The Scholars put the brakes on the 14 game unbeaten run that the second placed side had accumulated and picked up three vital points against what possibly might be potential play-off opponents writes Russell Brown.

Leamington’s best crowd of the season, 860, were treated to a game that had many twists and turns as the Scholars raced into a two goal lead helped by the swirling wind.

The Brakes keeper Richard Morris was having as much trouble reaching the half way line as Chasetown were in keeping the ball in play as the conditions threatened to ruin what was an eagerly awaited clash between two of the best supported clubs in the league, but it was the away support that were cheering first as the Scholars took the lead in the 23rd minute.

Leamington, who gained the signature of Bedworth striker Justin Marsden just hours before kick off, saw him denied a debut goal by a fine save from Lee Evans who turned a low shot past the post from the lively forward.

A foul on Phil Harris gave Chasetown a free kick wide on the right and Mark Branch repeated his moment of FA Cup glory against Port Vale to replicate the set piece that earned the Scholars a replay as his effort was launched around a crowded area to fly in at the far post with Morris stranded.

Things went from bad to worse for the home side as Adam Cooper foolishly lashed out at Dean Perrow on the touchline to earn himself a second yellow card and leave his colleagues a man short.

Harris, who was the target of some flack from sections of the home crowd, almost silenced his critics with a shot that just flashed over the crossbar with Morris well beaten.

Leamington’s woes were increased in the 38th minute when Branch turned provider with a corner to the near post. The ball got caught up in a sea of legs and Perrow reacted instantly to stab home from almost on the line.

Two goals down and a man short, it looked hopeless for the Brakes and they should have been dead and buried after the break as a fine move between Nick Hawkins and Danny Smith set up another chance for Perrow who slipped his final shot just wide of the far post and the striker was denied by a fantastic saving tackle from Ryan Parisi as Chasetown looked to further stretch the Leamington defence.

But the home side then turned the game around as a 65th minute goal from Josh Blake in his 350th league appearance for the Brakes sparked the fight back and when James Husband powered on a free header 10 minutes later, Chasetown were reeling.

The home side were throwing everything at their visitors and only a fantastic save from Evans denied Marsden.

There was a lengthy stoppage as referee Mr Williams had picked up an injury and as the senior assistant took over, a call went out for another assistant and Miss Lizzie Fisher stepped in to take on the role.

That stoppage seemed to have affected to home sides momentum and they were to pay a high price as the Scholars struck twice in the dying minutes to claim victory. Hawkins free kick found Perrow at the near post and his flicked header defeated Morris in the 88th minute and in injury time and with Leamington committed to find another equaliser, Smith raced away to slot past the advancing keeper.

That proved too much frustration for substitute Marcus Jackson who struck out against Perrow but the former Rushall man would be grateful that the stand-in official only saw the incident as a bookable offence for both players rather than reducing the Brakes numbers even further.

That victory cemented manager Charlie Blakemore’s belief in his sides ability to claim the points that keep Chasetown in the play-off hunt as they travel to Leighton Town on Saturday

Chasetown: Evans, Harris, M Branch, Spittle, Penny, Perry, Holland, Woodvine (J Branch), Smith, Perrow, Hawkins

Other Subs: Steane, Lamey, Aulton, Gordon (not used)