Cup hope and heartache for Brakes

Brakes faced Corby Town at home in November 1974 in the FA Cup and ‘Mick Keeley repaid his transfer fee in full by scoring the only goal of this absorbing duel.    Keeley’s, AP’s most expensing signing when tempted from Nuneaton Borough struck after 20 minutes – and Brakes are through to the FA Cup proper for the first time.  It was fitting that Keeley should score the winning goal for he was the superb performer on a day when Brakes made history before a 935 Windmill crowd.

 At the end, manager Jimmy Knox joyfully punched the air in an impromptu victory salute.   The gesture was borne out of relief as well as regard for his battlers, for Corby’s youngsters had fought all the way to emerge with considerable credit.   They played with 10 men for the last 20 minutes when star striker Jimmy Clough was stretchered off only seconds after Chorley had introduced their substitute.   When Clough went Corby’s hopes of snatching the game from AP’s grasp died and the home side settled down to make sur e of a fanous victory.

 And it was a deserved victory.   For all Corby’s inventiveness, they were unable to make much impact against Brakes’ redoubtable back four.  In fact, they were allowed only one clear chance and Dave Garrett denied them with a fabulous save from Clough’s close range effort.    But Brakes forged several openings and with better finishing could have clinched an emphatic success.   Mickey Boot missed from the penalty spot after Keeley had been tipped over in the 10^th minute – his low shot striking a post.   The midfield man made amends for his blunder, however, when his perfectly weighted chip enabled Keeley to volley the ball home with ruthless ease for a goal worthy of the occasion.’

‘Humble Brereton sent AP crashing out of the F.A. Trophy with a deserved success at the Windmill on Saturday.  And the two Southend United “spies” must have returned to Essex convinced there is no way Brakes can spring a surprise when the two sides clash in the F.A. Cup in a fortnight.   For this was AP.at their rock bottom worst,  a poor side lacking ideas and enthusiasm, Brereton, struggling members of the West Midlands League, must have been amazed by AP’s limp performance. 

Gone was the pride and application that had seen Corby off only seven days before and in its place was insipid approach play and shaky defence.   The visitors took the lead after 34 minutes when Bobby Fox fastened on to a loose back pass and turned in a centre which gave Jimmy Blompton the simplest of headers. 

But Brakes were on terms within a minute as Ivor Talbot turned and smacked home a first time shot from Steve Low’s corner – winger Talbot’s eighth goal of the season.    Social’s more solid players continued to win most tackles and generally remain in control and their winning goal after 33 minutes was reward for their efforts.   It came from the head of full back Dennis Taylor who was unable to prevent a low cross from bouncing off his leg and into the net.

Cup triumph and league disappointment

In October1974 ‘Both players and officials at the Windmill are in high spirits after an exciting win over Worcester City.   That victory takes Brakes into the last qualifying round of the FA Cup for only the second time in twelve years.   They were even happier after they heard the news that luck had again stayed on their side and given them the benefit of home advantage against Corby Town in the fourth round. 

AP really seem to have clicked in knock-out competitions – but manager Jimmy Knox is fully aware that cup success is simply the icing on the cake.   So tomorrow, it’s back to the bread and butter of league soccer – and Leamington face a stiff test away to league leaders Bedford Town. Knox know that a better league position is vitally important for the Brakes  He said on Tuesday evening as his players went through a special training session:

“At the end of the day it’s the team’s consistency throughout forty odd games that will count.   Tonight, the cup has been mentioned only once.  We will start thinking about it again after next Tuesday.” The players themselves seem to be in fine fettle.   If they can reproduce some of the cup form that has brought fifteen goals in six knock-out matches – as opposed to the less convincing statistics of seven goals in seven league games – then they should have little to fear.  Knox has only twelve professionals to choose from for tomorrow’s way game.  

Midfield man Dave Scriggens was sent to bed by the doctor earlier in the week and was considered “very doubtful” for the match.   Micky Boot must come into the reckoning, and Knox now has the choice of two keepers.  Dave Jones was back in training this week after being out for a month with a broken finger but after Garratt’s excellent performance on Saturday it looks as if he may to wait on the sidelines.’

‘Playing in the third qualifying round of the FA Cup, Brakes pulled through a sticky first 20 minutes to send mighty Worcester City sliding out with a magnificent display of attacking soccer.  Jimmy Knox said that the lads would go out and attack and that’s what they did.   The writing was on the wall for City as long ago as the previous Tuesday when Brakes hammered Redditch 4-0 in the FA Trophy.   That was a great performance, and Brakes had just as big an appetite for goals on Saturday.   

On this form, AP ought to have a far bigger following than they do at present.  They need it, and fully deserve it.    However, it was not all plain sailing for the home side.  The visitors took the lead after nine minutes, ace striker Martin slamming home a great 20-yard drive that saw Garratt helpless.’ Brakes levelled through an own goal created after Adrian Stewart rounded a couple of City defenders.  Dave Garratt ‘made two first class saves that kept Brakes’ hopes alive.’  Adrian Stewart scored the winning goal, lobbing the ball over the advancing keeper in the 71^st minute.   Unfortunately, Brakes lost 2-0 to league leaders Bedford.   Based on their first half performance, a draw looked possible, but Bedford scored twice in the second half.

Mixed results in October 1974

Brakes had a mixed start to October 1974.  ‘What a finish AP Leamington’s FA Cup clash with Lye Town provided at the Windmill Ground.   After a goalless first half the game burst into life on the change of ends, and the scoring of three goals in three minutes towards the close set the seal on a typical Cup tie.

 Dennis Taylor made the opening for Brakes’ first goal ín the 57^th minute when he beat three defenders in a run into the box.   His pass was eagerly accepted by Adrian Stewart, whose shot inside the corner of the net gave Walker no chance.  Lye were caught out by a long clearance which gave Bobby Horne unchallenged possession.   A minute later Stewart popped in No.3, but Lye returned straight to the offensive.  And full back Terry Taylor scored from 30 yards with a shot that dipped just under the crossbar.’

‘Two goals in the final 20 minutes sent Leamington crashing to defeat against Worcester City.  AP manager Jimmy Knox said afterwards: “We have learned by our mistakes, we were punished for our slack marking.”    Worcester made the bulk of the first half running, but could only manage a goal in the 44^th minute.  With Tony Bowden off injured, Roger Griffiths slammed in a shot that beat Dave Garratt and went home via the bar.  

AP hit back strongly at the start of the second half and deservedly drew level in the 55^th minute when Mick Keeley headed home a corner from Steve Lee.  But Lee conceded an own goal in the 71^st minute and Barry Kelcher headed home 17 minutes later to see Worcester into third place in the table.’

‘A ruthless Leamington playing as well as at any time this season destroyed Redditch United’s FA Trophy hopes with a sizzling display.  Surviving early Redditch pressure, Brakes came alive through a superb Roger Brown goal and then wrapped up an emphatic victory with three more in the second half.   It was the sort of form Jimmy Knox had been seeking from his team all season  - now he must hope it sticks to wipe out the memory of several below par performances. 

Redditch, who were held to a goalless draw on their own patch on Saturday, opened this replay in flourishing style and for 25 minutes the Leamington defence took a hammering.   Ken Lawrence nailed a shot against a post and Ray Taylor was only inches wide with a stinging volley.   But once the impressive Brown had moved up to power home a terrific header from Steve Lee’s corner there was only one side in it.  

Adrian Stewart took advantage of a fortunate rebound to shoot into an empty net after 32 minutes and six minutes later it was 3-0 as Mick Keeley directed the neatest of headers past Chris Ward from Ernie Wilkinson’s free kick.  Redditch pinned most of their faith on the talented prompting of highly rated Garry Fleet.  But Dennis Taylor did a superb marking job to reduce his threat to a whimper. And with 10 minutes left AP completed the easiest of wins as Ivor Talbot picked up the pieces after a terrible defensive mix-up and coolly slotted home the easiest of goals.’

'Brakes are Hollering'!

That was the headline over an article in yesterday's Non-League Paper.

Holleran said: 'It was probably never meant to be like this' referring to his nearly 15 years in charge. 'You probably think at the start I'll have two or three years at this and take it up a notch or two.  But there's always something going on here.  Every time I've thought the end could be near, something's happened.'

'It does take its toll when you're part time - there is a lot of work and prep each week and I've never really had a summer off.'

'We have a model that's worked for years.  You still need a little bit of luck.  Young players have come here because they've seen what we can do with youngsters.   They see that we can develop players.'

'We had to rebuild our identity in Step 3 and we're really fortunate a couple of players we brought in did really well.'  Referring to the National League North he said: 'It's tough, it is hard, week in, week out, but we love being back in it.  When you come out of the National League you lose lots on and off the pitch. It asks you a lot of questions, but at the moment we are finding the answers.'

Fourth defeat in a row for Brakes

At the end of September 1974, ‘AP Leamington, who began the season with such high hopes, were desperately struggling to find their form and consistency.  Brakes went down 2-0, and lost by the same margin at Bromsgrove on Tuesday night – their fourth defeat in a row.  And with the season barely a month old, Brakes are already out of the Southern League Cup they won so splendidly last term, and have fallen behind badly in the promotion race.

 It is a situation that would cause any manager to worry.  But Windmill chief Jimmy Knox remains convinced that it is not a true reflection of the side’s ability.  Knox said this week: “Naturally, we are very worried about the situation.  We have struck one of those patches where a number of players are out of touch.    But we are not going to panic.   We have just got to keep working hard and waiting for the side to click.  Make no mistake about it, we have a good side at AP.   I know it, the players know it, and very soon we are going to prove it. “

Brakes last two defeats produced the same score but the games were very different.  At Cheltenham, the whole side were woefully out of touch, and although the home side were themselves far from impressive, there was never much doubt about the outcome.   But at Bromsgrove AP turned in a fine team performance – but were far short of the finishing power that could have earned them a welcome success.

 It is this lack of scoring bite that remains Knox’s biggest problem.  Adrian Stewart and Mick Keeley, who looked so impressive in pre-season games, have got to find their vast potential as a double spearhead.   Knox called up young full back Tommy Tomkins – but although he fitted in well, Brakes defence was always under pressure.

Roger Brown and Tony Bowden were again prominent, but Cheltenham moved ahead just before the break.  Dave Lewis, who had earlier forced a great save from Dave Garrett was left unmarked at a corner, and he had little troubled in steering a header wide of the keeper.   Cheltenham continued to look the livelier side after the interval with ex Sheffield United man Tony Wagstaff prompting most of their dangerous moves.  And they clinched victoty from another corner, centre half Alan Jenkins finding another fatal gap in the AP cover.

Brakes’ defeat at Bromsgrove was, if anything, even more disappointing for more than matched their hosts in everything except finishing.  Bromsgrove’s attack boasts Tony Hateley, the much travelled, expensive and dangerous centre forward.   But he made little impression on Brown, Bowden and partners until the 21^st minute, when he was brought down in the box by Micky Boot.   Full back Jamie Toombs side footed the spot kick.   AP pieced together some promising build ups, but the strikers never looked like applying the finishing touch.

Indeed, it was Bowden who came closest to snatching an equaliser, twice moving upfield to draw fine saves from Hicklin.  AP’s hopes were finally squashed in the 87^th minute when Bromsgrove won a free kick 25 yards out and Mike Kenning blasted home a tremendous shot.  Knox’s most pressing problem at the moment is to field a goalkeeper for tomorrow’s FA Cup tie at Dudley Town.   Dave Jones is still injured and Garrett is getting married.’

First home defeat of 1974/5 season

‘AP manager Jimmy Knox was an angry and disappointed man on Saturday afternoon as he watched his side tumble to the first defeat of the season,’ 1-2 at home to Merthyr Tydfil in September 1974.  ‘And although Merthyr deserve 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 bustling form he showed against Witney last week.   The strikers were thus denied good service – and they seldom looked capable of carving their own openings.  Mick Keeley was caught in possession all too often; Ian Stewart produced his usual admirable work rate, but failed to put away two good chances, and Ivor Talbot scored a superb goal, but fell short of his true potential.

One has to look to the back 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 both players used the ball sensibly.  Above all, they showed the heart and commitment that was in such short supply among their colleagues. 

Brakes should have been inspired by the 20^th minute goal that put them in front.   The goal was as good as it was unexpected.   Stewart’s determined challenge saw full back Allan Smith lose possession on the edge of the area – and Talbot pounced on the ball to drive a fierce shot just inside the post.   A fine move between Keeley and Lee gave Stewart a sight of goal minutes later, but he pulled his shot well wide. 

 And Merthyr, who showed a refreshing willingness to attack throughout the game, finally claimed their deserved equaliser minutes before half time.    A free kick was flicked on and former Welsh international Barrie Jones calmly headed over the unprotected Dave Jones.    Nick Deaney was within inches of making it 2-1 after the interval.   And Allan Sullivan hit the winner minutes later with a magnificent goal..   Slipping past John Brady 40 yards out, Sullivan strode through the angle of the box and left Jones standing with a glorious drive into the far corner. 

Horne forced Richard Morse to an excellent save; the goalkeeper dived well to hold a snap shot from Dennis Taylor; and Stewart again shot wide after Rosser had misjudged a high punt from Dave Jones,   But it was Bowden who came closest to snatching a point, picking uo a throw from Lee and weaving past four men before he was finally blocked.

There was a full programme of football in the Leamington League.    ‘Champions Leamington Celtic triumphed 5-4 at Bishops Itchington – a vital win against a side who should prove one of their fiercest rivals for the title this season.  The game was full of entertaining football with neither side able to relax for a second.  Bobby Phillips, Whittle Wanderers’ close season capture, collected a smooth hat trick in the 7-2 demolition of Radford United.  Another hat trick man was Micky Palllis of Itchington Sports, whose smartly taken treble gave the Premier League newcomers a 4-2 win at Leamington Southend.’

Youth Cup offsets League Cup disappointment for Brakes

AP Leamington had won the Southern League Cup in 1973/4 but went out in the first round to Witney Town in September 1974.   The first leg was played at home and ended in a 2-2 draw.   The Courier presciently noted, ‘The Brakes will have to improve their finishing if they are to overcome Witney in the second game next Tuesday.   Leamington were the most impressive side throughout with rugged Witney making clear they were only interested in containing Leamington.   But the visitors took the lead with two opportunist goals against the run of play, and a touch of desperation crept into Brakes’ game before Ivor Talbot finally equalised.   

AP went close several times before going in front after 30 minutes.   Talbot shipped over a corner, Adrian Stewart met it with a splendid header, and Mick Keeley added the final touch.   Town drew level just before the break with a 30-yard free kick converted with a thundering shot and Witney snatched a shock lead just after the interval.  Brakes threw everything forward after this and eventually squared the game in the 68^th minute.’

Brakes lost 3-1 at Witney.  ‘This depressing result aroused all the predictable emotions in the AP camp – anger, sadness, frustration.  But the overriding reaction was sheer disbelief.   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 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 minute, they produced two brilliant goals 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. ‘ Brakes went ahead in the first half through Ivor Talbot ‘who cracked a low left-footed shot just inside the far post.   It still looked AP’s game for the first 15 minutes of the second half’ but then Witney levelled, going ahead in the 86^th minute.   ‘Witney then fell back on their Windmill tactics, blithely booting the ball out of the ground at every opportunity’ but managed to score a third goal.

‘AP Leamington earned a place in the second round of the FA Youth Cup with a 2-1 win against Hednesford.   The Windmill juniors attacked eagerly in the opening minutes, and swept ahead when Hednesford were slow to move to a Rob Swain centre.  Paul Coleman calmly steered an unchallenged header into the corner of the net.  AP had chances to increase their lead, but Hednesford hit back strongly and equalised ten minutes from time. 

 Brakes  refused to give up the fight, however.  And they snatched victory when Malcolm McGreavy chased a seemingly harmless ball and hooked home a splendid opportunist goal.   This was a very encouraging performance by the new AP squad, and they are in good spirits for their second qualifying round tie against Nuneaton Borough, at the Windmill later this month.’