Brakes lacked consistency 50 years ago

Brakes continued to face challenges in February 1973.    ‘Tom Sweenie’s prolonged absence  from the Lockheed team is seen by many as the major reason behind the side’s recent loss of form.  Sweenie has missed six of the last seven matches because of a strained hamstring and the Leamington club have struggled to make any impact in midfield – a position occupied with great skill by the former Leicester City player.   And although Brakes have won twice and gained an away draw without Sweenie’s influence, they have failed to reproduce the form that saw them make such a substantial improvement before Christmas. 

Manager Bill Branston is certain that Sweenie’s spell on the sidelines has a lot to do with the slipping standard.  “Tom is a fine player – one of the best in the Southern League.  We can scarcely afford to be without him at a time when everyone at the Windmill is attempting to get the side into the top half of the table.”  And there is no immediate prospect of Sweenie returning to the side.  He was expected to play against Redditch today but cried off with tonsillitis.  “He could be out for another fortnight” said Branston “and Lockheed will continue to suffer.  Tom makes us tick.”’

‘Caretaker manager Bill Branston could be replaced at Lockheed tomorrow, next week, next month or next season.  But while other people are speculating about who will take over the Windmill reins, Branston is solely concerned with the day-to-day running of the club.   Said the former Aston Villa goalkeeper: “I don’t know how long the committee want me to look after the side, but I must obviously make plans on a long term basis.   I want to be able to hand over a strong squad to the new man and I am, therefore, on the look out for fresh talent. 

Branston is reasonably satisfied with the Brakes’ progress since he took over in October, but he recognises that the side lacks consistency. “You never realise how difficult the manager’s job is until you take it yourself,” he said.   “The lads have played some brilliant stuff in one match and then plunged to rock bottom three days later.  The manager cannot really be blamed for this but obviously I must try to make sure that the team play to their full potential every week.”  And Branston is tight lipped about where the search for new signings is taking him, but it is believed that at least one signing is imminent.’

Facing Redditch at home, ‘Skipper Keith Shrimpston gave Lockheed the lead from the penalty spot ten minutes before the interval.  Lockheed relied on a much more direct approach and Evans was kept busy dealing with a series of hopeful shots.  But he had no possible chance of stopping Shrimpton’s penalty kick.  Moreton was pulled down by Hamilton and the Lockheed captain sent the goalkeeper the wrong way.   Redditch made a fine start to the second half, scoring a deserved equaliser after 47 minutes.     With Pete King stranded, substitute Paul Evans was the scorer blasting home a first time shot from the edge of the penalty area after a corner had eluded the home defence.   

An 85^th minute goal from John Moreton enabled Lockheed to secure their second win over Redditch inside two weeks.   Lockheed deserved their win for one reason – they took the chances offered.  It was fitting that Moreton should be involved in the home successes.   He was the game’s most effective player on a day when skills were at a premium.’