Stalemate

It was a scrappy 0-0 draw between Leamington and Hereford at Harbury Lane this afternoon.  I will take the point as I couldn't see where a goal for us was coming from while I feared another 1-0 defeat. 

Osborne showed the only real quality in attack, but he had little support.  Defensively we did look quite solid.

The bull**** quotient was high with Hereford trying to get players booked.  Then as substitute Andersom burst through in a one on one with the defender, a Hereford player started writhing in agony at the other end of the pitch and the referee stopped the game.  Fortunately he made a miraculous recovery.

Hope for Brakes came with a late corner, but the delivery was poor.   We missed Smith who had a scan in the week.

Viva Holleran!

Leamington manager Paul Holleran is featured in an interview in The Non-League Paper this morning.  He says that the FA Trophy win over Wrexham had all the hallmarks of what Leamington's season had been about.  It was one of the finest days in the club's history since it had been re-formed. 

He said, 'We've had to be resilient and robust, we've been very good in periods and scored good goals, we've been backs to the walls and hung in there.'

He singled out Jake Weaver and Sam Osborne for praise.  Osborne is already in the shop window and could potentially be joined by Weaver.

It doesn't feel right without fans

A journalist visits an eerie Harbury Lane for the game against AFC Fylde.   Unfortunately, it looks like a long time before spectators will be back: https://worldfootballindex.com/2020/12/it-doesnt-feel-right-without-fans-leamington-spar-with-fylde-but-non-league-needs-supporters/?fbclid=IwAR3L7D6b45X3BHgP8cuhkF3O1JIDk7aSZjoXhpStPFlWEbl2Yc5VkdnFlbI

Brakes are front page news

The front page of The Non-League Paper this morning has a picture of the players celebrating with the caption 'Giantkillers!  Leamington players can't hide their delight after knocking Wrexham out of the FA Trophy on penalties.'

The headline inside is 'Tinkerman Keates has no excuse for defeat.'   There is an incomprehensible interview with the supremo on YouTube, but he told the NLP 'We didn't overlook Leamington.'

He added, 'Take nothing away from Leamington, but we just didn't do enough to force the game.'

The NLP stated that 'Wrexham's lower tier opponents created the better chances.'

Unfortunately I scared my partner last night by putting on my Paul Holleran mask.

Wow!

Congratulations to the Brakes on a fantastic victory at Wrexham.   Here is the report from Wrexham: https://www.wrexhamafc.co.uk/news/match-report-wrexham-0-0-5-6-leamington?fbclid=IwAR1sEJrTIYhsvCAbsI5GLixOHsoIA-K3njMhESiqJIsM3VGMLtCDICALj5E 

One of our best runs of form for many years and we can't see them live, thankfully we have an excellent streaming service.

The old five with a Lance Smith hattrick

Leamington beat St. Ives Town 5-0 at the Community Stadium in the FA Trophy tonight, earning an away fixture at Wrexham.   Lance Smith scored a hattrick.   It was the tenth match unbeaten in all competitions for Leamington.

It was an assured performance from the Brakes, but the visitors were competitive and looked threatening in the first ten minutes of each half.

It was a blustery, cold evening at Harbury Lane, but thanks to the streaming service I was able to watch the game from the comfort and privacy of my own home.

It was a cagey and somewhat lacklustre start for Leamington while St. Ives showed some composure and confidence.  Former Leamington player Nathan Hicks looked like a potential danger man.  Weaver had to make a couple of early saves.

Osborn flashed the ball across the face of the goal, but there was no one there to connect.  A good ball from Waldron saw Smith's effort go just wide.

The first goal on 31 minutes was a Route 1 effort. A free kick from Weaver was picked up by Waldron who made it 1-0.  A few minutes later Smith made it 2-0 with a poacher's goal.

Clarke had to defend well.   An Osborne header hit the outside of the post.  Weaver made a good save from Richards.

HT: 2-0

Meredith came on for Martin and had a good half.  Brakes had a lot of defending to do in the opening minutes.  St. Ives had plenty of attacking impetus, but there was no end product.

On 62 minutes Osborne turned provider for Smith who made it 3-0.  Osborne was then replaced by Anderson and three cars left the car park.

Brakes hit the post twice, the second time from Anderson.   English replaced Edwards.   On 76 minutes Waldron's shot squirmed through the keeper to make it 4-0.  A Waldron header was just off target.

On 87 minutes Smith made it 5-0 to claim the ball.

In the second half, Leamington's passing was accurate and fluent and the ball was moved well from one side to another.

Six figure sponsorship for non-league club

Fan owned non-league club Lewes FC have attracted a six figure sponsorship from a fashion brand: https://www.soccerex.com/insight/articles/2020/lewes-fc-announces-groundbreaking-partnership-deal-with-fashion-brand-lyle-scott 

Scouts target Osborne

Sam Osborne scored another great goal at the Community Stadium last night and it is no surprise that he is attracting the attention of scouts.  Accrington Stanley (for whom we are almost a nursery club) and Derby County are among those said to be interested.

Although the late equaliser last night by Brackley Town was frustrating, I will take the point.  They are a well-organised side as we saw against Tranmere Rovers last Friday and pose a considerable attacking threat.   Their keeper also made some great saves. 

Scouting report from tomorrow's opponents

AFC Fylde take an in depth look at Leamington ahead of tomorrow night's game: https://www.afcfylde.co.uk/get-to-know-leamington-fc/

AFC Fylde are also known as 'little Blackpool' and attracted support from Tangerines fans when their club went through years of turmoil.

Football in Leamington curbed drunkenness

This account of the early history of football in Leamington appeared in the virtual programme for Alfreton Town:

In September 1920 the Courier ran a special feature article on the history of football in Leamington.  It noted: ‘The popularity of Association football with Englishmen – a popularity becoming greater each year – is not be wondered at.  It is a game full of interest from start to finish and, given a b right afternoon, a day spent watching a thrilling game is a fine antidote for the man who has been hard at work or cooped up in a factory or office all week.   It has been alleged by “spoil sports” that football leads to gambling, drunkenness and other evils.  The late Mr F.J. Brabner, a well-known former chief constable of Leamington, and a keen supporter of the game, in a conversation with the writer said he remembered the time before football was so popular with the crowd, when the working man on leaving work went straight to the public house, and very often stayed there until his wife fetched him out in the evening in a half-drunken condition with what was left of his wages.  Since the passion for football has developed, he went on to say, the man on Saturday rushed home from work, had his dinner, a wash, and was off to the game.’

‘There he sat or stood in the invigorating air for a couple of hours or more, thoroughly enjoying himself.  Then home to tea with a keen appetite.  And if he did go out of evening, it was often with his wife and children.  “No”, said Mr Brabner, “football does not lead to drunkenness; it does a great deal to prevent it.’

‘The writer came to Leamington just over 50 years ago, and saw the beginning of the association game in the Royal Spa.  The handling code – Rugby – was ending a fitful existence.  It had its supporters, but did not appeal to the public fancy as the Association game does.   The town club was running when I came here as a youth.   At this time Mr H.P. Hordern, dentist of the Parade, was secretary of the club.  Contemporary with the Town the Leamington Albions ran a team, and later on the Town club ceasing to exist, most of the players threw their lot in with the Albions .  The Town played up the Tachbrook Road, where the site of the new housing scheme is; the Albions on the old Warwick Road.  It was the taking of their ground later by the new Association club which led to the passing of the Albions.   The players were mostly working men, but they formed a good team and won the Coventry and District Junior Cup two years in succession.’

‘In 1891 Association - which was booming all over the land - began to make its impress in Leamington, and the very first club to be formed was in connection with St. Paul’s Church.   Many of my older readers will remember the singular sporting event that took place between them and the Albions.  It was decided that one half should be rugby, and the other association.   The Albions were successful at both codes!   At the beginning of the 1891 season, in addition to St. Paul’s Club, two new clubs made their appearance – the Parish Church club and the Alliance.’

League Two for Baker-Richardson

After three years at Swansea, Courtney Baker-Richardson has found a new berth at League Two Barrow.  Needless to say, he's delighted.

Jim Scott interview

Brakes chairman Jim Scott does not believe than an arbitrary U-turn away from 'elite' status would fix National League North's Covid quandary - even if it might suit Leamington.

Scott told The Non-League Paper that most of the Brakes regulars would fit in under the capacity restrictions, but it was not a case of one size fits all.   'We have eight ex-Football League clubs, five with gates that sit at around 1,500-2000 per match.  Then you come down to smaller clubs like Brackley Town and Leamington at around 500-600.'

If elite status was removed, a lot of clubs with smaller fan bases would be very happy, but the larger clubs wouldn't be.  'They would have to make up their money through streaming and no one really knows how much can be made from that over a season.  It is another unknown added to the mix.'

'I always felt a return on October 3rd could be in danger with people going back to schools and workplaces.  That's why we held off selling season tickets.'

'Communication with clubs could have been better.  But it is easy to be critical, anyone can throw stones in these times, but things are very difficult for all concerned.'

Baker-Richardson on trial with Charlton

Former Brakes striker Courtney Baker-Richardson played for Charlton for 30 minutes in a practice match at Crystal Palace on Saturday.

The club are currently under a transfer embargo, but could offer him a contract as he is a free agent.

I had mentioned him to my contacts at Charlton.

Holleran 'optimistic and realistic'

Paul Holleran

Leamington are the featured National League North team in today's Non-League Paper.

The new recruits are all discussed,  'Getting the goalkeeper situation sorted was a big thing on my mind,' said Paul Holleran. Holleran turns 50 next month and is approaching 1,000 games in management.

Discussing his recruitment strategy he said, 'We do look at Step 3 players, up-and-coming players, and players who have been released.  They should have the mind set that they can get into, or back into, full-time football.  The best way to perform is in the National League - the rest will look after itself.'

Holleran was described as optimistic and realistic about what Leamington can achieve this season.  'National League North is a really strong league.  It's a bit like the Premier League - you can split it into three sections.  You sort of know where Spennymoor, York, Boston, Brackley and a few others will be.'

'We've been in the bottom third and hovering around it.  The next step is trying to be a team that gets into that next tier.  It's within our capabilities to compete with teams settled and established in the division.  That has to be the aim.'

Former players news

Courtney Baker-Richardson has been let go after three years at Swansea which he says has helped his development both as a person and a player.  Not the easiest time to get a new contract, even in the National League, but wish him well.

He tweeted: 'learnt a lot in my time there and grew from a boy to a man. I walk away happy with what i achieved personally I always put in 110% every time I put the shirt on. I wish nothing but the best for them in the future. So to the staff, the players and the fans, THANKYOU.'

Also news of Jude Bellinngham who is going to join Borussia Dortmund rather than Manchester United.  The Bundesliga club are offering more first team football and £54k a week over five years.

Bit annoyed with the report in The Times this morning, since when has East Thurrock been in the Midlands and why not mention Leamington?: 

His father Mark is a police sergeant who had a non-League career, scoring more than 700 goals playing for the likes of East Thurrock United and Paget Rangers in the Midlands leagues.

Being prudent has worked for Brakes

Chairman Jim Scott makes a number of interesting points in this piece for the Non-League Daily.  Brakes have benefitted from a prudent approach, but it is clear that there are choppy waters ahead for non-league clubs: https://nonleaguedaily.com/having-lost-a-club-in-the-past-we-wont-allow-that-to-happen-again-leamington-chairman-jim-scott/?fbclid=IwAR1t6QYPUe0pKapmXjkz7wIzhxCHpC6bst1n3miMDL9m5jjavcr2X2AxDwg

A little competition

Who is the most unlikely person you have seen at the New Windmill Ground?   My nomination is Annaliese Dodds, now the Shadow Chancellor, although this was before she even entered politics.

She doesn't live anywhere near Leamington, nor did she live anywhere near the opposition team.  I knew her quite well in those days and she had never expressed any interest in football.

So why was she there?   If someone gets a right answer, I will donate £10 to the Graham Hobbins appeal.

No response so: she was a close friend of the lino and admiring his action with the flag.

Brakes supremo speaks out

Leamington chairman Jim Scott has said that non-league football will not be viable unless crowds are allowed to return: https://www.leamingtoncourier.co.uk/sport/football/non-league-footballs-return-not-viable-without-crowds-says-brakes-chairman-scott-2881022#gsc.tab=0

I would add that I am not watching football from behind a mask.  How could I then express my appreciation of the decision-making of the referee and the lino or the vigorous tackling of the opposition No.3?

Goalless draw at White Hart Lane disappoints

As my article for the game against Bradford Park Avenue never saw the light of day, here it is:

‘More disappointment for the Tottenham crowd’ was the headline on a report of a game between Tottenham Hotspur and Bradford Park Avenue in the Southern League in November 1907.   ‘The acquisition of one point by the Spurs last Saturday was better than defeat, but it was not the result that was expected after the performance at Portsmouth the previous week.  Supporters of the club fully expected to see them beat Bradford Park Avenue, and they were much disappointed at the goalless draw, all the more so, perhaps, because the Woolwinders, as the Northerners are called, gave only a moderate display.  On the form shown by the visitors, the Spurs should certainly have won.  We hardly know where to look for success when they fail to overcome such opposition.  It was a fairly interesting game, although there were not many exciting incidents.  [In other words, it was a bore draw].  The first half witnessed the better football.  The exchanges were largely favourable to the Spurs, who deserved to have led by two goals at the interval, having regard to the pressing they did.’

‘The Northerners played with spirit.  On the run of the play, the Spurs should have won, but their attacks needed to have been more thrustful, although we must recognise that Bradford had an admirable defence.  The effectiveness of the opposition was the more surprising because both the backs were reserves, the regular men being on the injured list.  The visitors’ halves had a worrying way with them, and were always on the move.   There were 20,000 people at the match, nearly half of whom came in after the start, which was earlier than it had been heretofore this season.’

Amalgamation talks were held with Bradford City in 1907, but got nowhere.   Bradford Park Avenue were confident that they could get into the second division of the Football League, but the Leeds Mercury (perhaps not the most unbiased source) was not confident of their chances of success.    The paper commented, ‘Their chances of election this year are not bright.   Fulham , Oldham Athletic and Rotherham are all anxious to take places in the second division of the Football League and their claims would undoubtedly merit more consideration than Bradford’s.   It is also well known that the Football League rulers are opposed to having two league clubs in one town.’  Nevertheless, they were elected in 1908.

At the beginning of September 1908 Bradford Park Avenue’s first game as a second division club was played before 13,000 spectators at home.  With the wind behind them, they opened the scoring in the second minute and this was the only goal.  Hull City had their chances in the second half, but failed to take them.

There were benefactors in football before the First World War.   In 1910 it was reported that the chairman, Mr Harry Briggs, had generously wiped off a loan of £5,000 advanced by him for transfer fees, leaving the club entirely free of debt.   This would be just under £600,000 at today’s prices according to the Bank of England.    The total income was £5,370, the net gate receipts being £4,085 and subscriptions £1,207.   Players’ wages absorbed £3,518 (somewhat over £400,000 at today’s prices) and travelling and training £716.  The profit on the season was £85 (£10,000 in 2019).

Breedstar

Superb long interview by Paul Edwards with Tony Breeden in the online Windmill Wonderland fanzine: https://windmillwonderlandfanzine.wordpress.com/2020/05/22/tony-breedens-mahooosive-interview/?fbclid=IwAR2BTms3R648puJYKL4mwbDJOeWFeAsgj3u83y64rj8xXelitcfFAAffjjo  I know that the

way he came out of goal annoyed some fans, but for me he was a genuine Brakes legend.

Hereford in top financial shape

Hereford FC, phoenix club formed following demise of Hereford United, have published their accounts. Club made £4,000 profit in 2018/19 and has plenty of cash (nearly £600,000) in the bank. Hereford FC rent rather than own Edgar St, which effectively costs them £8,000 a year. Looks as if shareholders put in £38,000 last year. Nothing like that at Leamington!

Spa towns compared

I wrote this for another of my pages

Cheltenham Town are currently in the play off positions in League Two and they had profits of £69,000 in 2018/19. This may be due to the sale of Mo Eisa to Bristol City for about £1.5m, notes Kieran Maguire of the PriceofFootball. The club has plenty of cash in the bank. Cheltenham did not sign any players for fees in 2018/19. Cheltenham loans down about £120,000.

Local businessman and lifelong fan Andy Wilcox became chairman in 2018: New chairman

Arguably Cheltenham as a club are punching above their weight. The population of the town is 115,000 and there are not many large places in the immediate hinterland. In comparison the Leamington urban area (Leamington and Warwick) has a population of 95,000 before counting some heavily populated villages nearby. Leamington, admittedly a phoenix club, are in the National League North.

One would not think of Cheltenham as a natural football town. The biggest employer must surely be the highly secretive GCHQ which is internationally respected and plays a vital role in protecting all of us from terrorism and other threats. How many of them go to football I have no idea. Do they all call themselves 'Brian' which seems to be the done thing at London clubs?

In the case of Leamington, the so-called 'Silicon Spa' there is heavy reliance on support from the less affluent southern area of the town, the CV31 postcode. There is a large Portuguese speaking population, many of them Brazilians with Portuguese papers, but they are conspicuous by their absence at Brakes games. However, they may not be fans of hoofing the ball.

Historically Leamington was a centre of the automotive parts industry, with AP Leamington, the name of the previous club, the biggest employer. As you drove into Leamington in the 1970s there was a big poster that said 'There's a part of Leamington in every car', reflecting the claim to be the brake and clutch capital of the UK. The old AP has gone, as has the Ford Foundry. It is now a service based economy in large part, although some manufacturers survive. The club's leadership place their faith in the transformative potential of a new stadium to be built by the Council nearer the town, but have they grasped the changing demographic of the town?.

It's all about Concord

Unfortunately, I was unable to travel with dedicated fans to Canvey Island as I had a prior commitment to staff a charity stall in the Priors until 12 noon.

It's a very hard way to lose, but if one is to believe The Non-League Paper report it was all about Concord with their headline 'Beachboys spot on - to delight of Cowley.' One column is about Cowley's comments, and the second one tells us that 'Concord should have been out of sight' and about the 'cynical' actions of Junior English. At the end there is a very short paragraph with a quote from Hollers.

Never mind, let's hope that the players are not too tired for the BSC game against Wolves on Wednesday and that the battling spirit is carried over into the league.

It's a trip to the Thames Estuary

After last night's match in which Concord Rangers defeated Bath City, Leamington will be travelling to Canvey Island for their FA Trophy second round match. Known as the 'Beach Boys' because of their location, Concord Rangers are currently mid-table in the National League South so are broadly comparable to the Brakes. Read more about them here (Danny Cowley was once the manager): Concord Rangers

Canvey Island has two football clubs, the other the formerly more senior Canvey Island who are currently 9th in the Isthmian League North. The island is separated from the mainland by a network of creeks and is linked by two bridges.

It is very flat and was devastated in the 1953 floods with great loss of life. It is known for its links to the petrochemical industry.

The island is mainly populated by expatriate Londoners but has a small and growing orthodox Jewish community: BBC report

Not marching on

Testing times for Brakes supremo

Josh March won a penalty for Forest Green yesterday. He then took it and saw it saved by the Macclesfield keeper. The Silkmen went on to win 2-1. Shell shocked Forest Green supremo Mark Cooper said his side have to take their chances if they are to have a chance of promotion: 'We should have won four of five nil in my opinion. They have to score, not me.'

Commiserations to those who made the long trek to Spennymoor to see Brakes lose 2-0 in what by all accounts was a poor match. Quite a few of the teams around us have games in hand. Refund City are five points behind in the relegation places, but have two games in hand.

United swoop for son of Brakes ace

A story today not about a Brakes player moving on, but the son of our former ace striker Mark Bellingham. You can read about his contribution to the Brakes here: Mark Bellingham.

His oldest son Jude Bellingham is scoring goals for Birmingham City at the age of 16. He has been targeted by Manchester United for a £25m move, but according to some press reports thinks he is not ready for the step up.

Josh March scored his first goal for Forest Green Rovers on Saturday.

Bring on the Heed (weather permitting).

'I loved my time at Leamington'

Both The Football League Paper and The Non-League Paper carried stories on Josh March yesterday. As they are sister papers, the reports were similar, although not identical. He started in Forest Green's 4-3 victory at Mansfield, but did not score and was substituted on 69 minutes.

Unfortunately, neither story specifically mentions the Brakes in any great depth but here are a few key points:

• He can't stop smiling after only joining Paul Holleran's side in the summer
• Playing non-league 'gives you the drive to look after yourself, eat the right things before games. You have a job and get up early in the morning when you want to play football.'
• He had to give up his day job as a pipe fitter for Armstrong. 'I was meant to go back last Thursday after New Year, but I was meeting clubs. I went in and explained what was going on and they've been as good as gold.'/LI>
• 'I've filled out now, but when I was 17, 18, 19, I was stick thin almost. You learn about how to get the ball between your body and the man. They might try and kick you but that never really fazed me - I like that!'
• 'I felt I could play in the League, but would never get the opportunity.'
• 'I loved my time at Leamington. Paul Holleran has really helped me out getting this through. He's been great.'/p>

Vegan diet for Josh March

Josh March will be on a vegan diet after he joined Forest Green Rovers for an undisclosed fee. Players only have to eat vegan food when training and at matches: the rest of the time they are allowed to eat meat if they wish. In the meantime, we say to Josh: so long, and thanks for all the fish.

It had been thought that March might join Colby Bishop at Accrington, but Forest Green were badly in need of an attacking player. March will get the chance to play in the famous 'El Glosico' between Forest Green and Cheltenham Town.

The fee is undisclosed which is increasingly common in football at a time when other aspects of life are becoming more transparent about financial matters.

The deal will include a pre-season friendly between the two teams at the Phillips 66. We also should have such a game with Accrington.

It's a shame that the BBC don't realise that Leamington Town have not existed for some eighty years: March signing

Josh March has done an interesting joining interview with FGR: Pressures of a rapid ascent

That was poor

We were lucky to get away with being beaten by just 1-0 by Altrincham at the Phillips 66 Community Stadium this afternoon in front of 615 people and two non-league dogs. The visitors controlled the game from the beginning and were much more fluent in their passing. Their goalkeeper was rarely tested.

When I got on the Brakes Trust minibus I was asked if there was a money back guarantee, but there wasn't. When I got to the ground I asked Kevin Watson about the board apology for Wednesday's defeat, but he didn't know what I was talking about at first.

Altrincham were playing in a grey kit which looked as if it was the one discarded by Manchester United at half time in one game. Their approach play was excellent, it was only their finishing that let them down, although they did hit the post in the first half.

The inevitable came on 57 minutes when the visitors went ahead. Brakes did manage to get a shot on goal, but had their best phase of the game after Jordan Murphy and Connor Taylor came on. The substitutions were too long delayed. Joe Clarke mouthed off at the stand after receiving criticism, and to be fair he had a better game than most, as did Junior English. The lightweight Kaiman Anderson was only withdrawn in the dying minutes.

Although Brakes made more of an effort, they wouldn't have scored if they had had 30 minutes added on instead of three.

March is going

'Leamington FC can confirm that they have accepted an offer for the transfer of Josh March from an English Football League club. Subject to the necessary paperwork being completed it is envisaged the transfer should be completed on Monday January 6th.'

Presumably he has made a full recovery from his injury. The likely destination is either Forest Green Rovers or Accrington. My guess would be a fee of £25k plus a sell on clause.

Paul Holleran will need to use his contacts book to find a replacement, not an easy task.

Brakes lose A46 derby

Gloucester's temporary home at Evesham United

Leamington lost 2-1 away to Gloucester City this afternoon. It was really a game of two halves. City pressed hard for an early goal and were 2-0 ahead half time, having taken advantage of a lethargic Leamington with a porous defence. The second half performance was better and Jack Edwards got one back for Leamington. Two Brakes goals were chalked off for offside, the one in the first half was doubtful according to someone in line, certainly the ball in was very good, but VAR was not used.

There was a lot of speculation about the future of Josh March. He wasn't in the team or on the bench. It seems likely that he may join his former Leamington colleagues at Accrington Stanley. He is under contract so there will be a fee. However, it also been suggested that he had an ongoing muscle strain.

It is now being suggested that Forest Green Rovers are also interested in recruiting March.

Gloucester won three corners in succession early in the game and looked dangerous. They particularly threatened down the left. Their No.10 put in a dangerous cross across the front of goal, but fortunately no one was in a position to deliver a tap in. A Gloucester free kick was just over the bar. Brakes scored the goal that was judged to be offside. Weaver had to make a good save from a City free kick. Junior English was told off by the rather officious referee, presumably for giving his all.

City went ahead on 22 minutes, the ball being headed in at the far post by their No.2 from a free kick. Their No.9, Marlyn Jackson received a yellow card for simulation. Both sides went through a period where the ball was headed aimlessly or hoofed backwards and forwards. It wasn't a classic and the pitch was cutting up a bit.

City looked very dangerous on the counter attack and went ahead 2-0 on 37 minutes through Marlyn Jackson, later named man of the match. Leamington showed their frustration when one of our players kicked the ball away and got a yellow card. City threatened again in the two minutes added on.

Brakes played with more purpose in the second half, but to keep them in the game Weaver had to make two good saves. Jack Edwards then got Brakes back into the game. This started off the local moaners behind me who complained they didn't have a decent left back and their second ball was poor. Hollers made a double substitution with Maycock and Anderson going off and Kieran Dunbar and Connor Taylor coming on. Dexter Williams was giving the home side increasing trouble as the game went on, deploying his skill.

The home side used up their substitutes including bringing on their French player Fabien Robert. Brakes piled on the pressure, but another ball in the net was declared offside and it almost certainly was, even without VAR. Even with six minutes added on, the elusive equaliser could not be found.

Attendance was 370, no non-league dogs.

Presumably the Leamington board will now issue an apology and refund the £5 I spent on the minibus, the £8 to get in, and the £1.40 on a Bovril, the first time I have had that for years.