Match Preview: Leamington (a)
Calum McIntyre’s men travel to Warwickshire on Tuesday night to face Leamington, as the Blues look to bounce back from Saturday’s FA Trophy defeat at Gainsborough Trinity.
Our midweek opponents progressed to the third round of the competition with a 2-1 success over King’s Lynn Town, courtesy of goals from Cally Stewart and Jack Edwards.
The Seals’ last visit to the Your Co-op Community Stadium resulted in a goalless stalemate in March 2023, while the reverse fixture in that campaign also ended with the points shared, as Louis Hall claimed an injury-time equaliser for the Brakes after Declan Weeks had put Chester in front.
The Opponents
Leamington sit in 13th in the National League North on their return to the division, after a one-year absence following relegation in the 22/23 campaign.
The Brakes responded to this disappointment in emphatic fashion, when a third placed finish in the Southern League Premier Central was followed up by play-off final success against AFC Telford United.
Paul Holleran’s side come into the contest on the back of two successive league defeats, both on the road against Radcliffe and Chorley.
Prior to the two recent losses, four goals in three contests from Callum Stewart had earned Leamington seven points from a possible nine, which included wins against Southport and Peterborough Sports.
The Gaffer
Paul Holleran’s remarkable reign in Warwickshire is now into its 15th year, after his appointment in November 2009.
Throughout his time with the club, the 54-year-old has overseen three promotions and two relegations, the first of those coming in 2013, when the Brakes picked up the Southern Premier Division title.
Holleran’s playing career was cut short after two knee operations, which forced an early move into coaching.
The Leamington boss first took over at Kings Norton Town, before spells with Solihull Borough, Halesowen Town and Rushall Olympic.
One To Watch
The aforementioned Callum Stewart has been vital to the Brakes’ solid start to the season, and currently sits top of the National League North scoring charts after 11 goals in 16 outings.
The 22-year-old was born in Leamington, and moved to the club in the summer of 2023 after a sensational season with Coventry Sphinx, in which he scored 40 times to help the club gain promotion to step four for the first time in their history.
Stewart netted a crucial hat-trick in the 4-1 success over Oxford City in September, and has also bagged a brace on three occasions, in victories over Spennymoor Town, Southport and Peterborough Sports.
League Form Guide
Leamington | W6 D5 L5 | F22 A16 | Pos: 13th
Last three
Peterborough Sports (H) | W 2-1 | Scorers: Callum Stewart x2
Radcliffe (A) | L 2-1 | Scorers: Henry Landers
Chorley (A) | L 2-1 | Scorers: Henry Landers
Chester FC | W7 D4 L5 | F18 A16 | Pos: 10th
Last three
Hereford (H) | W 3-0 | Scorers: Charlie Caton x2, Tom Peers
Darlington (A) | L 1-0 | Scorers: None
Needham Market (A) | W 1-0 | Scorers: Harrison Burke
Match Preview by Tom Bird.
MATCH DETAILS
Kick off is 7.45pm at the Your Co-Op Community Stadium on Tuesday night. The address for the ground is Harbury Lane, Bishops Tachbrook Leamington Spa, CV33 9QB.
CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS!
Admission prices are as follows…
- Adult £15
- Concessions £11
- Students £8 (On production of student card)
- Under 18 £5
- Under 12 Free (With accompanying paying adult)
CAR PARKING
There is a fair-sized car park at the ground, which holds 450 cars and is free. Please make sure
though that for the bigger games that you arrive at the ground early, as once this car park is full
there is no street parking available near to the stadium.
MATCHDAY COVERAGE
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