Micky Boot was the hero against MK City

No MK Dons in 1975 but in December Brakes faced cash strapped Milton Keynes City in a league game.  ‘Micky Boot’s sheer class paved the way for AP to pick up a win against Milton – but two defensive lapses almost cost Leamington their fifth home win.  Even those lapses of concentration would not have mattered had they finished in the same sparkling fashion as Boot had provided the opportunities. 

His first pass – six minutes after McCarty had fired in a shock sixth minute opener for Milton – was perhaps the most stylish of all.   After a one two with Talbot, the former Arsenak player hit a superb through ball with the outside of his foot, which swerved into Stewart’s path.  Unfortunately, Brakes’ leading scorer smashed his drive against the upright and was unable to direct his header from the rebound. 

After the break, AP kept up the pressure and in the 51^st and 59^th minutes Stewart displayed his pace to out-run Milton’s defence and blast Boot’s passes into the net.  Stand in keeper Keith Batchelor, signed only hours before kick off, had no chance with Milton’s second from McCormick six minutes from time.    But two minutes later Boost hoisted a curling corner for Brown to nod home the winner. ‘

‘One to forget’ was the headline as Brakes made a midweek trip to beautiful downtown Wellingborough, Kettering’s rival for the title ‘rose of the shires’.   ‘The memory of his dull, scrappy encounter won’t linger on for Brakes – but they’ll certainly not forget the valuable two points they earned in their quest for promotion.   

Adrian Stewart slotted in his 23^rd goal of the term to bring his tally to a remarkable seven goals in the last five games, ensuring that Leamington didn’t follow the way of Oswestry and Kidderminster in Town’s mini-revival.    The goal popped up the pace slightly after the break after a lacklustre first half, yet with defences dominant, there was little to enthuse over. 

On a greasy surface, mistakes were legion.  Little went right for either side in the opening half with no one able to get in an on target effort.    In the 47^th minute, Stewart slotted home from six yards Boot’s free kick after Brown had headed on.   Wellingborough hit back, but their finishing denied them an equaliser.  

As the game progressed into the last 30 minutes, Brakes’ extra stamina and especially Stewart’s pace began to show.   Talbot came close with an intelligent shot in the 83^rd minute, and Keeley too had a narrow miss from a Lee free kick.  

AP, though, had a fright four minutes from time as a Kavanagh and Davis mix up almost let in one of Town’s front runners.  Burnham hit the side netting in the 89^th minute as Town desperately strove for an equaliser, but in the final seconds it was Talbot who fired wide after Stewart had set up one of the best chances of the game.

Bailey’s had a big advert in the Courier pressing their fine furniture and tableware.   Shoppers were urged to ask Gary about an account.  I rather liked their coffee shop which was a nice space for meeting young women on a Saturday morning.   Rackhams had an even bigger advert offering the chance to visit Father Christmas in the toy fair.   For ‘his gift to her’ (lingerie) male customers were invited to ask for Sally on the second floor.