Lockheed do the double over Tamworth

Tamworth were looking for revenge when Lockheed Leamington visited them at the end of November 1972, having suffered a 3-2 defeat at the Windmill the previous week.   However, ‘Tamworth, hard hit for cash, were forced to include four amateur players in place of more experienced part-time professionals.   Lockheed, who had changes at full back, forced a first minute corner and in a goalmouth scramble centre half Brown first blocked a header and then cleared a return shot. 

Tamworth showed some neat touches in their early approach work but were generally well held and it was Morrow that made their first goal attempt with a header that flashed just over the bar from a Deakin free kick.   Lockheed’s most dangerous move came in the fourth minute when Walker ran through to the goal line and put across a powerful low drive which Richards dived to cut out before it could reach Jessop.  A Tamworth defensive mix up let Lockheed through in the 14^th minute but Moreton turned a left wing cross just round the wrong side of the post.  Walker lost out to Richards in a long chase for a through ball and missed the best chance of the half for a score.’

‘Wing half Keith Simpson had hard luck in the 47^th minute when he shot wide after the Tamworth defence failed to clear a “Monty” Moreton corner.   Tamworth failed to take advantage of a period of heavy pressure at the beginning of the second half and were gradually forced back on to the defensive by a Lockheed side that took the lead in the 58^th minute through inside right Walker.  He latched on to a through ball by Ernie Wilkinson, beat off a challenge by centre half Brown and then coolly walked the ball round goalkeeper Richards and into the net. 

 Lockheed then proceeded to force the pace and could have extended their lead four minutes later when Moreton found himself clear, but he shot high over the bar with only the goalkeeper to beat.  In the last minute of the game former Tamworth player Graham Jessop hammered home a second goal following a short cross by Cherry in the penalty area.  It was a game which Tamworth deserved to lose.  Tamworth showed more method in their build ups, but in the end it is goals that count.’

It was reported that ‘Leamington traders are to band together to prevent hooligans spoiling Christmas shopping for their customers.  As soon as troublemakers appear, an early warning system will alert every shop in the town centre within minutes.   The chairman of the Chamber of Trade Jim Shears said, “One issue more than most concerning retailers is the increase in hooliganism, violence and downright theft.  Not a week goes by but there is a mugging in the town.  Gangs, particularly at weekends, are going round the shops with the deliberate intention of stealing.”

 Chief Supt. Dennis Fretwell, head of South Warwickshire police, said they were well aware of the problems facing traders.  “I find Leamington a violent town and I do not say that lightly.  You can rest assured that the police will do their best to stamp on trouble of this kind, but you will realise the police are acting on your behalf.  The community also have a responsibility.   This is a problem and if it is to be tackled, the police must have the support of the majority of the community.”’

 

Brakes progress under caretaker manager

It was reported in November 1972 ‘Since he took over as caretaker manager of Lockheed a month ago. Bill Branston has been quietly pruning his playing staff into a more compact squad.  Three players have left the Windmill – midfield man Gordon Roberts, winger Keith Jones and centre half Kevin Vale.  Vale and Jones, who both come from Leamington, have decided to return to the amateur game.  Jones is playing for Racing Club Warwick, while Vale is waiting for his permit to be confirmed.  Roberts, who has a lot of non-league experience, found it impossible to devote the necessary amount of time and is now concentrating on his business.   Lockheed now have 16 players on the books and at least two more could be on the move before the appointment of a new manager.’

‘Meanwhile, Branston is delighted with the club’s recent revival – they earned their first win in 16 matches when beating Tamworth 3-2.   The crowd was very sparse but Branston is convinced that if Brakes can score goals like the trio that deflated their old rivals they will soon regain the support of the Leamington public.’  Against Tamworth ‘Lockheed did most of the pressing, but were a goal down at the interval.

Tamworth went ahead after 10 minutes with a goal from the former Lockheed player, Tommy Morrow.  As the home defence dithered in failing to clear a corner, he dashed in with a firm header past King.   The visitors always looked dangerous on the break, however, and it took a great save from King to keep out a close range shot from Starkey.  But they should have been punished when Walker broke clear only to hammer his shot wide.   After half time, Jessop tested Richards in an attempt to get back on terms.  But Tamworth’s defence made it difficult to engineer an opening.   

A brilliant second half recovery swept Lockheed to their opening home win of the term. Brakes achieved the victory with a bright attacking display that makes a mockery of their dismal early season performances.   The visitors were floored by goals from Steve Sherry and John Moreton in the 75^th minute and were 3-1 down before Ray Holmes completed the scoring just before the end.  Leamington’s third goal was a fine effort with Dennis Walker running 45 yards before coolly smashing the ball past the on-rushing Mick Richards.’

Later in the month it was reported that ‘Three draws in four away starts have pumped some pride back into Lockheed and caretaker manager Bill Branston is certain that the club has turned the corner.  “We have  long way to go, but the effort put In in the last month makes me confident that Lockheed will again be a force to be reckoned with,” he said.   And Branston is happy to heap most of the credit for the recovery on to the players.  “They have given me 100 per cent and the spirit has never been better.”  

He picked out Ernie Wilkinson out for special praise.  Wilkinson was one of three players former manager Geoff Coleman put on offer during the Leamington club’s dismal slump and it was odds on the former Nuneaton Borough defender leaving the Windmill.  But Branston restored Wilkinson to the back four at Enderby and the lanky stylist played a major part in denying the Leicester side a goal.   Says Branston, “Ernie’s experience has helped us tremendously  during the past month.”

Lockheed seek new manager in 1972

Following the resignation of manager Geoff Coleman at Lockheed Leamington, the following advert appeared in the Coventry Evening Telegraph: ‘Lockheed Leamington Football Club require a part-time player manager/manager.   Write, giving full details and salary expected to The Secretary, 43 Greville Smith Avenue, Whitnash, Leamington Spa.’   

Meanwhile, Bill Branston was acting as caretaker manager.  ‘Bill Branston does not know if his reign as caretaker manager of Lockheed will last for days, weeks or months.  But the Brakes committee man is not allowing the grass to grow under his feet.  Within hours of his emergency appointment Branston was taking charge of a training session at the Windmill Ground.  And he quickly gave the players a chance to air their differences.  “I think there is a lot of talent our staff,” says Branston.  “But they have lost confidence in themselves and my job is to help them rediscover their form in readiness for the new manager.”  

His efforts to harmonise the 19-man squad paid a immediate dividend when Brakes gained their first draw in eight starts at Banbury on Saturday.  Lockheed were a goal down inside seconds, but fought back well.  “Their spirit in this game proved there is not a lot wrong that cannot be put right,” enthuses Branston, a former Aston Villa goalkeeper.  This week he allowed midfield man Gordon Roberts and winger Keith Jones to leave the club.’

‘In two traumatic weeks at the Windmill, Lockheed trainer John Williams has emerged as a vital steadying influence.  Williams was tremendously popular with the players during Geoff Coleman’s period as manager and caretaker Bill Branston has leaned heavily on his 100 per cent dedication to the club.     Coleman brought Williams to Lockheed when Syd Enstone resigned after a long association with the Leamington club.  And the former Nuneaton Co-op stalwart proved a talented trainer who is now playing an important role in the coaching of the side.  

Branston, who has been a professional player with Aston Villa, is the first to admit that Williams is a key figure as Lockheed attempt to drag themselves out of trouble.  “The players have reacted to his training ideas and the spirit is absolutely first class at the moment.”  And two successive away points after a run of seven defeats suggest that Lockheed have turned the corner.   Said Branston: “We must be realistic – there is a lot we must do.  But everyone is working really hard now and I am certain Lockheed will soon be making an impact.’

Results did improve somewhat, but performances were still below what had been hoped for.    In the match against Banbury, ‘Tony Foster headed Banbury into the lead without a Lockheed player touching the ball.   For the first 30 minutes Banbury were well on top.  Against the run of play, Lockheed scored when Jessop followed up to score after a Davis header was blocked.   This seemed to spur the visitors, while Banbury faded.   Lockheed could have snatched both points.  With two minutes to go, Jessop shot wide when Walker was unmarked and in a better position to score.’  

Away at Enderby Town, ‘Enderby dominated the opening of this match and in the first few minutes failed to take advantage of mistakes by the Lockheed defence.  The game faded away towards and the end and neither side looked like scoring.’  Following this 0-0 there was a 2-1 defeat at Kidderminster.  Away to Stourbridge, who had also won just two Southern League matches, Lockheed secured a 1-1 draw.