A step above

Leamington lost 0-1 at home to Southport today and it was clear that there is a big difference between the third and second tiers of non-league football, from the standard of play to the refereeing. We even have a mascot: Lemmy the Lion. I would say that the National League North looks better than when we were last in it.

Brakes might have got a goalless draw, but were denied a point by unforced errors.

The main lesson I drew from this game is that you have to be quicker to the ball, otherwise you will be denied it. The other side are not going to stand around waiting for you, the pace of the game is simply quicker. You mustn't go too deep, as we did particularly in the early stages, and you can't give the opposition too much space.

All credit to Southport's well organised defence and in particular their capable keeper Iain Turner who made one brilliant save to deny Brakes.

We looked rather nervous at the start of the first half and were forced back a lot by the confident visitors, although Junior English had a good early effort. We gradually got into the game more and could have scored if Turner had not made a great one handed save in play following a free kick.

The second half started rather quietly and Southport made their first substitution after about ten minutes (announced as being for Southampton who my son-in-law was watching), eventually using all three. Leamington were starting to play with more confidence. Joe Magunda had been having a good game, but then failed to get rid of the ball while Breeden rushed out from his goal, allowing the visitors to score.

Brakes made a double substitution, although Stefan Moore did not make a great difference. Leamington showed more urgency and tried to push forward, but the skill wasn't there to break down the defence.

Attendance was 711 and one dog, fewer than my forecast of 752. The Sandgrounders didn't bring that many, their main crew was made up of about a dozen rather bafflingly yelling 'yellows' and 'yellow army'.

Referee James Oldham was better than we are used to. He kept the game flowing. He was rather fond of over long lectures to players, but eventually gave a yellow card to Southport persistent offender Adam Dugdale.

My man of the match was Ahmed Obeng.

Leamington are now 12th in the table.