Brakes tough it out to secure points

Leamington secured a 1-0 victory and an important three points in a tough match against Chippenham Town at the New Windmill Ground this afternoon. Starved of home football for seven weeks, 621 turned out to see the game.

The teams changed ends with Brakes playing towards the Harbury Lane end in the first half: they usually play towards the North Bank. There was bizarre incident at the beginning of the team when Chippenham charm merchant Alan Griffin (the former Swindon Supermarine ace) kicked the ball out of the hand of keeper Niall Cooper and put it in the back of the net. The referee was facing towards what he assumed would be the direction of play and did not see what happened so he had to run over to consult the smiling lino on the Sheepside and the 'goal' was ruled out to the great indignation of Griffin who lived up to the Costcutters brand on the back of his shirt.

Chippenham were indulging in some agricultural clearances, but some real skill by Jimmy Husband nearly resulted in an opener for the Brakes. As tempers flared, there was an outbreak of handbags which was smoothed over by the referee. Then just after the half hour Johnson scored the only goal of the game for Leamington.

Chippenham stepped up the pressure in the final quarter of an hour, winning their first corner. Cooper made a good save by kicking the ball away from danger to preserve Leamington's lead.

H-T 1-0

Chippenham came out of the blocks at a furious pace at the beginning of the second half and Cooper had to make a great save. Johnson put the ball just over when he had a scoring chance and Chippenham's keeper also had to make a great save. Mouthy James Guthrie got a yellow card and was taken off immediately as he was always looked like a candidate for a second.

In the last minute of play Brakes foolishly gave away a free kick in a dangerous position, but the visitors were unable to take advantage and the ball sailed over the goal. Cooper was my man of the match for two fantastic second half saves, but honourable mentions for Husband who was substituted and captain Stephan Morley.

Hemel Hempstead won at Frome and St.Neots drew at Bashley meaning the Brakes stay in second place, five points behind the Tudors but with four games in hand.