Festive cheer despite awful weather

Driving rain which turned to sleet did not stop Leamington providing festive cheer at the New Windmill Ground this afternoon as they beat Oxford City 4-0 in front of a crowd of 512 and one dog. Their task was made easier by Oxford's No.3 being sent off for a second yellow card in the first half, but they showed their intent by forcing an early corner. Despite the poor weather, the ball was played along the ground much more than has been the case in recent games and the passing was accurate.

Goddard opened the scoring for the Brakes, although admittedly the ball might not have gone in but for a lucky deflection.

The keeper was brought down, producing the second yellow for the Oxford No.3, although the referee had to consult his linesman and the offending player tried to hard. The board was prepared to sub the keeper who was down for some time, but fortunately he was able to continue.

Brakes were 2-0 up at the break after the keeper had come rushing out, as he was prone to do and Dodd scored in time added on. The television results services showed them to have a half-time score of 3-0. It was not long before Fry confirmed this score and he scored the fourth, but the old five was not to be secured. Oxford showed their frustration by increasingly resorting to fouls and earned some more yellow cards.

Despite messing up a good chance in the first half, Matty Dodd proved to be handful for the Oxford defence.

The visiting Germans must have been lucky for us. If the result was not enough, festive cheer was provided by the voluble referee (who would not win the 'Yes, No' interlude and the difficulties the announcer experienced with the names of the cosmopolitan Oxford team.

Better as time went on

After a poor start, Leamington improved as the match went on to secure a 1-1 draw with Hednesford Town at the New Windmill Ground on a cold afternoon. In the first half it was far from clear what the game plan was or, if it did exist, it was not being put into practice with any energy or enthusiasm. Hit and hope seemed to be the motto, either hoofing the ball into an empty space or hitting it upfield to Stefan Moore who was wandering lonely as a cloud with two defenders in attendance.

The Pitmen came out of the blocks quicker and went ahead on 3 minutes through Glenn Walker. They advanced down their left and then it was the familiar story of Brakes failing to control the ball in the box.

Trueman had to make a great fingertip save to stop the Pitmen getting a second while Brakes scarcely threatened in the first half.

Whatever Paul Holleran said at the break, there was more determination and a bit more skill in the second half. Leamington got their first corner of the game shortly after the break. Danny Newton made it 1-1 on 65 minutes.

The vociferous visiting supporters pleaded for a 'winner', but Brakes looked more likely to score in the last ten minutes, although they lived dangerously in the three minutes added on.

Attendance was stated to be 528 (probably about 100 Hednesford) plus one dog.