Brakes win in 1974, but coverage is grudging

In February 1974 ‘Weakened AP got the result they desperately wanted agsinst Merthyr Tydfil – but it was a close call. An uninspired first half saw AP Leamington spend most of the time pushing forward against a packed Merthyr defence.   The home side were first to threaten when Lee and Talbot linked to put Stewart clear.  But the centre forward was only able to direct his shot into the side netting. 

Both teams were having difficulty in keeping a footing on the saturated surface and mistakes were plentiful.   When Wilkinson got in a tangle he presented Merthyr winger Jerratt with a shooting opportunity.  Only four minutes remained when Ivor Talbot and Trevor Hubbard combined to give Adrian Stewart the ball 15 yards out and the centre forward turned quickly and beat Dilwyn.   Otherwise, the scrappy game produced little in the way of finishing action. 

Both defences put up determined barriers and most of the play was contained in a crowded midfield.   Merthyr had the game’s outstanding performer in form Welsh international Barrie Jones.   His class stood out.  But AP boasted the greater work rate and Stewart’s goal was just about deserved on the run of play.’

‘Tamworth slithered and slumped to defeat’ against AP Leamington in the League Cup.  Presumably fair minded local reporter Allan Bates referred to ‘this match in the mud at Kettlebrook on Sunday when a poor AP Leamington side were just good enough to progress to the next round of the Southern League Cup.   [I have rarely read such a one sided and grudging report].

Conditions mitigated against good football, and neither side were able to master them, rarely able to string together more than two consecutive passes.   In Tamworth’s defence, it should be appreciated that they had played on Saturday afternoon and that their four on loan players were ineligible.   The first half was mainly controlled by Leamington, but despite their territorial advantage, the scores were level at half time.   

In the second session, Tamworth came more into the game, but got caught at the back when Leamington scored the winner.  Leamington went ahead after only two minutes play.   The goal followed some untidy play around the Tamworth penalty area.   Tamworth failed to clear on the Leamington right and Armstrong crossed for Talbot to beat Richards.  Their lead was short lived and Tamworth equalised six minutes later.   It was mainly a defensive battle for the home side from then on, with Leamington failing to turn their chances into goals.   Little effort was needed to keep Leamington at bay.   

Disaster struck the home side after 71 minutes when Leamington went ahead again.   Defensively a three against two situation developed which allowed Lee to put in a shot that Richards could only parry.   Agonisingly the ball trickled towards goal and would have passed wide but for Armstrong getting a boot to it almost level with the post.  The fight continued with the home side still pushing forward, but a goal would not come.’  AP Leamington: Jones, Taylor, Brady, Bowden, Wilkinson, Shrimpton, Armstrong, Lee, Talbot, Foster, Goodfellow.  Sub: Hubbard.   Attendance: 313.