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.”’