Brakes take new trophy back from Guernsey

Report from Guernsey FC:

Guernsey got a good test against higher level opposition to end their pre-season preparations but were beaten on penalties at Victoria Park to see the first ever Ilum Davis Foundation Trophy head back to Warwickshire with visitors Leamington

Callum Le Lacheur and Charlton Gauvain got the goals for the hosts, as they did against Sheffield earlier in the month, but this time they were pegged back late on ahead of controversy in the resulting penalty shoot-out that saw what looked a clear goal from Ben Solway ruled as a miss.

After some early pressure from the Brakes, the Green Lions went ahead with their first meaningful chance after 15 minutes, Le Lacheur connecting well with a cross from the right and volleying in via the underside of the crossbar.

Le Lacheur was then denied by Cian Tyler, while Josh Addison denied Kyle Finn. Fin Patterson nearly caught out Tyler when the Brakes’ keeper’s clearance held up in the wind, but his attempted lob dropped onto the roof of the net.

There was a major let off for GFC soon after the break after Addison collided with an opponent on the box. Corey Brouard made a brilliant acrobatic clearance on the line as the loose ball lofted towards goal and Owen Farmer unbelievably blazed over a gaping net when it would have been easier to walk it in.

Tony Vance’s side duly punished their visitors for that mistake and it came from a piece of brilliance from Gauvain as he took on the Leamington midfield before firing a powerful strike into the corner.

Farmer was denied by a routine Addison save, but Finn slotted home Raj Palit’s cross with less than 20 minutes left to halve the deficit. Addison then saved well at the feet of Finn and Palit cleared the crossbar from a promising position.

It was virtually the final kick of the game that brought the away side level as Palit’s free-kick from the left evaded Addison and his defence to find the far corner and the Trophy would be decided on penalties.

Will Fazakerley’s confident finish from 12 yards put Guernsey in command after Addison saved from Finn. Both teams put their next two penalties away (Alfie Torode and Simon Arnold for GFC), but Tyrese Kelly dragged wide meaning that Dennis Halliday’s goal left the score level after four attempts each, with the shoot-out going to sudden death after Nat Kelly put his away for the Brakes and Addison turned scorer.

Three more successes from each side (Jacques Cauvin, Corey Brouard and George Goubert) left the score at seven each. Palit made it 8-7 to Leamington then Solway then stepped up and hit his effort high to the Tyler’s right. The ball looked to have hit the stanchion behind the angle off post and crossbar, over the line, but the referee’s assistant said that the ball was not fully over. Later images showed the ball over the line, but the assistant’s decision at the time would stand and it was game over.

Knox stands firm in face of player wage demands

Brakes were facing tough opposition in their Southern League Premier Division campaign in August 1976. Their first league fixture was away to champions Wimbledon and then they faced Yeovil at the Windmill.

Top scorer Adrian Stewart and Dennis Taylor were yet to sign new contracts, but Jimmy Knox had swooped for Coventry Sporting striker Stewart Gallagher.

'After Sporting's exciting FA Cup run last term, Gallagher became sought after material, but he suffered with injury and remained at the Coventry club.'

'Now Knox is "delighted that we've got him,  He's always wanted to join us and I'm sure he will be a real acquisition to the club,  He felt disillusioned after getting injured in their cup run and never recaptured hi sparkle or bite for the game," added Knox,  The 20-year old joins AP on a free transfer.'

'However, there is a possibility that Gallagher will be the only addition to AP's side before the start of the season.  Negotiations to sign other players haven't gone well because "of the exorbitant price some players are putting on their heads," says Knox.'

'And he adds adamantly: "I've no intention of signing any two players just to make up numbers by the start of the season."''

Knox's summer of travail

Jimmy Knox was facing challenges in the summer of 1976 in assembling a side for promoted AP Leamington.   Seven of the promotion winning side had rejoined by the end of June but Knox was having 'slight problems' persuading the others.  In reality 'slight problems' was something of an under statement.

Knox also had no luck in his search for new players.  He failed to get the signature of three men he specifically wanted to help Brakes in the Southern League Premier Division.   Negotiations with the three had been taking place since April.

Those re-signing included midfielder Steve Lee, defenders Doug Griffiths, Alan Jones and Gerry Kavanagh along with forward Ivor Talbot.

Between the sticks Dave Garratt signed non-contract forms enabling the local keeper to play elsewhere. John Davis 'who performed so well last term coming in at a crucial time for Brakes, has got his reward with professional terms.'

Knox put his resigning problems down to the Labour Government's incomes policy which limited wage increases to £6 a week.   As part-timers AP players were only entitled to a percentage of that £6.  Hence, negotiations had been difficult with top scorer Adrian Stewart, Mick Keeley, Micky Boot. Roger Brown, Dennis Taylor and Phil Lines.

Brakes were due to start their 1976/77 programme with an away game on  August 21st with Redditch in the first round first leg of the Southern League cup.  Training was scheduled to begin a little later than usual in the middle of July.

Brakes AGM 'a waste of time'

The annual general meeting of AP Leamington Football Club in May 1976 'was a waste of time - and that's official.'  For with Brakes' boss Jimmy Knox failing to turn up on Saturday for this year's meeting, club president Bill Garner was forced to admit: 'It's vitally important that the manager comes to an annual general meeting.  It's been a waste of time today.'

Chairman Gerry Locke told members that the manager had been stranded in Rugby without transport.  Still some people at least came in for their fair share of praise.

Taking 12 months off from the club because of personal reasons, John Ackerman [whom I hope to see in his care home on Thursday] editor of the AP programme received this praise from Bill Garner: 'He's done a first class job and the club is deeply indebted to him.  We all look forward to his return.'

Another golden boy is Roy Maiden, Brakes' new commercial manager who heard Gerry Locke say: 'I'm sure Roy can really get going and inject some cash into the club.  He's the man for the job and we all wish him well.'

In the absence of Knox, Locke revealed that the club are in the market for three new players to bolster their Premier Division challenge next term.  He said: 'Jimmy is looking for a striker, a midfield player and a defender.  I can't tell you who they are at this stage, but I can reveal that two of them are very well known.'

On the club's financial position, treasurer Eddie Partington said: 'We're only £500 above what we were last year which in my view is a very small increase indeed when you take into account inflation and the rest.'

Brakes earn promotion 50 years ago

Happy times for Brakes 50 years ago as they secured promotion to the Southern League Premier Division.   Writing in the Coventry Evening Telegraph, Roger Draper noted: ‘AP Leamington have come a long way in a short time – now they intend to move “Heaven and high water” to make further progress. 

Brakes will play in the Southern League Premier Division next season.  This prospect does not frighten them.  From ambitious club president Bill Garner down to the youngest fan the message is loud and clear: “We are in the Premier Division to stay.” 

And manager Jimmy Knox feels that the optimism surrounding the Windmill club is well founded.  After years of near misses Knox finally achieved his managerial life’s ambition at the weekend when Witney lost and opened the door to the top grade. 

He can see nothing but blue skies from now on.  “We are not kidding ourselves.  There is a terrific difference between the best Premier Division sides and the top six in Division 1 North,” he says.  “But I have built the present AP side with the Premier Division in mind.  We do not need to sign many more players to ensure that we will finish in the top half.”

 Now free of the worry surrounding his possible move to Nuneaton Borough – “it is a relief to know that it is all over” – Knox can get down to the job of completing the squad.  [Knox was considered by many as the favourite for the vacant Nuneaton Borough manager’s post.]  “I know who I want,” he says.  “Premier Division status will be a great lever as I attempt to fill in the remaining gaps.  I am confident 1976-77 will be a fabulous year in the continued development of AP Leamington.”

Tenacious chairman Gerry Lock mirrors his manager’s optimism.  “I have laid it down on a line what I want.  We are on course and not going into the Premier Division to make up the numbers.”  

Lock was the driving force behind Knox’s move to Leamington from Rugby Town.  His confidence in the Scot’s managerial ability has been totally justified.  “I have never made any secret of the fact that in Jimmy we have the best manager in non-League football.  I really mean that.  He will lead us even further and it is up to everyone interested in the club to give him their fullest support.”

AP officials estimated that Premier League soccer would cost the club an additional £5,000 a year in increased costs such as higher wages and greater travelling costs.  That would require a break-even gate of 1,000 to 1,200 which was unlikely.  Hence the club decided to appoint their first full time commercial manager.  

The post went to 32-year old Roy Maiden from Radford Semele who had been an industrial engineer at AP for 10 years.   Maiden, who had joined the AP committee in the season ending, set himself the task of raising £500 a week to keep the club afloat.  As well as raising cash by selling weekly bingo tickets throughout the area, he planned to publicise the club itself with well-known players such as Derek Dougan and Geoff Hurst coming to play at the Windmill.

  The Courier noted that news of the appointment would please manager Knox who was looking to begin negotiations with the players he hoped to re-sign.   Knox took the view that one of the main assets of the promotion-winning side was its stability and he was anxious to keep the players together.

 

Brakes chalk up three more wins in promotion chase

At the end of March 1976 Brakes played middle of the table Milton Keynes City away.  ‘Despite strong opposition in the early stages AP Leamington showed their superiority to take the points.  Leamington have lost only one of their last 26 games, this was to league leaders Redditch.  And after the match Leamington manager Jimmy Knox said: “I am delighted with the result, although we had a very sticky first quarter-of-an-hour.”   

City were without the services of goalkeeper Brian Robinson, who is also the player-manager.  Leamington were first into the attack when Mick Keeley crossed to Mick Boot, who fired just wide of a City upright.   City came back immediately and Malcolm McCormack went on a good run, but that was blocked by Roger Brown.  

After further pressure from City, Leamington gained the initiative and took the lead after 26 minutes.  A free kick by Steve Lee went to Brown, whose header was saved by City keeper Beaumont, but Dennis Taylor got hold of the loose ball and crossed for Brown to head in.  

The match failed to live up to its first half promise after the break – but nevertheless Leamington made most of the running and deservedly increased their lead.   Stewart made sure of the points in the 62^nd minute when he homed in on a Talbot cross with a neat headed goal.   

The result brought AP’s points tally to a remarkable 42 from their last possible 50.  The goals also re-established Leamington in second place in Division One North as Witney slipped again – and now it looks as if Worcester City, who this Saturday meet leaders Redditch, are Brakes’ main threat to promotion.’

‘Slick AP Leamington moved closer to promotion last night.  They gained an impressive Southern League First Division win over highly-placed Tamworth last night thanks to two goals from Ivor Talbot.  

Second placed AP soaked up long periods of pressure from sixth-in-the-table Tamworth and cleverly countered work with swift breakaway moves that brought them a goal in each half.  The visitors opened brightly and then came under heavy pressure.  

But AP snatched the lead two minutes before half time when a speculative forward pass beat full back Dave Reardon, and there was wing man Ivor Talbot to score a fine goal.   AP’s patience was the deciding factor.  Their ability to break quickly from defence finally clinched the match after 84 minutes when Adrian Stewart sent Talbot racing clear.  With the home defence split, Talbot took the ball into the penalty area and calmly shot past a stranded keeper in the home goal.’

Next up were Barnet at the Windmill and ‘Roger Brown exploded the perfect header to register two more points in AP’s committed promotion drive.  Timing his run to the inch, Brown met a 31^st minute centre from Alan Jones at the far post and bulged the netting with a stunning finish.  It was a goal of absolute quality – a moment to savour in a game that was otherwise easy to forget.  

Brakes, determined not to repeat last year’s disappointment, when promotion was passed up by a single point, were obviously happy with the result.   They can be excused for adopting a “professional” stance.  But this dull encounter was a bitter pill for the Leamington fans to swallow.  A bumpy pitch made life difficult for both sides.  But this does not entirely disguise what rapidly became an enormous bore.’

Brakes bounce back in 1976

Roger Draper wrote in March 1976: ‘Battling AP Leamington have made the perfect recovery from their “torrid” time at the hands of Redditch United.  Since that disappointing 3-2 upset at the hands of the Southern League Division 1 leaders, Brakes have taken six points from three matches [fifty years ago it was two points for a win].  And with only eight matches left the Leamington club seem certain of promotion to the Premier Division for the first time. 

Manager Jimmy Knox, who has missed the boat so many times, Is justifiably proud.  “We were upset to lose against Redditch after going 20 matches without defeat, it was a jolt to our plans.  But the team refused to let it get them down and have responded in the best way possible – by winning.”  

There is a tremendous team spirit at the Windmill this season and Knox is convinced this is one of the major reasons behind their development.  “I have always made a point of attempting to sign the right sort of player.  His worth off the field can be just as vital as his ability on it.   I consider myself to be a players’ manager.  They must always come first.  But this season’s squad are a joy to work with.”  

This spirit was graphically underlined during Tuesday’s 3-1 defeat of Stevenage.   Striker Adrian Stewart, who has plundered 43 goals so far, once dashed over 70 yards to get in a telling tackle.  Says Knox: “Ada has been superb for us this season but he Is just as concerned about helping to prevent goals as score them.  All the lads are the same.”’

‘Second place Leamington gained two valuable away points when they defeated Barry with another vitally important goal from goal ace Adrian Stewart.   After taking the lead in the first half, Brakes held on comfortably against struggling Barry.  Brakes controlled the game for long periods and a packed defence was able to absorb heavy pressure from Barry for a 20-minute period in the second half. 

 Stewart netted his 42^nd goal of the term on the half hour.   Leamington showed all-round strength in attack and defence and were particularly quick when going forward.   Barry, always a hard side to beat on their own ground, started confidently.   It wasn’t long, however, before efficient Brakes settled down and dominated most of the first half with some incisive attacks.  Stewart completed a brilliant solo effort by slotting the ball past Barry keeper Trevor Nott from a narrow angle.

After the break the AP rearguard were lucky to escape on several occasions when only poor finishing by the home forwards denied Barry.  Leamington covered well though and still threatened on the counter attack.  From one such move Steve Lee almost put them further ahead but was denied by keeper Nott at the last moment.  In the closing stages AP defended grimly but managed to hang on to their victory.

Against bottom of the table Stevenage, Adrian Stewart scored to bring his tally for the season to 44 goals while Micky Boot ‘cracked home a devastating volley’ from an acute angle.  Both goals came from corners.   Keeley grabbed the third, having earlier hit the bar with an overhead kick.   Stevenage pulled one back in a goalmouth scramble.