Brakes win in 1974, but coverage is grudging

In February 1974 ‘Weakened AP got the result they desperately wanted agsinst Merthyr Tydfil – but it was a close call. An uninspired first half saw AP Leamington spend most of the time pushing forward against a packed Merthyr defence.   The home side were first to threaten when Lee and Talbot linked to put Stewart clear.  But the centre forward was only able to direct his shot into the side netting. 

Both teams were having difficulty in keeping a footing on the saturated surface and mistakes were plentiful.   When Wilkinson got in a tangle he presented Merthyr winger Jerratt with a shooting opportunity.  Only four minutes remained when Ivor Talbot and Trevor Hubbard combined to give Adrian Stewart the ball 15 yards out and the centre forward turned quickly and beat Dilwyn.   Otherwise, the scrappy game produced little in the way of finishing action. 

Both defences put up determined barriers and most of the play was contained in a crowded midfield.   Merthyr had the game’s outstanding performer in form Welsh international Barrie Jones.   His class stood out.  But AP boasted the greater work rate and Stewart’s goal was just about deserved on the run of play.’

‘Tamworth slithered and slumped to defeat’ against AP Leamington in the League Cup.  Presumably fair minded local reporter Allan Bates referred to ‘this match in the mud at Kettlebrook on Sunday when a poor AP Leamington side were just good enough to progress to the next round of the Southern League Cup.   [I have rarely read such a one sided and grudging report].

Conditions mitigated against good football, and neither side were able to master them, rarely able to string together more than two consecutive passes.   In Tamworth’s defence, it should be appreciated that they had played on Saturday afternoon and that their four on loan players were ineligible.   The first half was mainly controlled by Leamington, but despite their territorial advantage, the scores were level at half time.   

In the second session, Tamworth came more into the game, but got caught at the back when Leamington scored the winner.  Leamington went ahead after only two minutes play.   The goal followed some untidy play around the Tamworth penalty area.   Tamworth failed to clear on the Leamington right and Armstrong crossed for Talbot to beat Richards.  Their lead was short lived and Tamworth equalised six minutes later.   It was mainly a defensive battle for the home side from then on, with Leamington failing to turn their chances into goals.   Little effort was needed to keep Leamington at bay.   

Disaster struck the home side after 71 minutes when Leamington went ahead again.   Defensively a three against two situation developed which allowed Lee to put in a shot that Richards could only parry.   Agonisingly the ball trickled towards goal and would have passed wide but for Armstrong getting a boot to it almost level with the post.  The fight continued with the home side still pushing forward, but a goal would not come.’  AP Leamington: Jones, Taylor, Brady, Bowden, Wilkinson, Shrimpton, Armstrong, Lee, Talbot, Foster, Goodfellow.  Sub: Hubbard.   Attendance: 313.

 

Day of disappointment

Private Eye sometimes features Neasden FC who play in the North Circular Relegation League in needle matches against Dollis Hill.  Managed by Ron Knee, they are owned by a self-service laundry magnate.  The supporters are Sid and Doris Bonkers.

Their Suffolk equivalent arrived at Your Co-op Community Stadium yesterday under the surnames of Lamb and Mutton, equipped with a leg of lamb to present to the referee and were in loud voice throughout the match.

Apparently the referee is an experienced official, but having denied us a penalty, he gave one of the softest I have seen to the visitors.   Even the lino on the car park side more or less admitted that his decision-making was poor.

Hawkins made a great save from the penalty, but their admittedly excellent keeper saved ours in the second half.

This defeat brings to an effective end any hope of automatic promotion and reduces our chance of a play off place.  You need to score goals to win matches.

What particularly irritated me was that I didn't think the Marketmen were actually that good for a table topping side.  But in the second half they forced us back into the last third while our midfield once again went awol even after the arrival of the 'General'.   Inevitably they scored, indeed we had seen it coming at half time.

Those in the car park stand were left with an exchange of views with charm merchant Ingram who missed the penalty.

I am all for our board being prudent, but over the summer they may need to take a risk.

Thanks for featuring me in the programme.

'Straight talking' Knox clamps down on dissent

Disciplinary troubles beset Brakes in January 1974.  ‘Two key AP Leamington defenders were suspended this week and manager Jimmy Knox immediately announced that he will fine any player who gets into disciplinary trouble.  “Injuries are a bad enough problem,” says Knox, “and I cannot afford to lose men for a couple of weeks at a time because of suspensions.  “I have made it clear to my players that in future anyone who gets himself into the book will have to answer to me.”

The two men currently serving a two match ban are reliable left back John Brady and close marking pivot Tony Bowden.  Both players received three cautions last season to earn the suspensions and £4 fine.  AP have had six players booked his term – five of the cautions resulting from dissent.   This has prompted Knox to clamp down.  “Players can sometimes be cautioned for foul play when forced into retaliation in the heat of the moment.   But they should be able to keep their mouths closed to officials.”

Knox is pleased to have Bill Thomas and Ernie Wilson on hand to replace Brady and Bowden.  Both played in Sunday’s disappointing [Senior Cup] 1-0 defeat at Darlaston and earned high praise from their manager.  In fact, Knox is delighted to have a powerful squad at the Windmill Ground – a vital factor as he pulls the strings to jet the Brakes back to respectability.

 The straight talking Scot has been with the club for less than 10 months but thinks that considerable progress has been made.  “The first couple of months were a nightmare.   But we are really buzzing at the moment and I think that everyone connected with the club has reason to feel some pride.   The spirit is fantastic.  I always thought that Rugby Town’s comradeship was tremendous – we are now at the same level at Leamington and the response of the players has been outstanding.”’

February started well with an away win at King’s Lynn.  ‘AP Leamington deserved to chalk up their fifth away victory of the season.    In the first half, AP goalkeeper Dave Jones had such good covering in front of him that only once during the game was he called to pull out his best.   That was just on half time, following a free kick from outside the penalty area.   The shot from Brooks, after Wignall had teed up the ball for him, had Jones leaping across his goal to pull off the best save of the match in turning the ball round the post.

 Both Leamington goals resulted from defensive lapses, and AP forwards deserved all the credit for making the best use of them.   Their first came in the 49^th minute when Lynn right back Richardson misjudged the bounce of the ball.  Norman Foster challenged, sidestepped the advancing goalkeeper just inside the penalty area ad fired into the goal.   Their second, in the 74^th minute, came when Procter intercepted a bad back pass.    The goalkeeper dived to block the sheet at Procter’s feet.   But Neil Armstrong was on hand to push the resultant loose ball into the empty net.    Lee of Leamington was booked for a foul.’