Convincing victory

Leamington won a convincing 3-1 victory over Curzon Ashton in the FA Trophy at the Phillips 66 Community Stadium after going 0-1 down early in the first half.

The Brakes went behind in the 4th minute after a goal was scored from play from a free kick. Taking advantage of a Dunbar free kick, Joe Magunda equalised in the 39th minute from a header in a goalmouth scramble.

Brakes more pressure immediately after the interval and were rewarded when Curzon scored an own goal. It was the best finish of the match.

Just after he had come on as a substitute, Ahmed Obeng went down in the area and Liam Canavan made it 3-1 from the penalty spot. This at last quietened the single vociferous Curzon supporter in the stand. After that it was just a question of whether they could score again.

The referee managed to dish out plenty of yellow cards, Curzon could have got more as they played a physical game.

The 'Villagers' change hands

There has been a change of ownership at North Ferriby United, the bottom club in the National League North known as 'The Villagers'. The club was first put on the market in March 2016. Up to 2015 Steve and Eman Forster injected a quarter of a million pounds into the club, but then said it would have to pay its way given the lack of commercial revenue and the small fan base.

The Forsters have transferred ownership of the club to Jamie Waltham, leaving the club debt free. Jamie Waltham, previously at Hull United and then East Yorkshire Carnegie, was at one time a player at the club. He is a local businessman working in areas such as property and gas fitting.

Rankings against Spennymoor

The Non-League Paper has given Tony Breeden the accolade of a rare score of 9 for his performance in the 4-0 victory over Spennymoor, well-deserved given his two super penalty saves. Colby Bishop also received a 9.

Other scores: Taundry, 8; Gudger, 7; Magunda, 7; Hood, 7; English, 7; Dunbar, 7; Gittings, 7; Bishop, 9 (Revan, 7); Clarke, 7; Felix, 7.

An attendances paradox

National League North games attract higher average attendances than those in the National League South: Why is this the case?

Leamington are 15th in the attendance table on 658, at least we are ahead of Nuneaton (638). But we did attract bigger crowds when we were lower down the pyramid.

Manager of the month curse strikes

The manager of the month award often brings a good run of form to an end and so it was at the Phillips 66 Community Stadium today as Leamington went down 0-2 to lowly Boston United in front of a crowd of 592 (and no canine supporters).

Brakes went a goal behind on three minutes when Tony Breeden came out of his goal to deal with a long throw by Tom Muggleton, was unable to do so and the visitors scored. This early setback seemed to take the wind out of Leamington's sails and they were unable to put any decent moves together until later in the half.

The referee was being assessed and this encouraged him to enforce the rules by the letter. Dunbar, English and Gittings all received yellow cards for what admittedly were unnecessary fouls. Then Mace went into the book as the referee awarded a penalty. I thought that the advancing Harry Vince was offside. Ashley Hemmings put the ball into the right-hand corner of the net to make it 0-2.

The award of a free kick for a back pass gave Brakes a chance after the break, but there were too many defenders in the way. There was then a penalty claim, but the referee was not going to give any favours to the home side.

Subsequently Breeden received a yellow card for dissent.

Brakes nearly got back into the game, but visiting keeper George Willis made a good save to tip the ball over the bar.

Leamington did make a more determined effort in the second half, but to no avail. Indeed, only a good interception stopped Boston making it 0-3.

Leamington are 17th tonight, four points ahead of Boston in the top relegation position.

Congratulations to Paul Holleran

Congratulations to Paul Holleran on being made National League North manager of the month for October: Viva Holleran

After a worrying start to the season, both performances and results have improved considerably.

There is something of a pattern of winning this award affecting a team's results adversely, so let's hope for three points tomorrow!