Leamington FC: Holleran is hoping for some home comfort

Brakes continue their busy festive programme with a clash against Frome Town at the New Windmill tomorrow (Saturday) followed by the visit of Redditch United on Monday afternoon.

The defeat at Barwell (full report on page 39), which saw Brakes slip to third in the Southern League Premier Division table having occupied the top spot before kick-off, came off the back of a run of three victories and manager Paul Holleran is looking for his team to return to winning ways against opponents which currently lie in 12th and 14th respectively.

“It’s going to be important on the back of losing at Barwell in a game that we dominated for long periods from box to box,” said Holleran.

“We’ve paid the ultimate price for being sloppy where we have given two or three free-kicks away and haven’t defended them.

“But if we can maintain the level of performance we are currently at and tidy a few things up we should be okay.”

The New Windmill has proven to be a happy home for Leamington so far this season, with eight of their 12 wins and only one out of their five defeats coming at the ground.

But Holleran expects both visiting opponents to be a tricky test of his side’s title credentials.

“In general both games will be difficult. Frome have one of the best away records in the league and are very good at frustrating teams and Redditch will probably play five across midfield and do the same.

“It’s a nice scenario to have two home games over the weekend and to get maximum points would be a fantastic outcome.

“There’s so little between the sides at the top of the league. It’s important for us to maintain our home form and continue to pick up points away from home where we can.”

Both home fixtures kick-off at 3pm and the club are selling special ‘price offer’ tickets costing £15 for adults, £10 for concessions and £5 for under-16s, which cover admission for both games.