Cup triumph and league disappointment

In October1974 ‘Both players and officials at the Windmill are in high spirits after an exciting win over Worcester City.   That victory takes Brakes into the last qualifying round of the FA Cup for only the second time in twelve years.   They were even happier after they heard the news that luck had again stayed on their side and given them the benefit of home advantage against Corby Town in the fourth round. 

AP really seem to have clicked in knock-out competitions – but manager Jimmy Knox is fully aware that cup success is simply the icing on the cake.   So tomorrow, it’s back to the bread and butter of league soccer – and Leamington face a stiff test away to league leaders Bedford Town. Knox know that a better league position is vitally important for the Brakes  He said on Tuesday evening as his players went through a special training session:

“At the end of the day it’s the team’s consistency throughout forty odd games that will count.   Tonight, the cup has been mentioned only once.  We will start thinking about it again after next Tuesday.” The players themselves seem to be in fine fettle.   If they can reproduce some of the cup form that has brought fifteen goals in six knock-out matches – as opposed to the less convincing statistics of seven goals in seven league games – then they should have little to fear.  Knox has only twelve professionals to choose from for tomorrow’s way game.  

Midfield man Dave Scriggens was sent to bed by the doctor earlier in the week and was considered “very doubtful” for the match.   Micky Boot must come into the reckoning, and Knox now has the choice of two keepers.  Dave Jones was back in training this week after being out for a month with a broken finger but after Garratt’s excellent performance on Saturday it looks as if he may to wait on the sidelines.’

‘Playing in the third qualifying round of the FA Cup, Brakes pulled through a sticky first 20 minutes to send mighty Worcester City sliding out with a magnificent display of attacking soccer.  Jimmy Knox said that the lads would go out and attack and that’s what they did.   The writing was on the wall for City as long ago as the previous Tuesday when Brakes hammered Redditch 4-0 in the FA Trophy.   That was a great performance, and Brakes had just as big an appetite for goals on Saturday.   

On this form, AP ought to have a far bigger following than they do at present.  They need it, and fully deserve it.    However, it was not all plain sailing for the home side.  The visitors took the lead after nine minutes, ace striker Martin slamming home a great 20-yard drive that saw Garratt helpless.’ Brakes levelled through an own goal created after Adrian Stewart rounded a couple of City defenders.  Dave Garratt ‘made two first class saves that kept Brakes’ hopes alive.’  Adrian Stewart scored the winning goal, lobbing the ball over the advancing keeper in the 71^st minute.   Unfortunately, Brakes lost 2-0 to league leaders Bedford.   Based on their first half performance, a draw looked possible, but Bedford scored twice in the second half.