Winning start for Brakes

Leamington started life in the Conference North with a 2-0 win over Bradford Park Avenue at the New Windmill Ground this afternoon in front of a crowd of 657. For a team that finished 7th last season, Bradford were less impressive than I had expected, and they certainly disappointed some of their supporters in the stand. However, a strong, blustery wind did not help the standard of football and there was more than a bit of hoofing, although at least the rain held off.

The visitors' coach was arriving at the ground just as I turned up and one of their supporters commented that they had had an awful journey and seen parts of England they didn't know existed. As evidence of the fact that we were playing at a higher level, Radio Bradford were setting up to broadcast from the stand.

Early on in the game Lee Chilton put a shot just over the bar. Then on the quarter hour mark, Stefan Moore was brought down in the box, the referee pointed to the spot and Dodd put the ball decisively past the visiting keeper who seemed to have ate too many pies and had some good banter with the home support on this subject.

Two minutes later, the ball was played out from a corner, Stefan Moore latched on to a long ball and put in an excellent shot past 'Slim' in the Bradford goal to make it 2-0.

After the break Bradford made a double substitution which seemed to initially liven them up a bit. Breeden was tripped by one of the subs who received a yellow card. Stefan Moore put in a shot that was just wide. Lee Chilton had a chance and should have put in a shot.

We were perhaps putting too much emphasis on defending our lead and the forwards were not getting much service. A stinging shot from distance tested Breeden but he was well up to dealing with it. Owen, who had required treatment, was replaced by Adkins. Bradford used their third substitute. Lee Moore came on in place of Ricky Johnson who had not been particularly prominent. Stefan Moore picked up a yellow card. Matt Dodd went off to warm applause to be replaced by Jamie Towers.

A very encouraging start, but still plenty to do, especially in link up play.