PAUL Holleran celebrated his 750th game in charge of the Brakes in fitting fashion – with a win following a five-goal thriller.
Leamington’s boss chalked up the milestone in his 16th season with the club, having taken the reins at the New Windmill Stadium in November 2009.
And he enjoyed his day in the Spring sunshine as the Brakes just about saw themselves over the line against play-off chasing Chorley.
The hosts stormed into a two-goal lead just after the opening half-hour, laying the platform for the eventual triumph.
Owen Farmer got the first after good work from Tim Berridge – the provider turned goalscorer moments later to give the Brakes an important advantage.
However, Cole Hall grabbed one back four minutes before the break to throw the game wide open again.
Berridge was again involved in a third as Ewan Williams shot home from close range two minutes following the interval.
However, Adam Blakeman pegged Holleran’s side back when he beat Callum Hawkins with a free-kick.
There were further chances at both ends but the Brakes just saw it over the line, leaving a naturally-delighted home boss to reflect on three hard-won points at the final whistle.
He said: “We were excellent, from minute one to minute 95. There were just two moments in the game where, when we look back, we could have done better.
“That comes from pressure. They put you under so much pressure with balls into the final third. They don’t waste any. They make you defend every one.
“It was a heavy pitch today; we lost Will Shorrock before the game, Jack Edwards at half-time, Matty Richards was unavailable again – we’re asking the same players to do it all again.
“But we got better in the second half. I always thought we’d have some chances because of the way we played. Then again, they’ve had some good half-chances too.
“On the while, I think it’s about right. I think we just deserved it – Chorley are a big, strong, powerful side so it’s lovely to get that result.”
