naylor (cartilage) on the sidelines following Tuesday’s game.

With Stefan Moore having missed the last two matches with a groin strain and James Mace tweaking a knee, it leaves Leamington desperate for reinforcements, with Holleran looking to add “one or two players” ahead of tomorrow.

“The plus point is that we stuck at it and kept going on Tuesday,” added Holleran.

“But we’re coming against sides with squads far superior to ours.

“Solihull were able to put in fresh legs in good positions and had plenty of options.

“Our options are drying up.”

 Brakes have been handed a trip to Solihull Moors in the second qualifying round of the FA Cup. The tie will be played on Saturday September 28.