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.

Knox brings in son to fill a gap in team

After a poor start to the season in August 1975, Brakes staged a recovery with a 2-0 away at Banbury.  The Evening Telegraph reported: ‘Adrian Stewart led AP Leamington to an impressive first Southern League victory of the season at Banbury on Saturday.   Stewart scored twice in the first half as the Brakes midfield, with former Banbury man Steve Lee outstanding, controlled the game.

 Banbury lacked punch in attack without the injured Tony Jacques and their defence often looked shaky under pressure.  AP should have added to their tally in the last minute when home full back Geoffrey Welch handled inside the penalty area but Gerry Kavanagh put the spot kick well wide. ‘  (He never missed a penalty during his time with Knox at Rugby).

The Banbury Guardian said that the home defenders were sometimes guilty of ball watching.   ‘AP Leamington took the lead after 12 minutes when a corner on the left found Adrian Stewart and he had plenty of time and space to lash the ball past Mick Gilkes from ten yards.  Former Banbury player Steve Lee showed some good touches in the visitors’ midfield and it was he who set up the chance for Stewart to make it 2-0 just before half time.   Stewart drifted past one defender and put the ball in the far corner. Gilkes pulled off a good save at the feet of Lee in the second half.’ 

Reviewing the performance by the Brakes, the Courier noted that Stewart had been left on the sidelines by Jimmy Knox in Brakes’ opening home games.  He had been transfer listed after being top scorer in the preceding season, but ‘showed all his old skill in outpacing a slow home defence time and time again.

 In reality Leamington and Banbury were gulfs apart.  Micky Boot, making his presence felt in an especially one-sided second spell, took complete control in midfield to pose all kinds of problems for a weak United outfit.   And up front, Bobby Mellor certainly showed some of the talent that may well bolster AP in future weeks as soon as he and his colleagues have formed a greater understanding.   With Brakes on top after the turnaround, it could so easily have been six – but chances went begging as Brakes’ killer instinct failed them.’

However, the victory gave manager Knox only a brief respite.   Brakes faced a league game at Tamworth, Atherstone at home in the second leg of the first round of the Southern League Cup and then league newcomers Oswestry Town.   ‘But with Dough Griffiths, Roger Brown and skipper Steve Lee beginning one or more suspensions, AP will treading a tricky tightrope to field a side for their next two games.  With only a 15-strong squad, the bans stretch AP to their staff limit – leaving just 12 professionals, including two goalkeepers, available for the two matches.

 Knox has been well aware of the problem for some weeks and although there’s no cash available in Brakes’ coffers for professional additions to the squad, Knox has taken out some insurance by signing his son Steven on amateur forms.   Steven, who plays in midfield, did have a run out for AP last term in their charity game against Westlea Wanderers.  Nevertheless, Knox is still conscious of the need for further cover and is keeping his eyes peeled for more amateur talent.’

Dismal opening to season in 1975

Fifty years ago in August 1975 Jimmy Knox didn’t mince words after AP’s dismal opening to the season.  ‘It was pathetic,’ he said bluntly.   After what has been a bitterly disappointing week for Knox and his squad, they will be looking for better things when they travel to Banbury.  

Having watched Banbury lose 1-0 at home to Witney, Knox said, ‘They were as bad as we were on Saturday.’   That’s some consolation at least, for Knox is the first to admit that Leamington “just played badly” against Cheltenham.

 “I think we worked really hard in the close season and it was disappointing because we were slow in pace and slow in thought … and if you’re slow in those two departments then you’re on to a loser.  We were lucky to get a point,” commented Knox,    As for Monday’s performance [away to Stevenage] Knox felt that apart from the opening 15 minutes, AP didn’t get it together.  “We got bogged down in midfield and as a result we suffered at the back with the lads under a lot of pressure and we suffered up front through lack of service.”  

At least the situation isn’t new to Brakes.   Last term an appalling start – when they collected only nine points from their first 13 home games – virtually cost them promotion.   However, as Knox points out it is early days and Knox firmly believes that the problems can be remedied.  “It’s not a national disaster.  We’ve got two blokes in midfield, Steve Lee and Micky Boot, who are notoriously slow starters.  Both have worked hard and lost more weight in training than anyone else.  I think we will come good.  The blokes still have the right spirit.  They were utterly sick after the two results but their attitudes OK” explained Knox.  Knox says his squad are as fit now as they’ve ever been during his spell at the Windmill.

The report on the 1-1 home draw against Cheltenham stated that ‘After the promise of last season, Windmill fans expected more than they were eventually served in this poor first offering by AP.  As it was Brakes were fortunate to take a point – and it would surely have been a miracle had they collected both points, which, until four minutes from the end looked like incredibly coming.

 In nearly all departments, Brakes showed little of the zest and skill that put them among the top three last term, and indeed the midfield lacked direction, as well as pace. In consequence, their back four were subjected to some remarkable second-half pressure as talented Town pressed for an equaliser.  Skipper Steve Lee put Leamington ahead in the tenth minute with a fine header.’   Cheltenham scored a late deserved equaliser.

Brakes then lost 1-0 away at Stevenage.  ‘Certainly they were well below their best at Stevenage as they dropped their third point in the opening two matches.  Apart from a promising first quarter of an hour and a frantic last ten minutes the Brakes were decidedly second best.   Their main problems were in midfield Steve Lee and Micky Boot were marked out of the game for long periods. 

In consequence Bobby Mellor and Mick Keeley saw little of the ball.  At the back, Leamington had a hard time with Kavanagh and Brady struggling to come to terms with the speed of Mahoney and Aslett on the flanks.   Fortunately Griffith and Brown were in splendid form, and it was largely through their efforts that Leamington stayed in the match.’