Wednesday 21 December 2016

Leamington's sombre 1916 Christmas

This was my article for Tuesday's programme which was postponed because of floodlight failure.

Christmas in 1916 in Leamington was necessarily a rather sombre occasion. Not only had many lives been sacrificed on the Somme with only minimal gains in territory, there was no indication of how the costly military stalemate might be broken and the war brought to an end. Technological breakthroughs such as the tank; the arrival of the Americans; and the eventual success of the blockade of Germany, these were yet all to come.

In the first December issue of the Courier, locals were asked to consider shopping early for Christmas. Such an appeal in early December would seem odd today. Nevertheless, E. Francis and Sons of Bath Street stated in an advert: ‘We are making early displays both of useful, inexpensive Christmas Gifts, and also of some very beautiful novelties, specially designed for handsome gifts; and we have every hope that our customers will help us by beginning their Christmas shopping earlier than usual, and in this way relieve the pressure on our staff. Of some of the prettiest gifts we have only a limited supply, and they cannot be repeated. Special value in seasonable gifts for our soldiers and sailors.’

Alongside this advert was a long speech on the war by Mr E.M. Pollock, somewhat oddly described as ‘The Borough Member.’ He called on people to invest in war savings certificates instead of spending extra on Christmas gifts. He also made it clear that he had no time for those calling for the replacement of the dithering Mr Asquith as prime minister by the ‘Welsh Wizard’, David Lloyd George. Before the Courier was published, the change had occurred and the country had a war leader who made a real difference.

Not surprisingly, Christmas was a subdued affair in Leamington. The Post Office reported that the volume of Christmas cards was well down. The Courier reported, ‘It was not the same. How could it be the same? No one, as far as the social side was concerned, will look back on the Christmas of 1916 as a festival, and it is after all, the family and festive side that makes an English Christmas the happiest season of the year. It is only in the religious sense that the word Festival applied this third Christmas of the war. All places of worship were well attended, and hymns, sermons and simple decorations once more brought us face to face with the greatest fact and the greatest factor in the history of the world.’ In rather convoluted language, necessary given the sensitivity of the subject, the Courier went on to reflect on the way in which the war had shaken the religious faith of many and the failure of what was meant to be ‘a restraining influence on the greeds and passions of men.’

‘As regards an influx of people into the town, this did not occur, for the request not to travel unless necessary had its effect on passenger traffic in and out of Leamington as elsewhere. Compared with Easter, it was trifling. Khaki was greatly in evidence and munitions workers helped swell the list. Trains from Nuneaton, Northampton and Leicester contributed a fair quota of passengers, and it goes without saying that trains from Coventry were full.’

Tuesday 15 November 2016

Brakes Can Win Cup Games

Leamington beat Nuneaton Town 2-1 tonight at the Phillips 66 Community Stadium in the Birmingham Senior Cup in front of a small crowd (126) including one dog. It was a game well worth turning out for.

The impressive Jack Edwards headed Brakes ahead on 10 minutes, making good use of a corner. Then Ryan Rowe calmly converted a penalty.

Nuneaton pressed hard after the break and pulled one back on 54 minutes. They then hit the post and had a goal that came in off the post ruled out for offside. Having blazed over from a sitter, their keeper came up for a late corner from which Brakes counter attacked but were unable to score.

In the quarter finals now. Wolves at home would be good.

Tuesday 11 October 2016

A game of two halves

Leamington beat King's Lynn Town 3-0 tonight at the Phillips 66 Community Stadium, all the goals coming in the second half. With England on tv, there was a depleted attendance of 345 and one dog, but a fair sized contingent had made the long journey from Norfolk.

In the first half the ball was played in the air far too much and the visiting keeper was only tested once.

Ahmed Obeng opened the scoring for Brakes on 59 minutes and he almost scored again immediately afterwards when he burst through and was one on one with the keeper.

Nerves were settled on 84 minutes when Courtney Baker-Richardson made it 2-0 and, then with the keeper out of his goal, Jack Edwards, who had come on as a substitute, scored the third.

Tuesday 13 September 2016

Great fight back by Brakes

Leamington staged a great fight back against Redditch United at the Phillips 66 Community Stadium tonight to win 2-1. The home side took a sucker punch in the third minute when the visitors broke from a Brakes corner and Danilo Johnson was given the space to score with a header. Breeden didn't seem too happy with the lino.

The Redditch keeper then made a great save from Jack Edwards and Breeden made a good stop to keep Brakes in the match.

Gudger replaced Tom James at half time because if injury. When Taundry came on in place of Lilly he made a real difference, commanding the midfield and positioning himself well to influence the game. Redditch increasingly resorted to fouls and received a number of yellow cards.

On 64 minutes Rowe equalised from a corner. This revitalised Brakes and Hood then made it 2-1 in a goalmouth scramble.

The Harbury Lane end kept up a chant of 'You can stick your Ferrari up your ****' as Brakes defended their lead with vigour.

Leamington are fourth, two points behind new leaders Slough Town.

Attendance was 408 and one dog.

Saturday 10 September 2016

Lessons to be learned

A 90th minute penalty secured Weymouth a share of the points at the Phillips 66 Community Stadium this afternoon, Leamington drawing 1-1 with the Terras. It cannot be said that it was an unfair result with Weymouth pressing hard down the slope in the second half. What you shouldn't do when you have a 1-0 lead, having missing a couple of chances to score, is to sit back and defend because sooner or later, one way or another, the opposition will find a way through

On a damp but mild afternoon, supporters were regaled by Alice before the game who seemed to have something with the Co-op, but was handing out clappers rather than a divi. Three boxers were also introduced before the game, quite why I don't know, but I saw them mixing with the crowd at half time, one asserting that in street fighting there were no rules. I have been told they were local youths who had won regional belts and hope to box for England.

We chose to change ends and I thought we would have been better off playing down the slope in the second half.

Tony Breeden had to make a good save on the line. Then after twenty minutes, good play involving a jinxing run saw Obeng set up Ryan Rowe whose shot was firm but not over hit to make it 1-0. Great build up play then gave Thompson-Brown a golden chance, but somehow he hit the crossbar. Hood was providing some good defensive work, as he did throughout the match. Two late corners from Leamington created some pressure.

The Terras applied more pressure after the break and Breeden had to get down to make a good save on the ground. Debutant Zak Lilly, brought in on loan from Telford with the aid of the 12th man fund, then had a great chance to score, but put the ball over. Hood received a yellow card for handball. Weymouth's big lump Stephane Zubar (who has played for a number of clubs in France, Romania and England) then received a yellow card, having already given his views to the referee earlier in the game.

An example of how the Brakes were getting things wrong was when a free kick was played to an opposition player and we then found ourselves under pressure. Tony Breeden had to save from a Weymouth substitute who was one on one with him and should have scored. The penalty was awarded around the 90th minute and AFC Bournemouth product Charlie Davis made no mistake in putting it in the top right-hand corner, giving Breeden no chance.

Referee Abbas Khan managed to add about seven minutes on, but although the Brakes piled on some frantic pressure, it was too late and to no avail.

Leamington are now 4th, three points behind leaders Chippenham.

Saturday 27 August 2016

No pot of gold for Brakes

Two rainbows could be seen from the Phillips 66 Community Stadium today, but there was no pot of gold for Leamington as they drew 1-1 with Biggleswade Town. The first half was played in torrential rain accompanied by flashes of lighting and rolls of thunder. The rain continued for much of the second half despite the sun coming out.

The visitors were all over Leamington for the opening phase of the game with Inih Effiong a real menace. The Brakes defence look vulnerable whereas the Waders held their line well. It was no surprise when Effiong put the visitors ahead with a neat finish. There was, however, more than a hint of offside. The young referee, one of those who likes to laugh with the players, was giving all the marginal decisions to Biggleswade.

Ahmed Obeng was getting a lot of criticism from those around me, even though he was trying to create more than most of the other players, but it was Obeng who equalised for Brakes before half time.

The Waders started the second half strongly, but Leamington started to get back in the game. Lee Moore, who had come on as a substitute, missed a good chance and then what looked like a certain own goal was cleared off the line.

Leamington then created pressure with a series of corners, but the experienced Ian Brown in the opposition goal made a series of near miraculous saves. He had to make a fingertip save at the end of the game to makes sure of the draw. Lewis Gwilliams, standing for the suspended Tony Breeden, had a decent game.

The result leaves Leamington in 3rd place, one point behind Chippenham who drew at St. Neots.

Tuesday 16 August 2016

Merthyron!

Merthyr's vociferous band of supporters may well be feeling hard done by and truly martyrs (in Welsh above) as they make the long trek back to Wales, but the sign of a successful team is when they win even though the other side has been on top. Merthyr had a well organised defence with a former Welsh international keeper and were threatening in attack, but somehow Leamington survived the onslaught.

Leamington's attempts on goal in the first half were largely high and wild. After the break, the visitors stepped up the pressure and forced a series of corners. However, Leamington managed to break from time to time and with the minutes ticking away scored a goal from a crowded goalmouth. Edwards, who had been impressive all night won a header from a free kick and Thompson-Brown, who had come on as a sub, put the ball over the line. The goal was met with wild scenes of delight.

Official attendance was 464. I didn't see the dog, but maybe I missed him.

The Brakes are now top with 12 points but Saturday's opponents, Chippenham Town, are just two points behind.

Saturday 6 August 2016

Good start to campaign

Leamington started their 2016-17 campaign with a good win over Cirencester Town in hot conditions. Two first half super strikes from Ryan Rowe really settled matters.

Rowe scored his first after seven minutes. The visitors replied with a shot that wasn't far off target. Good work by Ahmed Obeng won a corner and the ball nearly went into the net. Rowe then scored his second with a blistering strike, a curler into the top corner.

We then seemed to take our feet off the gas a bit, although we had a chance of scoring a third just before half time. At half time we were top of the league!

Thompson Brown then scored on 52 minutes and for a moment there were hopes of the old five. However, Cirencester replied after two minutes with a header. We did not defend well for their goal. Cirencester's hapless left back Scott Bevan received a yellow card for a blatant trip. Rowe was taken off to loud applause and Lee Moore came on.

Breeden made a great save to preserve Leamington's lead and then had to spring into action again to keep the score at 3-1.

I was very impressed with Ahmed Obeng: good pace and some real skill.

Official attendance: 447 and one dog. Non-league dogs fans may wish to note that a FA Cup extra preliminary round match yesterday was sponsored by two miniature dachshunds: Canine sponsors

Saturday 9 July 2016

Bogey team Stourbridge

The Glassboys beat the Brakes 4-1 this afternoon at the Phillips 66 Community Stadium. Brakes had a debutante 6ft 8 ins. keeper who is normally the No.2 at Stratford. A call was put into the Bardsmen last night.

However, I don't think it was really his fault. We put some good crosses into the box but the end product wasn't there. Stourbridge had a well-organised defence.

There was a decent crowd and the game was played at a fast, competitive pace. Joe Magunda put Brakes ahead and, as the announcer said, this was a collector's item.

The Glassboys then scored with a scorcher of a goal from the much-travelled Chris Lait, leading to a chant of 'One for Iceland' from the Stourbridge massive, and this was followed by a second goal which was a chip over the keeper. Stourbridge were now dominating the game, but the half was brought to a premature end by a nasty clash of heads.

It was Chris Lait who put the Glassboys 3-1 ahead around 68 minutes and then they had a tap in at the end of the game. Plenty of lessons to be learned which is the point of these fixtures.

I arrived quite late and there were no programmes left, although the announcer found one for me. For anyone interested, I reproduce my article below which takes the theme of the battle of the Somme.

Way Back Then

On the eve of the First World War in June 1914, Stourbridge Football Club held their annual meeting at the Vine Hotel, Stourbridge. Probably few of those present anticipated that the country would be at war within the next two months. Some of those in the room undoubtedly laid down their lives in the years ahead, perhaps at the terrible battle of the Somme which we are currently commemorating (it lasted for 141 days). We should never forget the courage and sacrifice of those young soldiers, many of them footballers. Indeed, a football was thrown over the parapet when the attack was launched on one section of the front.

However, the problem for the Glassboys in 1914 was that the team was doing well, but this was not reflected in the level of support. The committee’s report stated that ‘They could look with feelings of satisfaction as far as the success of the team was concerned, but they were face to face with the fact that even a winning team had not received adequate support.’

The financial situation was, however, very good. Gate receipts were £700. Using the Bank of England’s inflation calculator, this is £73,000 in today’s prices, which strikes me as a very good amount, so perhaps the committee was complaining too much. The club had also done very well out of transfers, including the transfer of Richards to Aston Villa. They only give a global figure for transfers of £57,000 at today’s prices, but it is likely that around £50,000 of this was accounted for by the Villa signing. The club was left with a balance of £7,389 at today’s prices.

In its issue of 7 July 1916, the Courier contained a stop press headed ‘The War’. It stated: ‘East of La Boiselle we captured German trench on thousand yard front, enemy suffering heavily south-west of Thiepval. Determined attack on our new lines completely crushed. This morning, east of Albert, we resumed vigorous offensive. Germans at same time launched heavy attacks on our new trenches in vicinity of the Anere and north of Fricourt. Violent fighting progressing. We gained several important tactical successes. Germans gained three hundred yards north of Thiepval.’ How many lives were lost of both sides gaining small portions of devastated land? Over 19,000 British soldiers died on the first day of fighting in the Somme.

In the following week’s issue of the Courier, it was reported that a Bishops Itchington man had returned to his village. He had been wounded a few months before and had made a good recovery. On this occasion he had been wounded in the ankle by shrapnel but was able to get about with the aid of a stick. He expected to be able to return to the Front at an early date. He must have already seen plenty of horrors and be aware that he might not be relatively fortunate next time. However, people just quietly did their duty, although in retrospect the strategy and tactics of the commanders have been questioned. When one sees the war graves today on television, they look so peaceful, although the sheer number of them is always a shock. At the going down of the sun, we shall remember them.

More on the Somme here from my friend historian Mark Harrison: Turning point

Thursday 28 April 2016

Sensational victory

I was not well enough to go to see Leamington's semi-final play off victory at Redditch last night, although I have every intention of making it to Hungerford Meanwhile, here is the report from the Courier: Last Gasp Brakes

Video of the penalty shootout here: Shootout

Saturday 23 April 2016

Brakes play for draw

Leamington played for a draw today and a 0-0 result against Hungerford Town gave them a play off match away to Redditch United on Wednesday. The game attracted an attendance of 721, including a substantial Hungerford contingent. Even the local canine population recognised the importance of the game, with at least three turning out.

They were probably disappointed by what they saw. It was no feast of football from either side with the ball going up in the air far more than was desirable.

In the first half Hungerford's main plan seemed to be to get our players booked, something for which they apparently known. Every time there was a foul, their player writhed in agony. The referee, who was having his last game, wanted to use the stock of homilies he had stored up over his career, but eventually he gave Austin a card.

Hungerford's main danger man in the first half and throughout the game was their No.11, Garyn Preen, advertised as a 'tricky winger' in the programme.

Just before half time there was a shout for a Brakes penalty for handball in the area.

Dubidat was not very impressive up front, but Ben Mackey was not brought on until five minutes from end. The Brakes looked vulnerable at corners because they failed to provide an outlet up field and the ball came back again.

Leamington did have a few half chances in the second half, mainly through the skill of Sam Austin. He put in a great curler of a shot that was just over and later nutmegged an opposition defender with real skill. Earlier, some Brakes pressure had seen the ball cleared off the line and then a shot came in that was just over.

But I guess it's a case of job done, or not, as the case may be.

Saturday 9 April 2016

We got the three points

Leamington secured three important points with a 2-0 victory over Paulton Rovers at the Phillips 66 Community Stadium this afternoon. The crowd of 443 and one dog saw a rather uninspiring display by the Brakes, but we do go up to 3rd in the table, albeit Kettering have two games in hand over us. We will need to do better on Tuesday if we are to come away with anything.

An early penalty was awarded to the Brakes after the Paulton keeper (said to be 'a character on and off the pitch') came out and brought down Dubidat who had to go off injured. The referee did not show a card as the ball was going out for a goal kick, but I thought that a yellow was merited. In any event, Austin stepped and took the penalty to put Brakes 1-0 ahead. Ogleby came on to replace Dubidat.

We came close to scoring when the ball had to be cleared off the line twice, but the score remained at 1-0 at half time.

In the second half our play often seemed to be disjointed and we surrendered possession too easily. It wouldn't have been easy to work out which was the bottom team. Leamington did get the ball in the net after a nice move, but it was offside.

The sub was subbed and Ben Mackey came on. I wasn't sure why he didn't start. In any event he made it 2-0 on 88 minutes with a header from a corner.

Saturday 26 March 2016

Brakes fight back

Brakes fought back from a 0-2 deficit to secure a 2-2 draw against Chippenham Town at the Phillips 66 Community Stadium in atrocious conditions this afternoon.

The strong wind made playing good football difficult, but the Bluebirds adapted better to the conditions. They went ahead in the first half through an own goal by Taundry when Breeden should have come for the ball.

Leamington tried a double substitution early in the second half but home hearts sunk when shambolic defending gifted the visitors a 0-2 lead.

However, Jack Edwards then pulled one back for Brakes. Chippenham's No.10 then got sent off for a foul on Breeden, but this advantage did not last on as Taundry received a second yellow. However, to great celebrations, Leamington made it 2-2 through Jack Edwards. Monsoon conditions prevailed as the teams left the field.

The referee had a poor game. He should have got a grip in the first half and stopped their bald No.9 intimidating the lino for a start.

Tuesday 15 March 2016

There's only one Sam Austin!

Leamington put another Dorset club to the sword tonight with a 3-0 victory over Dorchester Town at the Phillips 66 Community Stadium. It was as good a performance as I have seen from the Brakes all season.

Great credit goes to talented youngster Sam Austin who scored the first two goals on five and 54 minutes and then created the opportunity for Ben George to score the third on 74 minutes. Ben Mackey also had a good game.

After scoring early, we continued to press but couldn't find the back of the net, even in a goalmouth scramble in the closing minutes of the first half. The visitors tried to equalise early in the second half and we looked shaky for a while, the second goal being much needed.

Attendance as 312 and one dog.

Saturday 12 March 2016

League leaders beaten

League leaders Poole Town were beaten 1-0 in front of a crowd of 502 and one dog this afternoon at the Phillips 66 Community Stadium. For a team that are supposed to be invincible, Poole did not look that impressive. Perhaps they gained their exalted position by constant moaning and surrounding the referee. Poole's No.4 (Michael Walker) deserved a medal for his endless moaning.

Brakes started brightly, forcing an early corner, but then Poole came into the game more. However, Tony Breeden only had to make only significant save all half. Sam Austin was on great form.

Luke Burbidge, Poole's No.7, works as a diver in his day job and applied his skills to the land.

Towards the end of the half, Ben Mackey burst through, but put his shot just wide. However, the 0-0 half time score probably reflected the balance of play.

Unusually, Brakes warmed up before the half and looked the sharper side, despite a chant of 'We're going to score in a minute' from the visiting supporters. Mackie put the Brakes ahead on 57 minutes, deflected from a shot by Moore. In a double substitution, Poole brought on their big (actually physically rather small) new signing, Abudlai Baggie.

The ball had to be cleared off the line by a Poole player as Mackie threatened. Austin released Mackie who had an open goal but failed to score. Tony Breeden made a great save in injury time.

Leamington were in control, but the referee managed to add on 4 minutes 53 seconds (according to Keef) before the final whistle blew. Leamington are now 5th.

Tuesday 1 March 2016

One is enough

I was hoping to have an opportunity to use the historic 'Two nil or not two nil' chant tonight at the Phillips 66 Community Stadium, but in the end I had to be satisfied with a 1-0 victory for Leamington over Stratford Town in a highly competitive match.

In the first half, the Brakes engaging in some fluent play with some accurate passing and good balls forward. An early effort by the energetic Sam Austin was just over. It started to rain heavily, although it later stopped. In a move that started with a free kick, Courtney Baker-Richardson scored the winning goal for the Brakes on 37 minutes.

Leamington nearly scored a second early in the second half when the ball went just over from Lee Moore after two attempts on goal. Breeden nearly sacrificed the slender lead in the second half when he came charging out of his goal in his customary manner, but the effort by the Bardsmen was wide.

The visitors were more impressive in the second half and their vociferous supporters thought they deserved a penalty. Brakes start to play too deep, but they held on for the vital three points.

Attendance was 434 plus the usual dog who looked particularly alert. Leamington are now 6th.

Tuesday 23 February 2016

Encouraging signs

Leamington beat Dunstable Town 1-0 at the Phillips 66 Community Stadium tonight and there were some encouraging signs in their play. The game was played at a fast pace and the visitors were a well organised side, leaving aside their inept left back who provoked some laughter.

Brakes stepped up the pressure in the second half, but it looked as if the deadlock would never be broken until Jack Edwards scythed a powerful shot along the ground from distance.

There were some anxious moments in the closing minutes when we were playing far too deep and inviting pressure. Even their keeper was allowed to roam all over the pitch.

A special word for Joe Magunda who made some excellent interventions.

Leamington are now seventh and three points off the play off places and King's Lynn Town whom we play on Saturday.

Saturday 30 January 2016

Two great strikes give victory

Two great strikes by Connor Gudger and Ben Mackey gave Leamington a 2-0 victory over Frome Town at the Phillips 66 Community Stadium this afternoon.

Brakes dominated possession in the first half. They were brisker than usual, possibly because of the very cold conditions, and passed the ball along the ground more often. Three great saves by the visiting keeper kept the score to 0-0 at half time, although Brakes did fade in the last ten minutes of the half.

Lee Chilton was injured in the second half and he had been one of the better players. However, Gudger put Brakes ahead with a great curving ball from 20 yards out. Mackey then made it 2-0 with another great strike from distance.

Frome threatened with a free kick from a dangerous position, but it came off the wall.

Will Green came on for his customary cameo, but there was to be no triumph of the Will.

I have never seen a referee laugh so much, particularly at some of Breeden's antics.

Attendance was 405. The customary dog was absent.