Saturday 27 August 2016

No pot of gold for Brakes

Two rainbows could be seen from the Phillips 66 Community Stadium today, but there was no pot of gold for Leamington as they drew 1-1 with Biggleswade Town. The first half was played in torrential rain accompanied by flashes of lighting and rolls of thunder. The rain continued for much of the second half despite the sun coming out.

The visitors were all over Leamington for the opening phase of the game with Inih Effiong a real menace. The Brakes defence look vulnerable whereas the Waders held their line well. It was no surprise when Effiong put the visitors ahead with a neat finish. There was, however, more than a hint of offside. The young referee, one of those who likes to laugh with the players, was giving all the marginal decisions to Biggleswade.

Ahmed Obeng was getting a lot of criticism from those around me, even though he was trying to create more than most of the other players, but it was Obeng who equalised for Brakes before half time.

The Waders started the second half strongly, but Leamington started to get back in the game. Lee Moore, who had come on as a substitute, missed a good chance and then what looked like a certain own goal was cleared off the line.

Leamington then created pressure with a series of corners, but the experienced Ian Brown in the opposition goal made a series of near miraculous saves. He had to make a fingertip save at the end of the game to makes sure of the draw. Lewis Gwilliams, standing for the suspended Tony Breeden, had a decent game.

The result leaves Leamington in 3rd place, one point behind Chippenham who drew at St. Neots.

Tuesday 16 August 2016

Merthyron!

Merthyr's vociferous band of supporters may well be feeling hard done by and truly martyrs (in Welsh above) as they make the long trek back to Wales, but the sign of a successful team is when they win even though the other side has been on top. Merthyr had a well organised defence with a former Welsh international keeper and were threatening in attack, but somehow Leamington survived the onslaught.

Leamington's attempts on goal in the first half were largely high and wild. After the break, the visitors stepped up the pressure and forced a series of corners. However, Leamington managed to break from time to time and with the minutes ticking away scored a goal from a crowded goalmouth. Edwards, who had been impressive all night won a header from a free kick and Thompson-Brown, who had come on as a sub, put the ball over the line. The goal was met with wild scenes of delight.

Official attendance was 464. I didn't see the dog, but maybe I missed him.

The Brakes are now top with 12 points but Saturday's opponents, Chippenham Town, are just two points behind.

Saturday 6 August 2016

Good start to campaign

Leamington started their 2016-17 campaign with a good win over Cirencester Town in hot conditions. Two first half super strikes from Ryan Rowe really settled matters.

Rowe scored his first after seven minutes. The visitors replied with a shot that wasn't far off target. Good work by Ahmed Obeng won a corner and the ball nearly went into the net. Rowe then scored his second with a blistering strike, a curler into the top corner.

We then seemed to take our feet off the gas a bit, although we had a chance of scoring a third just before half time. At half time we were top of the league!

Thompson Brown then scored on 52 minutes and for a moment there were hopes of the old five. However, Cirencester replied after two minutes with a header. We did not defend well for their goal. Cirencester's hapless left back Scott Bevan received a yellow card for a blatant trip. Rowe was taken off to loud applause and Lee Moore came on.

Breeden made a great save to preserve Leamington's lead and then had to spring into action again to keep the score at 3-1.

I was very impressed with Ahmed Obeng: good pace and some real skill.

Official attendance: 447 and one dog. Non-league dogs fans may wish to note that a FA Cup extra preliminary round match yesterday was sponsored by two miniature dachshunds: Canine sponsors