Leamington back to winning ways - just

Leamington won a tightly fought encounter at the New Windmill Ground this afternoon, beating 'the pride of North Devon', Bideford Town, 2-1 in front of a depleted pre-Christmas crowd of 429. (I'm assuming the collie dog doesn't count, but he certainly takes a keen interest in the match). There were those who thought that the Brakes rode their luck and that a draw would have been a fair result, but it was a spirited and committed performance in the second half a rather disappointing first half.

Brakes started well and were camped out in the opposition's half for the opening phase of the game, but then the visitors started to apply some pressure. A defensive error by Mace gave the ball away and keeper Niall Cooper had to make the first of a number of excellent saves. Batchelor received a yellow card after he advised the referee where he could put himself.

Bideford went ahead on 25 minutes after a miss kick by Batchelor in front of goal. But then a penalty gave Brakes the chance to level on 38 minutes and it was well taken by Dodd to make it 1-1. In the first half as a whole there was too much hoofing of the ball and not enough getting it down, controlling it and passing it.

Half time: Brakes 1, Robins 1

Bideford were dangerous in their counter attacks throughout the game and Cooper had to make a vital save from one such break. On 56 minutes Jimmy Husband was able to burst through and put the ball in the corner of the net to make it 2-1.

Cooper had to make good save from a corner. The young referee was enthusiastic, but did not always have a grip and there was an outbreak of handbags away from him which led to two yellow cards after consultation with the linesman. Bideford forward Matt Andrew may work for Ambrosia, but he was far from being an example of creamy charm and picked up a yellow card for a foul on Daly.

Leamington then saw the ball come off the inside of the post, allowing the keeper to gather. Not long afterwards Berwick hit the post, possibly he should have done better. The yellow cards continued to be handed out to both teams, including one for Daly: at least the referee by now did not make the mistake he nearly made earlier in the game by showing a green card.

Bideford continued to threaten and my heart was in mouth as a free kick was driven across the front of the Brakes goal. The Bideford keeper then made an excellent stop from a strong shot from distance which would have gone in. The referee found plenty of time to add on, but then the whistle was blown and Paul Holleran bowed to acknowledge the chants of the Harbury Lane end.