Mixed results in October 1974

Brakes had a mixed start to October 1974.  ‘What a finish AP Leamington’s FA Cup clash with Lye Town provided at the Windmill Ground.   After a goalless first half the game burst into life on the change of ends, and the scoring of three goals in three minutes towards the close set the seal on a typical Cup tie.

 Dennis Taylor made the opening for Brakes’ first goal ín the 57^th minute when he beat three defenders in a run into the box.   His pass was eagerly accepted by Adrian Stewart, whose shot inside the corner of the net gave Walker no chance.  Lye were caught out by a long clearance which gave Bobby Horne unchallenged possession.   A minute later Stewart popped in No.3, but Lye returned straight to the offensive.  And full back Terry Taylor scored from 30 yards with a shot that dipped just under the crossbar.’

‘Two goals in the final 20 minutes sent Leamington crashing to defeat against Worcester City.  AP manager Jimmy Knox said afterwards: “We have learned by our mistakes, we were punished for our slack marking.”    Worcester made the bulk of the first half running, but could only manage a goal in the 44^th minute.  With Tony Bowden off injured, Roger Griffiths slammed in a shot that beat Dave Garratt and went home via the bar.  

AP hit back strongly at the start of the second half and deservedly drew level in the 55^th minute when Mick Keeley headed home a corner from Steve Lee.  But Lee conceded an own goal in the 71^st minute and Barry Kelcher headed home 17 minutes later to see Worcester into third place in the table.’

‘A ruthless Leamington playing as well as at any time this season destroyed Redditch United’s FA Trophy hopes with a sizzling display.  Surviving early Redditch pressure, Brakes came alive through a superb Roger Brown goal and then wrapped up an emphatic victory with three more in the second half.   It was the sort of form Jimmy Knox had been seeking from his team all season  - now he must hope it sticks to wipe out the memory of several below par performances. 

Redditch, who were held to a goalless draw on their own patch on Saturday, opened this replay in flourishing style and for 25 minutes the Leamington defence took a hammering.   Ken Lawrence nailed a shot against a post and Ray Taylor was only inches wide with a stinging volley.   But once the impressive Brown had moved up to power home a terrific header from Steve Lee’s corner there was only one side in it.  

Adrian Stewart took advantage of a fortunate rebound to shoot into an empty net after 32 minutes and six minutes later it was 3-0 as Mick Keeley directed the neatest of headers past Chris Ward from Ernie Wilkinson’s free kick.  Redditch pinned most of their faith on the talented prompting of highly rated Garry Fleet.  But Dennis Taylor did a superb marking job to reduce his threat to a whimper. And with 10 minutes left AP completed the easiest of wins as Ivor Talbot picked up the pieces after a terrible defensive mix-up and coolly slotted home the easiest of goals.’