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.’

Brakes strikers impress

Brakes were at home to Bromsgrove Rovers In the Southern League in August 1974.  ’Mick Keeley and Adrian Stewart are two strikers cast from completely different moulds.   But they are set to emerge as one of the most devastating combinations in the Southern League.  Their partnership, forged at Rugby Town, developed at Nuneaton Borough and reformed by Jimmy Knox in the close season, was perfectly summed up by the 68^th minute goal that put Brakes in front. 

Stewart, a dashing, irrepressible young powerhouse, tore down the left touchline and, without breaking speed, clipped over a perfect centre.  Keeley, as ever, shielded the ball beautifully, turned past full back Jamie Tumba, before the full back knew what was happening and calmly slid a low shot wide of Chris Hooper.  Ir was a heartening sight for every AP supporter.  For if Keeley and Stewart can sharpen their complementary skills, no defence will be safe.   They could have shared half a dozen goals on Tuesday night as AP took the game to their rivals. 

But although Brakes were always the more inventive side, their build ups were hurried and jerky, lacking the fluency that should come in the next few weeks.   The twin strikers were well supported by Ivor Talbot, looking happier in his favourite left wing role.  He was always ready to take men on, and frequently dragged two Bromsgrove defenders to the flank.   Steve Lee was again the pick of the midfield men, constantly breaking up threatening Bromsgrove moves.

But Micky Boot was also impressive on his return to the side, adding a welcome streak of aggression to his polished ball skills.   Stewart, Keeley and Bobby Horne all went close in the first half, with Chris Hooper pulling off a great double save from Stewart after the centre forward had pivoted brilliantly to fool the defence.

Rovers were restricted to long range shots, the best of which was a 35-yard snorter from Brian Kenning that almost took Dave Jones by surprise.  Kenning showed his shooting power again after the break with a glorious free kick from the left wing.   The ball was streaking for the top corner until Jones flew across the goal to deflect it round the post.  

 But Brakes were looking more and more confident and Stewart twice reduced the Rovers defence to complete chaos before finally setting up the vital goal.  Bromsgrove had an equaliser disallowed minutes later when centre half Alan Parsons steered Tombs’ cross under the bar but the referee awarded a free kick for pushing.  And Brakes made certain five minutes from time when Talbot weaved through on the left.  His first cross was blocked by John Wood but he quickly pushed the rebound through to Keeley, who again netted with nonchalant ease. 

Bromsgrove, beaten by AP in the Southern League Cup final last year, went down fighting.  And they snatched a consolation goal in the dying seconds when Parsons again rose mightily to reach Keith Partridge’s corner, and Alan Craddock scrambled the ball home.’   Following Jimmy Knox’s appeal for fans to support the side, the attendance of 382 was disappointing.

 

 

Knox appeals to fans to turn up

Previewing the 1974/5 season, ‘AP Leamington manager Jimmy Knoc is convinced his side can fulfil their reach potential - if they get the support of the Leamington public.  “I don’t believe in making rash promises or predictions,” said the rugged Scot, “but I am sure we can build on the success we achieved last season.  The lads proved they have got what it takes when we won the Southern League Cup.  And we can do better.  

But I would be far more confident if a big crowd turned up at the Windmill for our first home game against Kings Lynn.  Atmosphere makes all the difference in the world to players at every level of the game.  If the lads get a good crowd behind them, they will respond.   I make this appeal to the fans of Leamington.  Come and have a look at us.  I think you’ll find it worthwhile.”

 Brakes’ gates have certainly been depressing in recent years – and the situation could rapidly reach crisis point.   The whole future of non-league football has been thrown into the melting pot and clubs like AP are in danger of being left out in the cold.   Brakes are at the crossroads.  And this season could very well decide if they are to reach new heights or dwindle into obscurity.  I feel sure that Knox’s current squad can achieve its immediate objective = promotion to the Premier Division of the Southern League.  If they do – and they can attract the missing fans back to the Windmill – their future is assured. 

Knox received an unexpected pre-season boost this week when midfield star Micky Boot reported for training.   Boot said he was quitting professional football at the end of last season = he was bitterly disappointed to lose his place in the Brakes line-up after breaking a leg in January.  But he has clearly changed his mind – and Kmox is delighted to have him back in the AP squad.  “I’ve always had tremendous admiration for Micky’s skills,” said the Windmill chief, “and it would be a great boost for us if he could recapture his enthusiasm for the game.   He’ll have to work hard – but he’ll be given every chance to prove himself.”

 Having lost Jimmy Goodfellow, Keith Shrimpston and Tom Sweenie, Knox was looking for players to strengthen his midfield department.  Any worries on that score will be greatly reduced if Boot can settle down at Leamington.   Boot now has another chance, perhaps his last, to confirm his playing pedigree.   For some time, his undoubted talent has been constrained by a suspect temperament.  Perhaps the Windmill crowd will soon be treated to regular displays of the skill that made him a teenage star at Arsenal.’

‘AP Leamington thrashed Nuneaton Borough for the second time in six months on Saturday, claiming the Sir Jack Scamp cup in a 3-0 win.  The margin was the same as at Manor Park in March, when Brakes destroyed Borough’s Southern League Cup chances with a deadly three-goal burst in the dying minutes. But this time, AP wasted no time in humbling their Premier Division rivals.  They snatched the initiative with two goals in the first eight minutes.’   Both the opening goals were scored by Neil Armstrong, ‘an unpredictable player but very effective on his day.’  Keeley scored a third goal before half time, but the Brakes midfield faded in the second half.

Knox faced team building challenges 50 years ago

As he faced the 1974/5 season AP manager Jimmy Knox had to deal with ‘some close season blows in his team building plans with three key players deciding to resign.  Midfield man Micky Boot has decided to give up professional soccer to play in a local league; Jimmy Goodfellow has retired and leading striker Norman Fowler has left for business reasons.   New signings include former Highgate striker Mick Keeley, who has moved from Nuneaton Borough.’

 One response was to field a youth side with an under 19 trial taking place at the Windmill Ground.  ‘The young Brakes, to be managed by former St. Peter’s Celtic playing chief Ted Forde, have been accepted by the Birmingham County Floodlit League.   And the Leamington club has made it clear that boys willing to support the team in mid-week will be free to join their own clubs at weekends.’

At the beginning of August fans had the chance to see ‘Jimmy Knox’s new look squad entertain Stafford Rangers.   With Keith Hampton leaving the Windmill to join Cinderford Town, Knox was waiting for one signature – that of centre half Doug Griffiths.   Knox may well call up Chris Hine, s starter for Valley Sports last season.    He said, “Chris is a very promising young player and he will be given the chance to show what he can do in the pre-season friendlies.”’

‘Ivor Talbot, the local boy who made good with AP Leamington last season, has been given a vital new midfield role this term.   Talbot played in this position in the warm-up friendlies against Stafford and Alcester – and manager Jimmy Knox was delighted with his displays.  “He looked as if he had been playing there for years,” said Knox.  “He’ll open the season in that positon.”

 If Talbot can establish himself in his new role, he will solve Knox’s biggest problem – the gap left by the departure of former First Division stars Jimmy Goodfellow, Tom Sweenie and Micky Boot.     Talbot will play alongside Brakes’ skipper Steve Lee.  And Dave Scriggins, the close season signing from Enderby, will probably occupy the third midfield berth.   With Talbot playing deeper, Knox will rely on Neil Armstrong to supply the wing service for twin strikers Mick Keeley and Adrian Stewart. ‘

‘While the forward positions seem to be more or less settled, there will obviously be a keen battle for places in the back four.   Last season, Knox tried Tony Bowden, Ernie Wilkinson and Doug Griffiths in various combinations at the heart of the defence.   Now there is a fourth candidate in big Roger Brown, whose power in the air was a feature of the Stafford match.    Knox’s final perming will certainly be one of the most interesting – and important decisions of the season,’

‘Brakes were given a good workout by Stafford, although neither side managed to score.  Stewart beat three men in a fine run before shooting wide; Keeley forced Arnold into an excellent save; and Armstrong shot over from Talbot’s finally judged cross.   The midweek match at Alcester was, in contrast, a gentle canter.   Goals by Lee (2), Stewart (2), Keeley and Talbot (penalty), put paid to the Midland Combination side.’

How it all started

 Promotion from the Midland Combination, Division 2

Holleran's game plan to win

Paul Holleran told the Non-League Paper that Leamington will go to Telford tomorrow with a game plan to win.  The team are 'full of verve'.  He aims to 'upset the odds against an expectant home crowd.'

Holleran said: Telford have been the best team in the second half of the season by far, and going into the season we'd have been second best to them in terms of squad balance and depth.'

'There was a lot of upheaval and rebuilding over the summer,  It's difficult with so many teams in the area. We kept a few of the players on pro deals, and added four or five youth to the suqad, but after the second game in which we conceded five at Coalville, I knew it was going to be a difficult task this season.'

Recalling the victory over Redditch, Holleran admits: 'Redditch were on top in the second half.  At first we tried to go through them, then around them, then evenrually we brought on Tyrone Barnett and went over them.  He did a great job at that.'

Knox;s quiet revolution

Leamington’s 1973/4 season was reviewed by Ken Widdowes in April 1974.  ‘They savoured the champagne times by following that semi-final win over Borough to clinch the League Cup.  They did it by a comparatively easy win over Bromsgrove at the Windmill Ground after slipping a goal behind on the first leg.  Now promotion is the aim.

 Knox and his trainer Bob Ward have worked a quiet revolution at AP in one season.   There is no reason why they cannot improve on that.  For after a steady start to the League campaign last August, they had a mid-season slump before making a determined bid to catch leaders Stourbridge and Burton.  

A seasoned observer of Leamington’s fortunes over the past years told me: “Knox has made incredible progress for the club, and though they dropped some simple points, the team spirit remained fabulous.  Jimmy Goodfellow was a revelation and Norman Foster, who started the season virtually as third choice striker, netted 38 goals in all competitions.”

AP were dealt a blow this week with the news that Goodfellow has now retired.  He feels the travelling from his Leicester home is getting too much and wants to spend more time with his family.  That leaves a yawning gap in AP’s set up, but it also gives Mickey Boot the chance to show his true potential.  Boot has missed much of the season with a broken leg, but Goodfellow’s retirement blow will be softened if Boot strikes forn.’

‘If they win tonight’s clash with Tamworth, AP will finish in third spot in the table - and that wlll crown a memorable season.’   Brakes had already had an unfortunate 2-1 defeat at Banbury where they conceded two penalties ‘to give Banbury a win they hardly deserved on the run of play  Leamington had the edge in skill and ideas for most of the game.’

Sadly, ‘A typical end-of-season game saw Tamworth snatch victory against highly-placed AP at Knaresbrook on Saturday night.  The goal was one of the few bright moments in a game of wasted energy by players who were unable to produce any kind of possession football.  Neither side showed any flair or interest in a game watched by one of Tamworth’s lowest gates of the season – 223.   Dennis Walker secured the match winner after 33 minutes when he outpaced gioalkeeper Dave Jones in a chase along the bye-line.  Walker turned quickly and screwed the ball into the far corner of the net before Jones could recover possession.

 There were remarkably few direct shots at goal and neither goalkeeper was tested in a game of small entertainment value.   Leamington displayed a surprising amount of energy, but very little thrust or finish.   Though there was a great deal of midfield activity, there was remarkably very little positive attacking play.   Leamington can feel upset with a performance that was far from impressive.’

Brakes did win the Leamington Charity Invitation Cup with a 4-0 victory over Bermuda WMC, goals from Ivor Talbot, Neil Armstrong, Adrian Stewart and Keith Shrimpston. Stourbridge topped the Division One North table with 69 points, followed by Burton Albion 63, Cheltenham Town 56 and Brakes 54.