Brakes boost promotion hopes in 1975

It was a disappointing trip to the land of Gavin and Stacey for Brakes in February 1975 when their promotion bid faltered on a trip to Barry Town.   Perhaps it was the glamour of the setting, but ‘Leamington were far below standard and could consider themselves lucky to gain a point from the lowly Welshmen.   After their convincing midweek game against Cheltenham, no change Leamington expected to pick up at least a point against a team which had notched only three points in the last 13 games. 

 However, several Leamington players took knocks in that fierce encounter and faced late fitness checks.   Far too many of their movements broke down in midfield through faulty passes, but they could perhaps blame to some extent a badly cut-up ground which had dried hard   There was unusual slackness down the centre where Roger Brown could not prevent Barry’s dangerous leader Clive Ayres exploiting the opening. 

But Leamington had the man of the match in goalkeeper Dave Jones , who began with a great save from an Ayres volley in the first minute and was often in motion.    AP soon began to press and a terrific 25 yard drive from Scriggins was only inches over the bar.   At the other end Brady and Brown did well to clear dangerous centres from the left.  In a fast-moving game, there was little to choose between the two sides – but the better chances were coming to Barry. 

There was a measure of luck about AP’s goal in the 35^th minute.  A free kick by Lee was diverted by Bird, Barry goalkeeper Trevor Nott was out of position, and Mickey Boot had only to slam the ball home.  Boot was outstanding in midfield.   Barry deserved the equaliser before the interval from Ayres who easily beat Jones.   AP were unlucky when Stewart broke clear only to hit the bar when the keeper was beaten.’   The game ended 1-1.

On the following Tuesday Brakes ‘bid to extend their unbeaten sequence to 16 matches when Gloucester City visit the Windmill Ground.  Brakes – with 14 wins and two draws behind them – slammed their opponents by three clear goals at Gloucester last month and as well as completing a Southern League double they will be bidding to improve their goal average.’  They won 4-1.  ‘Promotion  seeking AP completed a convincing double with this smooth success last night,  

Brakes also set a club record as they stretched their unbeaten run to a handsome 16 matches – 14 ending in victory.  It is a sparkling sequence and Jimmy Knox’s side are now breathing down the necks of the Division 1 (North) leaders in sixth spot.  Victory was never in doubt from the time Bobby Horne drilled home a powerful shot from 18 yards after only four minutes and despite Gloucester’s brave defence the final margin was fully deserved.    

Horne neatly headed AP’s second goal from a Mickey Boot corner before the interval.  City came back to take advantage of rare hesitation early in the second half but Brakes quickly underlined their command.   Within a minute Dave Scriggins finished off some clever play from John Brady with a far post header.   Six minutes from the end Adrian Stewart met Steve Lee’s inch perfect free kick to place an unstoppable header past Stowe from eight yards fo his 21^st goal of the season.’