Leamington goalkeeper Tony Breeden: Brakes applied to halt my play-off jinx!

Pic: Peter Else

keeper Tony Breeden can't wait for next season to roll around after finally tasting play-off glory at the fourth attempt.

Rob Thompson-Brown's late equaliser against visiting last Monday rescued the Brakes following Matt Lench's early opener before Courtney Baker-Richardson curled home the winner in extra-time.

It only ended up being the winner thanks to skipper Breeden. The keeper somehow got down to his right to tip Lucas Kirkpatrick's close-range header away deep into the extra 30 minutes.

The former stopper also made a fantastic last-minute save in the semi-final victory over .

The Brakes were celebrating into Tuesday morning as Breeden finally got to experience the jubilant side of the play-offs.

“I've just about recovered!” Breeden said. “It was an absolutely amazing day, especially with how we scored right at the end.

“Leamington is a fantastic club that is run by good people, so it was nice to give them something back.

“I've not got a great record in the play-offs. At Leamington we lost to Hednesford a few years back and then lost in the final against Hungerford last season. When I was at we lost to Belper as well.

“The feeling of winning that one-off game to get promoted is unbelievable – it was an extremely proud moment and the end of a two-year journey.

“I only made two saves in the two play-off games, but they both turned out to be in the last minute. On Tuesday I must have watched the save against Hitchin back at least 30 times!”

Leamington are back at Step 2 – and presumably the – after a two-year absence.

Breeden signed up for his third spell at the New Windmill Ground after their relegation in 2014-15 and they have climbed back up after losing last season's play-off final at .

The ex-Kidderminster and man is looking forward to competing back in the demanding North – even if it does mean he receives more stick than usual!

“I'm backing myself 100 per cent to make the step up and most of the boys will have no problems,” Breeden added.

“I don't know what the gaffer (Paul Holleran) wants to do but with one or two additions, we should be good to go.

“I looked at the National League North after the game on Monday and some of the clubs in there are absolutely huge.

“It's such a big league and I can't wait for some of the away games with the crowds we'll be seeing. To do it with Leamington, it's going to be so much sweeter.

“I seem to get stick every week but I quite enjoy a bit of banter with opposition fans, as long as they keep it clean! We've played at some small grounds this season and there's no better feeling than playing in front of big crowds.

“The job when I re-signed for Leamington was to get back up and now we've done that it feels like we can go and enjoy next season. It will be tough, but this is the best dressing room I've been a part of so we'll give it a good go.”

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