Andy Kanga kickstarted proceedings by putting United ahead at the start of the second half, but Hitchin were quick to respond through Daniel Idiakhoa just four minutes later.

George Atwal nodded the Blues back into the lead late on, but once again the Canaries responded almost instantly through Arnold Matshazi.

However, it was Joe Nyahwema in the dying moments of the match that netted an exceptional solo goal and secured all three points for Long Eaton.

The Opposition –

Leamington currently sit in fourth place after 26 games played in the Southern Football League Premier Central this season – with 12 victories, nine draws and five defeats to their name.

The Brakes’ Callum Stewart sits ninth in the list of top goal-scorers in the league so far this season. The forward has netted 11 times, just 4 shy of the top spot held by Coalville’s Timothy Berridge.

In the visitors’ previous league fixture, they secured a 2-0 victory over fellow relegation candidates Berkhamsted away in Hertfordshire.

Two second half goals from William Shorrock and Jiah Medrano meant that the Brakes travelled back to Warwickshire with all three points.

That match, however, was played two weeks ago, due to their scheduled match last weekend against Coalville Town getting postponed, so the Brakes are of course eager to return to league action.

Previous Meeting’s –

The last time that the Blues and the Brakes met was in the reverse league fixture away from home at the start of the season, where the Brakes were 2-1 victors.

Jack Lane gave the hosts an early lead, but the Blues were quick to respond early in the second half through a diving Cameren Philip header.

United held out until the 91st minute, but Henry Landers broke the hearts of a very mixed Long Eaton squad with a stoppage time winner to kickstart Leamington’s season.

Prior to that match, both Long Eaton and Leamington hadn’t competed in the same league since the 1970/71 season. Previously known as Lockheed Leamington, that season was their final in the Midland League, before being promoted to the Southern League and competing thereafter.

The two sides actually competed in the Midland League from 1963 to 1971 and they would have faced eachother at least 16 times during that period – 50+ years later and the two sides are back competing against eachother in the Southern Football League.

Manager’s Quotes –

Looking ahead to the Blues’ match against Leamington this weekend, boss Brad Munn said: “We are absolutely looking forward to the match this weekend – believe it or not, our last five home matches have ended in three wins, one draw and one loss, so we are not doing too bad at home at the moment, we have started to turn our fortunes around a little bit.

“I just want the performances and the belief in players to match the results and the current form, like I said before, in the Derbyshire Cup game against Gresley we went through but it was disappointing, because in a game we were probably expected to go and win, we just did not show enough.

“But last weekend, we never gave up and constantly kept attacking, so we deserved to take something from that match [vs Hitchin Town], and with that in mind, from now on the mentality needs to be ‘let’s go and attack the rest of this season head on’, and if we can do so, it will make me happy, it will make the boys happy and we can then look to making the club and the fans proud.”

With the rest of the season in mind, Munn added: “We want to be exciting to watch when we are out on that football pitch – we can focus on being a little bit tighter at the back later on in the season and heading into next season.

“I was absolutely delighted with the performance last weekend, we have not had many wins so far so you really have to enjoy those wins, and the boys will certainly have to do that, so hopefully we can pick up a few more points and get a few more wins on the board from now until the end of the season.”

Match Details –

Long Eaton United vs Leamington
Pitching In Southern Football League Premier Central
Saturday 20th January 2024 – Kick-Off 3:00pm

Grange Park (Long Eaton United)
Station Road
Long Eaton
Derbyshire
NG10 2EF

Ticket Information –

£11 Adults
£9 Concessions
£4 U16s
U16 members go FREE with membership card (limited to one member per paying adult)

£2.50 Matchday Programme

The match kicks off at 3:00pm and we advise all supporters to arrive early to avoid any queues of delays.

Card payments are preferred and accepted at Grange Park, although cash payments are still accepted.

Car Parking is available at the ground and is free, although it is subject to availability – ample parking is available in the surrounding area.

Finally, the team lineups will be announced via the tannoy prior to kick-off, and you can also find them on our official Twitter/X page, where there will also be live updates from the match.