Brakes lose to Glass

 In early Apriil 1973 ‘Manager Jimmy Knox tasted defeat for the first time since taking over at the Windmill – and it was a bitter pill to swallow.  For Brakes ran Stourbridge ragged for over an hour only to pass up a number of useful chances and allow the visitors to snatch victory against the run of play. 

  A long throw from Pidgeon placed Lockheed under pressure within seconds of the start and Wilkinson was quickly in to clear the danger with a hefty kick to touch.  Lockheed’s first attack saw Moreton flash past his full back and put over a low centre.   But Shrimpton hammered his shot high over the bar.  Moreton and Whitlock linked to put Jessop through but the centre forward lifted the ball over the bar as goalkeeper Moore dashed out.  The darting Whitlock then hammered a shot only inches wide after Shrimpton’s through ball had split the Stourbridge defenders.   

Stourbridge, with 11 goals to their two previous games, were being given few opportunities and Lockheed’s defence offered a disciplined barrier.  The only goal was scored by dangerous striker Ray Haywood after 70 minutes.  Haywood, who had been given a lean time by powerful defender Tony Bowden, finally broke free from his shadow.  And as the ball ran across the front of goal Haywood moved in to beat Pete King with ease from 15 yards.  Lockheed then faded badly and the final 15 minutes saw Stourbridge gain a complete domination thanks to a no-nonsense defence that kicked for safety with the minimum of fuss.’

It was noted that ‘Lockheed are nearing the end of a disappointing season – but the Leamington club aim to capture two trophies before the summer months.  Their superb victory against Nuneaton Borough has put them in the last eight of the Birmingham Senior Cup.  And as the “big six” football league clubs will almost certainly refuse to take part in the competition, the Brakes will probably face West Midland League side Darlaston in the final.   Lockheed are the holders of this cup – they beat Highgate United last year – and they would be clear favourites against Darlaston whose last final appearance was in 1940.’

‘They are also in with a chance of taking the Leamington Charity Invitation Cup, a handsome trophy whose past winners include Coventry and Leicester.   Racing Club Warwick manager will see a long-standing ambition fulfilled when his side visit Lockheed in the first leg of the semi-final.   Bradley, who played for Brakes during their brilliant run in the early 1960s, said that a game with Lockheed would provide a valuable yardstick of his side’s progress.  

Racing chairman David Tierney said: “I do not think there is a big gap between the Southern League Division 1 and the Midland Combination.” During his stint with Rugby Town, Knox introduced a number of amateurs into Southern League football – and he knows there is a wealth of talent in the Leamington district.   Knox is keen to assess the potential of the district talent to see if they can bring the same local interest to the Windmill that he developed at Oakfield. ‘  The first leg ended in a 0-0 draw and Knox said: “Racing countered what extra skill we may have with sheer hard work.  They are a very good side - but we were not at our best.”’