Leamington 2 – 0 Frome Town – Evo-Stik Southern Premier, Sat. 30th Jan.

Despite a good defensive display in the first half, Frome had no real answer when  Leamington took the lead on the hour, and a second goal from the hosts near the end sealed a relatively comfortable 2-0 victory.

Frome travelled to Leamington for their third away game in the last seven days, and with Rob Hobbs suspended, Kris Miller, Marcus Mapstone, Jon Davies, Darren Jefferies and Ricky Hulbert were all available for selection.

In front of a good crowd, the match started with Darren Chitty having to claw away a swinging cross from Edwards that was threatening the top corner in the swirling wind, and Chitty was again to show his outstanding ability in the 11th as he produced a superb save at full stretch to push away a dipping 20 yard volley from Mackey.

At this stage, Leamington were making all the running and Chitty was again on hand to deny Fry, before Frome had their first chance of the match in the 18th minute as Jefferies cut past a defender on the right and drilled in a low shot that cannoned off the near post. Chitty again kept Frome level a minute later as a Gudger header from a Taundry long throw was superbly held again at full stretch, and with Frome having a half chance with a Jake Jackson shot that went across the face of the goal, Chitty again did well just before half time to tip a Fry header over the bar after a string of free kicks had been given away.

With both teams playing attacking football, but Leamington having the better of the chances, the final outcome seemed to depend on whether or not the hosts could find a way past Chitty, and they finally managed it in the 63rd as Gudger produced an accurate 20 yard lob that found the top corner and gave Chitty no chance.

Frome almost got back on terms in the 7th as a George Miller through ball set Jefferies clear, but Breeden did well to come out and save, and Leamington then went straight upfield and made it 2-0 as Mackey showed good strength to hold off a challenge and clinical finishing as he fired low past Chitty.

Frome failed to make an impression in the last 10 minutes and Leamington saw the game out with relative ease. Kris Miller  was awarded the H&B Tyres Man of the Match Award. Crowd: 405. Ent. Value: 3/5.