First home defeat of 1974/5 season

‘AP manager Jimmy Knox was an angry and disappointed man on Saturday afternoon as he watched his side tumble to the first defeat of the season,’ 1-2 at home to Merthyr Tydfil in September 1974.  ‘And although Merthyr deserve full credit for their talented, positive display, it is hard to argue with Knox’s caustic summary, “We made it easy for them.”  

Brakes were subdued and sluggish, especially in midfield where Micky Boot never got going and Bobby Horne was unable to repeat the bustling form he showed against Witney last week.   The strikers were thus denied good service – and they seldom looked capable of carving their own openings.  Mick Keeley was caught in possession all too often; Ian Stewart produced his usual admirable work rate, but failed to put away two good chances, and Ivor Talbot scored a superb goal, but fell short of his true potential.

One has to look to the back for any AP heroes.  And here at least there was rich consolation for Knox in the splendid displays of Roger Brown and Tony Bowden.   The two big stoppers have already forged a fine understanding, and but for them Brakes would have been completely swamped.   Brown missed nothing in the air, Bowden’s covering was first class, and both players used the ball sensibly.  Above all, they showed the heart and commitment that was in such short supply among their colleagues. 

Brakes should have been inspired by the 20^th minute goal that put them in front.   The goal was as good as it was unexpected.   Stewart’s determined challenge saw full back Allan Smith lose possession on the edge of the area – and Talbot pounced on the ball to drive a fierce shot just inside the post.   A fine move between Keeley and Lee gave Stewart a sight of goal minutes later, but he pulled his shot well wide. 

 And Merthyr, who showed a refreshing willingness to attack throughout the game, finally claimed their deserved equaliser minutes before half time.    A free kick was flicked on and former Welsh international Barrie Jones calmly headed over the unprotected Dave Jones.    Nick Deaney was within inches of making it 2-1 after the interval.   And Allan Sullivan hit the winner minutes later with a magnificent goal..   Slipping past John Brady 40 yards out, Sullivan strode through the angle of the box and left Jones standing with a glorious drive into the far corner. 

Horne forced Richard Morse to an excellent save; the goalkeeper dived well to hold a snap shot from Dennis Taylor; and Stewart again shot wide after Rosser had misjudged a high punt from Dave Jones,   But it was Bowden who came closest to snatching a point, picking uo a throw from Lee and weaving past four men before he was finally blocked.

There was a full programme of football in the Leamington League.    ‘Champions Leamington Celtic triumphed 5-4 at Bishops Itchington – a vital win against a side who should prove one of their fiercest rivals for the title this season.  The game was full of entertaining football with neither side able to relax for a second.  Bobby Phillips, Whittle Wanderers’ close season capture, collected a smooth hat trick in the 7-2 demolition of Radford United.  Another hat trick man was Micky Palllis of Itchington Sports, whose smartly taken treble gave the Premier League newcomers a 4-2 win at Leamington Southend.’