Struggling striker turns keeper to save Brakes

‘Struggling striker Bobby Mellor turned in his most effective AP Leamington performance so far at the Windmill’ in November 1975 reported  Roger Draper. . ‘But it was a stand-in goalkeeper that the chirpy Mellor finally produced the goods to help smooth Brakes into the next round of the Senior Cup’, beating Halesowen 3-1. 

Taking over in goal after 37 minutes when Dave Garratt had been carried off with damaged knee ligaments, Mellor pulled off two amazing saves to deny hot-shot John Henderson goals during a forlorn Halesowen rally.   Henderson finally hit the target with a third time lucky attempt that swerved and dipped viciously to leave Mellor no chance.  But by then AP were coasting home by three goals after a comfortable outing against below average opposition.

Given a ninth minute lead by Graham Adcock’s swift turn and deadly aim, the Southern League outfit survived the loss of Garratt and raged further ahead with two goals in the space of two minutes.  After 56 minutes, John Brady calmly side-footed a defender before beating Colin May and then Adrian Stewart notched his 16^th goal of the term with an amazing effort.   Played clear as Halesowen’s loose offside trap was left in shreds, Stewart cleverly lobbed the ball into the empty net from 35 yards as May desperately charged out to meet him on the touchline.

In the league ‘Midfield man Micky Boot rifled in his sixth goal of the season to give AP Leamington a more than worthy away point against league leaders Redditch on Tuesday evening.  Anything less would have been an injustice as Brakes ridiculed the home side’s top of the table spot by serving up their best soccer to date.  

However, a glut of missed chances early on – and a misunderstanding between Gerry Kavanagh and last minute replacement keeper John  Davies – meant that Brakes remarkably turned around one goal adrift.  Boot’s 70^th minute goal put paid to the league leaders gathering both points – and in the final minutes of this interesting, open match the result could have swung either way.   And to the end, a point from the ordinary looking pace-setters – who have only let four points slip previously – will do much to boost morale in the Windmill camp and augurs well for the FA Cup game against Stafford next week.  

Brakes could easily have been four ahead before Redditch moved into a shock lead with their first attempt on goal.   Their keeper Ward brilliantly parried a Stewart rocket to safety in the eighth minute and from the corner did well to keep out Brown’s header. 

After the Redditch goal Brakes carried on undeterred to completely control midfield with Adcock, Lee and especially Boot in control.  Adcock narrowly missed by inches after the restart and in the 52^nd minute United had their biggest let off when a curling Stewart centre skimmed off the bar as Brady was running in below.  

At the other end Davies began to show his skills before Boot screwed the ball home after Brady had mesmerised Redditch’s right flank defenders.   As AP pressed forward for the winner, Redditch conspired to perform their best-looking moves that brought the best from Davies.  Three times in the last 15 minutes he saved well fro Shaw to earn Brakes the point.’

Brakes beat the 'Severn bores'

A slump by Brakes continued in the second half of October 1975.   They lost 3-2 away to Bromsgrove Rovers.  ‘This was a sad and sorry display from Brakes and they were fortunate to escape from the Victoria Ground so lightly.   The2-3 scoreline flatters them – for apart from the last 15 minutes when Bromsgrove stopped forcing the pace, Brakes were rarely in the picture.

 Once again Brakes had to thank a superb display by Dave Jones, who made two top-class saves and a host of other competent stops to deny Bromsgrove’s wide-awake strikers.  In contrast, Brakes had really little to offer up front, although to be fair to AP’s front runners the service they received left a bit to be desired. 

Quick-off-the-mark Rovers foraged and challenged constantly whenever Brakes had midfield possession forcing continual errors to thwart the possibility of forward moves. And their harrying paid off with Brakes being pinned back in their own half for much of the game.

Keeper Jones displayed his best form after only five minutes, throwing himself down to stop a ten yarder from Bobby Warhun.   However, Jones had no chance from the penalty spot two minutes later as Warhun  planted his kick out of Jones’ reach.  Keeley was scythed down at the other end and the referee had no hesitation in awarding AP a penalty, scored by Kavanagh.

A dour struggle was played out in midfield for the next 25 minutes, before Partridge swept in from six yards.  In the 70^th minute, Jones kept AP in the game with an immaculate save from a point-blank header from Partridge, but three minutes later Werhun slotted the ball home from ten yards.’   Brady made a run and scored a fine goal for AP.

‘Adrian Stewart gleefully wrapped up AP’s first win in five Southern League outings with a superb goal nine minutes from the end at the Windmill.   Stewart, forgetting the ankle injury that had forced him to limp out of Saturday’s defeat at Bromsgrove, soared to meet a free kick from Mickey Boot and Dave Stewart was left helpless by a fine header.  It was Stewart’s 13^th goal in 15 matches this season and came only minutes after he had substituted for Ivor Talbot, who had earlier notched the first AP goal.  

His effort enabled Brakes to clinch a much-needed win. Unfortunately, they deserved the success, yet they struggled desperately to achieve it against modest Gloucester, the “Severn Bores” who did little to make a game of it.   Even their equalising goal after 57 minutes came from the boot of an AP player as Alan Jones marred an otherwise competent showing by turning a back pass wide of Dave Garratt, who slipped and was stranded on all fours as it rolled agonisingly over the line.

If the goal was a sick joke, then Talbot’s too was a comic affair.  Left clear by Jon Brady’s deft lay off, the tall striker mis-hit his shot from eight yards but saw it roll past Stowe who was rooted to the spot.   But Stewart’s winner more than made up for AP’s general lack of awareness in front of goal.   In command at the front and mostly on top in midfield, Brakes should have won at a canter.  In view of their recent fumblings they will be only too pleased to have got a result.’

AP under the weather

In October 1975 ‘A goal ten minutes from time in a pulsating encounter sent AP Leamington out of the FA Trophy – despite a late effort by sub Ivor Talbot which hit the bar.   AP opened brightly with both Mellor and Keeley testing the Enderby keeper, but Enderby were being given too much time and space.   Both sides were playing superbly, and in the 55^th minute the home side went ahead. Vernon hoisted a free kick into the box, and with Jones only able to fist the ball clear, Massey hit the ball back for Cooper to crash it home.   

But AP fought back gallantly and ten minutes later they were rewarded when Adcock equalised.    The game developed into a real ding-dong cup tie with both sides going close, but in the 80^th minute Enderby tied it up with a neat winner.   Orgill crossed into the Brakes box and Mee turned the ball back for Dearden to ram a low shot pats Jones.  Five minutes later Brakes went within inches of forcing a replay as substitute Ivor Talbot fired a sizzling angled shot against the underside of the bar, but luck was on the side of the home outfit and the ball bounced clear. 

Brakes next faced Barry Town at home in the league.  ‘Brakes’ show was hardly the sort of homecoming that would have been expected for manager Jimmy Knox, back at the Windmill after a four week absence through illness.   Afterwards Knox, who saw AP’s dismal exit from the FA Trophy against Enderby, said he believed Leamington’s performance was an improvement – despite the fact that they never settled against a Barry side who belied their league basement position with some fast, precise football.

In almost a replica of last term’s encounter between the two sides, Barry set off at a cracking pace and as Brakes tried to follow suit, both sides fell foul of the slippery surface to produce for the most part a scrappy game.   AP never manufactured the sort of soccer they’ve been capable of away from home this season , and for long spells failed to stamp their authority on the game.

Indeed when striker Adrian Stewart nodded home the 54^th minute goal that rubbed out Barry’s 12^th minute lead, Windmill fans must have breathed a sigh of relief.   For Stewart’s equaliser – his 12^th goal in 13 games – completed the task that nearly always looked too much for an under-the-weather AP outfit.   As it was, Stewart hobbled off five minutes later with an injury incurred in a clash with the opposition keeper that makes him a doubtful starter for Saturday’s important FA Cup third qualifying round at Milton Keynes.   

And although that goal sparked off something of a revival in Brakes, that too faded as Town set their minds on a point and began to content themselves with simply destroying whatever AP managed to create.   Whenever AP did find a way through Town’s fairly-competent rearguard, they always found Trevor Nott in expert form – remarkably flinging himself backwards to keep out a Keeley header in the 40^th minute, and smothering an Adcock drive at the second attempt a minute after the interval.

Knox has stomach for action

Brakes drew 0-0 away to Witney Town in September 1975.  ‘Witney Towm keeper Peter Nye was the chief factor in this goalless draw – as the AP goal scoring machine, which had slammed in 17 in the previous six games was brought to a halt.  Nye performed brilliantly to keep a remarkable clean sheet as Brakes overcame the elements to a launch a series of raids, which against a normal keeper would have brought a hatful of goals.

 AP, indeed, need have no worries about their goal scoring techniques after this result.   For Nye, a man inspired, stopped at least five certainties as AP’s controlled soccer found a way through the bemused home defence.   Nye was first in action in the 14^th minute to pluck out of the top corner a superb Stewart header.   Fifteen minutes later Nye amazingly stopped a sweet Micky Boot cannon from 18 yards.   With Boot, Keeley and Mellor all going close with headers, AP were unlucky not to turn round with at least something for their efforts. 

However, after the break it was a similar story – with Nye stopping two certain goals in the space of 30 seconds in the 80^th minute: first daredevil -diving at Mellor’s feet, and then saving from close range from leading scorer Stewart.    A minute later, David Jones in the Brakes goal proved that he could perform likewise, finger tipping Witney’s only real effort – a left footer from Thomas – round the right upright.   But Nye reserved his best for the last.   With just eight minutes remaining, and Brakes going all out for a winner, Nye tipped a superb Stewart dipping volley over his bar.’

‘Even a painful period in a London hospital has failed to dampen Jimmy Knoxs faith in his AP Leamington squad.   Manager Knox – making a rapid recovery to the astonishment of his surgeon – wrote to us this week and was bubbling over with enthusiasm.   “Given the two players I want I am certain we can take the Division 1 North title this season,” says Knox.

 “Bob Ward tells me we played Witney to death last Saturday.”  While sharing Knox’s optimism that they have the makings of a title force, the pipe-smoking Ward will be happy to see the Windmill injury worries ease.   “I had only 10 players and two goal keepers for the Witney match and it was a terrific performance to share the points – in fact we deserved two.   “But I’ve told Jimmy to keep his bed warm.   Any more days like last week and I might be joining him in hospital soon,” cracks Ward.  

Knox was full of the joys of spring after his stomach operation and he warns “Big Brownie” – AP centre back Roger Brown – that he could soon have a fight on his hands to keep his place.  “The surgeon tells me that I am a remarkable young man – it’s the young bit I like.”’

Then it was back to cup action at home to Athenian League Aylesbury Town.    Micky Boot knocked the stuffing out of the amateurs with a superb goal on 12 minutes and Bobby Mellor smashed the ball in off an upright on 25 minutes.    Stewart almost scored a third, but the final score was 2-1.

 

Knox in hospital as AP face cup games

After some mixed league form, Brakes gained some consolation from progress in cup competitions in September 1975.   In the FA Cup, they faced Irthlingborough Diamonds away (the Northants team later to be reconstituted as benefactor club Rushden and Diamonds).  ‘Brakes, hopefully looking for another Southend to swell the Windmill coffers, will need to sharpen their goal scoring expertise if they’re to progress in the FA Cup … at least on this showing.  For vast periods they simply outclassed the United Counties League side, but yet failed to cash in where it counts. 

As it was, they did eventually sneak through to the second qualifying round – but their passage could have been so much easier.  The confident-looking Leamington placed heavy pressure on the confused home defence in the first half, with Kavanagh and Boot producing many chances.   A number of shots by Brown and Mellor left the Diamonds’ defence floundering, but despite some fine midfield play, Leamington seemed unable to add their finishing touches.

 It was Mellor in the closing minutes of the first half who finally satisfied their frustrated efforts.  Mellor nearly put Leamington two goals ahead when a shot from eight yards was held by Bonney.  But the undaunted Diamonds seized their chance and substitute Carter equalised after 65 minutes with a long shot.  Irthlingborough were looking dangerous, but AP were determined not to let victory slip through their fingers   After a goalmouth tussle in the closing minutes Mellor turned the ball into the six yards box for Stewart to secure their 2-1 victory.’

Away to Boston  in the FA Trophy, ‘Sharpshooter Adrian Stewart  grabbed his eleventh goal in eight starts in the final seconds of the FA Trophy preliminary game to clinch a place for Brakes in the first round of the competition.   A replay had looked on the cards when the Lincolnshire side substitute Benjamin knocked in an equaliser with just four minutes of the match remaining. 

 But Stewart broke free of Boston’s defensive shackles for only the second time in the game, to lob the ball over keeper Finch’s head.   Earlier Graham Adcock had given AP the lead when he too galloped clear, rode a tackle and slotted the ball home in the 20^th minute.   However, later on Adcock was forced to leave the field with an ankle injury – an item which looks adding to Jimmy Knox’s injury problems.’

Brakes then returned to league duty away to Witney Ton but ‘with manager Jimmy Knox away from the soccer scene for possibly a month.   Knox, who underwent a major operation at a London hospital on Wednesday, misses a crucial stage in AP’s league and cup programme during his convalescent period.  The Scotsman has been a major force in Leamington’s resurgence as a successful Midland club, and during his two year stay at the Windmill has already achieved much success. 

 The next few weeks will be the longest spell that AP have had to do without Knox, but nevertheless officials are confident that quietly spoken Bob Ward, Brakes’ trainer, and Knox’s assistant at both Rugby and Leamington, will see them through.   AP chairman Gerry Lock commented: “Let’s face it, Bob Ward in a quiet way, is a force to be reckoned with too.   At Rugby, when Jimmy left to come here, Bob took over for the last nine games and they never lost   All right, Jim takes all the glory and the rebuffs too, but Bob is there working hard.”’

Brakes hit rough patch in 1975

Jimmy Knox tried to remain calm and carry on after a series of setbacks in September 1975. Nevertheless, he ‘was an angry and disappointed man as he watched his side tumble to their first defeat of the season’ losing 1-2 at home to Merthyr Tydfil.  ‘And although Merthyr deserved full credit for their talented, positive display, it is hard to argue with Knox’s caustic summary: “We made it easy for them.”  

Brakes were subdued and sluggish, especially in midfield where Micky Boot never got going and Bobby Horne was unable to repeat the form he showed in the home cup leg against Witney last week.  The strikers were thus denied a good service – and they seldom looked capable of carving their own openings.  Mick Keeley was caught in possession far too often; Adrian Stewart produced his usual admirable work rate, but failed to put away two good chances; and Ivor Talbot scored one superb goal but also fell well short of his true potential. 

One has to look to the back four for any AP heroes.  And here at least there was rich consolation for Knox in the splendid displays of Roger Brown and Tony Bowden.  The two big stoppers have already forged a fine understanding, and but for them, Brakes would have been completely swamped.  Brown missed nothing in the air, Bowden’s covering was first class, and they showed the heart and commitment that was in such short supply among their colleagues.’ 

Brakes went ahead in the 20^th minute, but ‘Merthyr, who showed a refreshing willingness to attack throughout the game, finally claimed their deserved equaliser three minutes before half time.’   Sullivan put Merthyr ahead with ‘a glorious drive into the corner.  Bowden came closest to snatching a point, weaving past four men before he was finally blocked.’

Brakes then suffered a 3-1 Southern League cup defeat at Witney Town meaning that they won 5-3 on aggregate.  ‘This depressing result aroused all the predictable emotions in the AP camp – anger, sadness, frustration.  But the overriding reaction was sheer disbelief.   It is certainly hard to explain Brakes’ defeat. 

For whatever the scoreline suggests, the better side did not win.  Witney again looked a very limited outfit.  They were crude at the back, unimaginative in midfield, and merely hard working up front.  But the Oxfordshire side boast two priceless assets that earned them a flatteringly high league position last term and proved too much for the cup holders this season.  Their noisy enthusiastic supporters kept them alive in the first half when AP were threatening to run riot.  And in the last ten minutes, they produced too brilliant goals from out of the blue.   As in the Windmill first leg last week, the goals were in complete contrast to the general quality of Witney’s play.   But they made all the difference, and provided Brakes with a painful lesson – skilful approach play means nothing if it is not coupled with positive finishing.’  

After Brakes hit the post, Witney went ahead and ‘instantly fell back on their Windmill tactics, blithely booting the ball out of the ground at every opportunity.   Stokes was lucky to stay on the field when he cut down Talbot just outside the box.   Brakes were robbed of a virtually certain equaliser.’   Witney then went 3-1 ahead with ‘a great goal.  But it chalked up a final score that was nothing less than a sick joke.’   Worse was to come.

Brakes put in gutsy performances against Adders

‘Adders Sting is in the Tail’ was the headline in the Courier in August 1975.   ‘Brakes turned in what must be their best phase of attacking soccer this season to go two up against Premier Division Atherstone on Tuesday … and then let victory, and revenge, elude them as the Adders clinically took their defence to pieces. 

Playing a fine brand of open soccer they got off to a sizzling start, with Micky Boot picking up where he left off at Banbury to have a finger in every tasty slice of AP action in this Southern League Cup first round first leg.  Supplying some immaculate through balls to Stewart, Boot terrorised Adders’ shaky defence, who lacked pace in an entertaining first period.  

That rear guard broke after only five minutes when Boot sent a beautifully judged through pass to Stewart who flew past Preston to plant it in the net.  The same movement consistent ly found out Atherstone’s lack of speed on the turn, and Boot, at the heart of everything good, made it two in the 28^th minute when he fired in a low drive which went in off the post – but with Mellor stood offside the referee disallowed the goal.   

There was no whistle three minutes later, however, as Boot hammered a full volley into the top corner after receiving a shrewd cross field pass from terrier Taylor.   Once again, AP allowed themselves to drift out of the picture – a fault which looks like being a fatal error unless corrected this term – and Ernie Hunt pulled back the leeway with a cracking goal just five minutes before the interval.  

Atherstone sensed that the advantage was theirs, and within four minutes of the restart, the scores were level as Vincent got round the back to drive a hard cross which Griffiths bundled into his own net.  As the pace quickened, Brakes lost their hold, and in the 67^th minute, Jennings, surely Atherstone’s find of the close season from Solihull Borough, sold Kavanagh a perfect dummy to cross to substitute Ray Usher who cut inside and left footed it home.

Eight minutes later, Franklin got an all-important touch to push home Adders’ fourth as the disjointed Brakes’ rear guard stood and watched.   John Brady almost made it 4-3 two minutes later as a scorching run took him past five men only to see his angled shot blocked on the line.

The headline for the return leg in the Courier was ‘Gutsy show shocks Adders.’  Brakes lost just 7-6 on aggregate.   ‘AP Leamington went out of the Southern League Cup on Tuesday evening – but not without giving Premier Division outfit Atherstone the fright of their lives.  Trailing 4-2 from last week’s first leg, Brakes – without regular first teamers Doug Griffiths, Roger Brown, Steve Lee and Gerry Kavanagh – began the game as virtual write-offs. 

But in a gutsy display, with 100 per cent effort from the whole side, they shocked Adders to win 4-3 on the night.   Atherstone, unbeaten so far in the Premier League, sparkled at the beginning of each half, but once Brakes steeled they exposed all that was uncertain in the home defence.   Micky Boot, taking over the skipper’s role, kept AP ticking over in midfield and rounded off a perfect display with two set-piece goals that stunned the home crowd. ‘ (681).   The other two Brakes goals were scored by Adrian Stewart.