Aggregate victory over Redditch, then to Wimbledon

At the end of August 1976 AP Leamington faced the second leg of their Southern League cup tie against rivals Redditch United.   Roger Draper reported: ‘There is something about the Windmill Ground that brings out the best in Redditch.  Reacting riotously to have Willie Penman sent off, the depleted United ranks pulled off a fighting win to cast a cloud over AP’s first home match.  Thankfully, Adrian Stewart’s two goal salvo in Saturday’s first leg stood the test of time to allow Brakes to edge through to the Southern League Cup second round.  

But it was desperately close call with Redditch making for a teasing second leg against a home side showing a mixture of casual brilliance and lax defence.  Two boobs by the usually sure John Davis sentenced AP to a disappointing defeat.  After last winter’s consistent brilliance, the little man was due a “stinker” – fortunately it did not prove crippling.  Foxed by Roger Shaw’s glancing header which set Gareth Dale up for United’s opening after 30 minutes, Davis was then badly positioned to deal with the killing blows in the second half.  

But in between these fatal errors, AP often looked positive and assured enough to have a large crowd purring with anticipated excitement.  Redditch looked destined for a double defeat when the occasion proved too much for Willie Penman’s mouth.  The experienced Scot said something to the referee and was promptly sent packing – seconds before the interval.   Coming five minutes after a superb equalising goal it promised to prove a disastrous piece of timing.   

Stewart was the man who put Brakes on terms.  Ivor Talbot swapped passes neatly and there was the bustling striker surging through to burst the net.  But Redditch came out fighting and they regained the lead in the 56^th minute when Ralph Punsheon logged over a hopeful punt which Davis squeezing at thin air – the ball squeezing inside the far post.   The home response was swift and sure and big defender Roger Brown fully deserved to be the man on the vital end of the second equalising goal.  

Brown met a corner at speed and Gary Edwards had no chance against the most stunning of headers – a classic goal.  However, Redditch managed to conjure up the perfect answer with Eamonn Pugh doing a carbon copy act at the other end at the other end when non-existent marking and a ponderous movement from Davis allowed a shock result.   (2-3, Brakes winning on aggregate 4-3).

‘The promise made three years ago by Brakes’ boss Jimmy Knox becomes reality tomorrow when AP Leamington travel to take on giants Wimbledon in their first Southern Premier League match.  It’s what everyone at the Windmill has been waiting for and dreaming about ,,, but Knox is optimistic that his side won’t be overawed by the occasion.  “We realise that they have won the league for the last two seasons – but they’re only human like everyone else, “commented Knox.   There’ll be no backing down by AP, or playing for a point stuff.  

Knox is adamant that Brakes will play their normal game, attacking in possession and defending when they don’t have the ball. The cup tie against Redditch left Brakes unscathed, leaving Knox to pick a final 12 from his tiny 14-man squad.   Knox is also trying to add to his quad.  “It’s a long, long season and I need more cover in midfield and defence,” he said.  But so far he has had no luck.

Draper praises Knox as AP get first win 1976/7

Roger Draper wrote in the Coventry Evening Telegraph in August 1976: ‘When Jimmy Knox joined AP Leamington as manager he set a three year target to win promotion to the Premier Division of the Southern League.  Knox was spot on schedule … last season he saw Brakes power to the top grade with some stunning soccer.  

Now the gravel-voiced Scot must seek fresh fields to conquer.  The prospect does not frighten him: “AP are in the Premier Division solely on merit.  I have no hesitation thar we shall survive, the people of Leamington are in for a treat,” he said.  Optimism is one of Knox’s greatest assets.  Behind the steel frame of the seemingly unflappable manager there is a secret side to man who has suffered serious ill health directly because of his commitment to the club. 

He will not thank me for saying this … but Knox has given far more than was asked for.  AP Leamington will survive after he has gone.  In the meantime he is determined to give them the greatest possible basis for future success.  However, nothing comes easy and Knox’s pre-season plans have been fraught with disappointment.   Premier Division footballers don’t come cheap … to cash-conscious AP this has proved a tough obstacle. 

 Knox remains hopeful, “I feel that it is a myth that there is a terrific gap between the First Division and the Premier Division.  I have played in both and as far as I am concerned we shall be all right.”   In Knox’s book, all right means they are destined for a sparking future.  

He’s a born winner and his present AP squad have bags of grit and a fair amount of skill.   The combination should at least mean respectability.  Striker supreme Adrian Stewart is the ace card.  Last season brought a staggering 45 goals.  Knox feels that the best is still to come from the level-headed AP star.  

With defender Roger Brown’s towering talents at the back and midfield supremo Micky Boot pulling the strings, Brakes have strength in key positions.  The club have attempted to meet the challenge off the field, the players have the ability to do well on it … time will tell whether the mixture is right.  Under Knox there should be no problems.’

AP’s first competitive game of the season was away to Redditch in the Southern League Cup.  Given the drought, the pitch at the sun-baked stadium was ‘surprisingly green but played hard and fast.  AP Leamington were in trouble from the start against an attacking Redditch.  But Redditch failed to hammer home the chances with both sides playing relatively cautiously.  And the Leamington defenders must take credit for controlling a tenacious Redditch side.  

Bright Brakes took advantage of their chances.   Adrian Stewart was back in business to earn the man of the match tag with goals in the 35^th and 70^th minutes.   The first goal came after a fine run by Mark Keeley.  He pelted down the left flank to provide Stewart with a clear look at goal.   Stewart’s other effort came when he emerged out a scramble near the edge of the box to hammer home.  

Jubilant AP box Jimmy Knox commented: “We simply outplayed them.  We didn’t make the same mistakes two seasons running.”’

More seek season tickets in 1976

Brakes started their season 50 years ago with away and home fixtures against Redditch in the Southern League Cup.  The Courier reported. ‘Young Alan Pollard, signed last weekend by Brakes boss Jimmy Knox, will make his debut tomorrow against Redditch.  And [the writer stated] it’s my bet that Pollard, who has a vast Southern League experience with Banbury United for a 21-year old, will form a match winning partnership with Micky Boot and Steve Lee.  It’s a remarkable about turn.  Pollard, who moved to Chipping Norton at the start of the season, has swopped places with AP’s Phil Lines, who has now rejoined the Hellenic League side. 

Pollard, who gave Knox a scare last Friday evening by dilly-dallying over the move, has played more than 100 Southern League games for Banbury. And Knox believes that he could make all the difference to AP’s side.  The third midfield spot was the problem one last term, but Knox believes that should Pollard play to his true potential, then Brakes’ problems will be solved.    “He’s more mobile than Lines,” said Knox.  “He can hit short balls as well as long balls, and although he may not be as strong in the tackle as Lines, he’s a bundle of energy and he’ll do us proud,” said Knox.   

Pollard’s career with Banbury hit a stumbling block last November when he broke his leg at Cheltenham.  Towards the end of the season, he put on weight, but earlier this close term joined Chipping Norton, shed some weight, and turned in a couple of eye-catching displays.’

At the back keeper John Davis is pretty definite to play between the posts and Knox selects from five for the back four as Roger Brown is in doubtful with a badly bruised calf of his left leg.  The midfield looks to pick itself, and up front Knox names five: Adrian Stewart, Mick Keeley, Ivor Talbot, Stewart Gallagher and Johnny Dyer whom Knox decided to sign on a monthly basis. 

After a gruelling session on Tuesday evening, Knox decided not to sign ex-Hereford forward Dave Taylor, who has been on trial for the past few weeks.  The Windmill chief will select his final 11 today [Friday] from the side’s last workout last night [Thursday] from: John Davis, Dennis Taylor, Gerry Kavanagh, Doug Griffiths, Roger Brown, Alan Jones, Micky Boot, Allan Pollard, Steve Lee, Adrian Stewart, Mick Keeley, Ivor Talbot, Johnny Dyer, Stewart Gallagher.   

Last season, AP played Redditch off the park for 65 minutes in their away league encounter, and no doubt that match will be uppermost in the Brakes side’s minds.  Even though Knox is a little concerned about the state of the Redditch pitch – in view of the drought – he’ pretty confident about the outcome.’

Already there’s a lot of interest in AP Leamington’s forthcoming season among the townspeople.  Chairman Gerry Locke reports an increase in the number of people asking for season tickets.   In an effort to translate that enthusiasm into gate receipts, AP have been busy making improvements to the ground.  A badly needed new toilet block has been built, new turnstiles constructed, a new dugout for team officials put up, and in the pipeline is a brand new supporters club.  It isn’t expected to be completed for the start of the\ season, but once a licence has been acquired, work should race along.’

After a year away

I didn't see any Leamington games last year as I was downsizing from a house I had lived in for nearly 50 years and Saturday was the day when family members were most readily available to help me with the task of clearance.

Last night I took my wife of fifteen months to see the Brakes for the first time.  She was impressed with how friendly everyone was and enjoyed the banter.  She thought Ansty had brought their own referee.  How did we get three yellow cards and they received none?

She wasn't impressed with the standard of play and I thought that it was s step down. from the National League North.  They seemed like a team of strangers and as Jim Scott noted in the programme they are still getting to know each other.

The ball went so high in the air that I thought that air traffic control should be notified.   Admittedly we do have Kettering coming on Saturday and they will be bringing a scale model of their space projectile Rose of the Shires.  The original plan was to send this to Uranus in the hope of finding intelligent life there as there is none in Kettering, but now it is going to be sent to one of the moons of Uranus.

Football 101: keep the ball on the ground and pass to one of your own players, don't hoof it aimlessly.

We lived a charmed life in the first half and only Ansty's failure to be more clinical saved us from conceding.  The new keeper doesn't cope with pressure that well, but it is early days.   To be fair to Ansty, they are a tough side and passed the ball well.

Then early in the second half a great long pass across the field reached our No.2 and he was able to set up Rea to score.   Unfortunately, Ansty equalised from a scrambled goal and then it was a case of hang on for a point.

Ansty charm merchant left back Oscar Tonge abused the lino in no uncertain terms after the ball hit him in the face but the limp referee did nothing,

No real standout players in my view or those around me.

My wife thoroughly enjoyed herself and will come back.

Attendance 552. 

Brakes take new trophy back from Guernsey

Report from Guernsey FC:

Guernsey got a good test against higher level opposition to end their pre-season preparations but were beaten on penalties at Victoria Park to see the first ever Ilum Davis Foundation Trophy head back to Warwickshire with visitors Leamington

Callum Le Lacheur and Charlton Gauvain got the goals for the hosts, as they did against Sheffield earlier in the month, but this time they were pegged back late on ahead of controversy in the resulting penalty shoot-out that saw what looked a clear goal from Ben Solway ruled as a miss.

After some early pressure from the Brakes, the Green Lions went ahead with their first meaningful chance after 15 minutes, Le Lacheur connecting well with a cross from the right and volleying in via the underside of the crossbar.

Le Lacheur was then denied by Cian Tyler, while Josh Addison denied Kyle Finn. Fin Patterson nearly caught out Tyler when the Brakes’ keeper’s clearance held up in the wind, but his attempted lob dropped onto the roof of the net.

There was a major let off for GFC soon after the break after Addison collided with an opponent on the box. Corey Brouard made a brilliant acrobatic clearance on the line as the loose ball lofted towards goal and Owen Farmer unbelievably blazed over a gaping net when it would have been easier to walk it in.

Tony Vance’s side duly punished their visitors for that mistake and it came from a piece of brilliance from Gauvain as he took on the Leamington midfield before firing a powerful strike into the corner.

Farmer was denied by a routine Addison save, but Finn slotted home Raj Palit’s cross with less than 20 minutes left to halve the deficit. Addison then saved well at the feet of Finn and Palit cleared the crossbar from a promising position.

It was virtually the final kick of the game that brought the away side level as Palit’s free-kick from the left evaded Addison and his defence to find the far corner and the Trophy would be decided on penalties.

Will Fazakerley’s confident finish from 12 yards put Guernsey in command after Addison saved from Finn. Both teams put their next two penalties away (Alfie Torode and Simon Arnold for GFC), but Tyrese Kelly dragged wide meaning that Dennis Halliday’s goal left the score level after four attempts each, with the shoot-out going to sudden death after Nat Kelly put his away for the Brakes and Addison turned scorer.

Three more successes from each side (Jacques Cauvin, Corey Brouard and George Goubert) left the score at seven each. Palit made it 8-7 to Leamington then Solway then stepped up and hit his effort high to the Tyler’s right. The ball looked to have hit the stanchion behind the angle off post and crossbar, over the line, but the referee’s assistant said that the ball was not fully over. Later images showed the ball over the line, but the assistant’s decision at the time would stand and it was game over.

Knox stands firm in face of player wage demands

Brakes were facing tough opposition in their Southern League Premier Division campaign in August 1976. Their first league fixture was away to champions Wimbledon and then they faced Yeovil at the Windmill.

Top scorer Adrian Stewart and Dennis Taylor were yet to sign new contracts, but Jimmy Knox had swooped for Coventry Sporting striker Stewart Gallagher.

'After Sporting's exciting FA Cup run last term, Gallagher became sought after material, but he suffered with injury and remained at the Coventry club.'

'Now Knox is "delighted that we've got him,  He's always wanted to join us and I'm sure he will be a real acquisition to the club,  He felt disillusioned after getting injured in their cup run and never recaptured hi sparkle or bite for the game," added Knox,  The 20-year old joins AP on a free transfer.'

'However, there is a possibility that Gallagher will be the only addition to AP's side before the start of the season.  Negotiations to sign other players haven't gone well because "of the exorbitant price some players are putting on their heads," says Knox.'

'And he adds adamantly: "I've no intention of signing any two players just to make up numbers by the start of the season."''

Knox's summer of travail

Jimmy Knox was facing challenges in the summer of 1976 in assembling a side for promoted AP Leamington.   Seven of the promotion winning side had rejoined by the end of June but Knox was having 'slight problems' persuading the others.  In reality 'slight problems' was something of an under statement.

Knox also had no luck in his search for new players.  He failed to get the signature of three men he specifically wanted to help Brakes in the Southern League Premier Division.   Negotiations with the three had been taking place since April.

Those re-signing included midfielder Steve Lee, defenders Doug Griffiths, Alan Jones and Gerry Kavanagh along with forward Ivor Talbot.

Between the sticks Dave Garratt signed non-contract forms enabling the local keeper to play elsewhere. John Davis 'who performed so well last term coming in at a crucial time for Brakes, has got his reward with professional terms.'

Knox put his resigning problems down to the Labour Government's incomes policy which limited wage increases to £6 a week.   As part-timers AP players were only entitled to a percentage of that £6.  Hence, negotiations had been difficult with top scorer Adrian Stewart, Mick Keeley, Micky Boot. Roger Brown, Dennis Taylor and Phil Lines.

Brakes were due to start their 1976/77 programme with an away game on  August 21st with Redditch in the first round first leg of the Southern League cup.  Training was scheduled to begin a little later than usual in the middle of July.

Brakes AGM 'a waste of time'

The annual general meeting of AP Leamington Football Club in May 1976 'was a waste of time - and that's official.'  For with Brakes' boss Jimmy Knox failing to turn up on Saturday for this year's meeting, club president Bill Garner was forced to admit: 'It's vitally important that the manager comes to an annual general meeting.  It's been a waste of time today.'

Chairman Gerry Locke told members that the manager had been stranded in Rugby without transport.  Still some people at least came in for their fair share of praise.

Taking 12 months off from the club because of personal reasons, John Ackerman [whom I hope to see in his care home on Thursday] editor of the AP programme received this praise from Bill Garner: 'He's done a first class job and the club is deeply indebted to him.  We all look forward to his return.'

Another golden boy is Roy Maiden, Brakes' new commercial manager who heard Gerry Locke say: 'I'm sure Roy can really get going and inject some cash into the club.  He's the man for the job and we all wish him well.'

In the absence of Knox, Locke revealed that the club are in the market for three new players to bolster their Premier Division challenge next term.  He said: 'Jimmy is looking for a striker, a midfield player and a defender.  I can't tell you who they are at this stage, but I can reveal that two of them are very well known.'

On the club's financial position, treasurer Eddie Partington said: 'We're only £500 above what we were last year which in my view is a very small increase indeed when you take into account inflation and the rest.'

Brakes earn promotion 50 years ago

Happy times for Brakes 50 years ago as they secured promotion to the Southern League Premier Division.   Writing in the Coventry Evening Telegraph, Roger Draper noted: ‘AP Leamington have come a long way in a short time – now they intend to move “Heaven and high water” to make further progress. 

Brakes will play in the Southern League Premier Division next season.  This prospect does not frighten them.  From ambitious club president Bill Garner down to the youngest fan the message is loud and clear: “We are in the Premier Division to stay.” 

And manager Jimmy Knox feels that the optimism surrounding the Windmill club is well founded.  After years of near misses Knox finally achieved his managerial life’s ambition at the weekend when Witney lost and opened the door to the top grade. 

He can see nothing but blue skies from now on.  “We are not kidding ourselves.  There is a terrific difference between the best Premier Division sides and the top six in Division 1 North,” he says.  “But I have built the present AP side with the Premier Division in mind.  We do not need to sign many more players to ensure that we will finish in the top half.”

 Now free of the worry surrounding his possible move to Nuneaton Borough – “it is a relief to know that it is all over” – Knox can get down to the job of completing the squad.  [Knox was considered by many as the favourite for the vacant Nuneaton Borough manager’s post.]  “I know who I want,” he says.  “Premier Division status will be a great lever as I attempt to fill in the remaining gaps.  I am confident 1976-77 will be a fabulous year in the continued development of AP Leamington.”

Tenacious chairman Gerry Lock mirrors his manager’s optimism.  “I have laid it down on a line what I want.  We are on course and not going into the Premier Division to make up the numbers.”  

Lock was the driving force behind Knox’s move to Leamington from Rugby Town.  His confidence in the Scot’s managerial ability has been totally justified.  “I have never made any secret of the fact that in Jimmy we have the best manager in non-League football.  I really mean that.  He will lead us even further and it is up to everyone interested in the club to give him their fullest support.”

AP officials estimated that Premier League soccer would cost the club an additional £5,000 a year in increased costs such as higher wages and greater travelling costs.  That would require a break-even gate of 1,000 to 1,200 which was unlikely.  Hence the club decided to appoint their first full time commercial manager.  

The post went to 32-year old Roy Maiden from Radford Semele who had been an industrial engineer at AP for 10 years.   Maiden, who had joined the AP committee in the season ending, set himself the task of raising £500 a week to keep the club afloat.  As well as raising cash by selling weekly bingo tickets throughout the area, he planned to publicise the club itself with well-known players such as Derek Dougan and Geoff Hurst coming to play at the Windmill.

  The Courier noted that news of the appointment would please manager Knox who was looking to begin negotiations with the players he hoped to re-sign.   Knox took the view that one of the main assets of the promotion-winning side was its stability and he was anxious to keep the players together.

 

Brakes chalk up three more wins in promotion chase

At the end of March 1976 Brakes played middle of the table Milton Keynes City away.  ‘Despite strong opposition in the early stages AP Leamington showed their superiority to take the points.  Leamington have lost only one of their last 26 games, this was to league leaders Redditch.  And after the match Leamington manager Jimmy Knox said: “I am delighted with the result, although we had a very sticky first quarter-of-an-hour.”   

City were without the services of goalkeeper Brian Robinson, who is also the player-manager.  Leamington were first into the attack when Mick Keeley crossed to Mick Boot, who fired just wide of a City upright.   City came back immediately and Malcolm McCormack went on a good run, but that was blocked by Roger Brown.  

After further pressure from City, Leamington gained the initiative and took the lead after 26 minutes.  A free kick by Steve Lee went to Brown, whose header was saved by City keeper Beaumont, but Dennis Taylor got hold of the loose ball and crossed for Brown to head in.  

The match failed to live up to its first half promise after the break – but nevertheless Leamington made most of the running and deservedly increased their lead.   Stewart made sure of the points in the 62^nd minute when he homed in on a Talbot cross with a neat headed goal.   

The result brought AP’s points tally to a remarkable 42 from their last possible 50.  The goals also re-established Leamington in second place in Division One North as Witney slipped again – and now it looks as if Worcester City, who this Saturday meet leaders Redditch, are Brakes’ main threat to promotion.’

‘Slick AP Leamington moved closer to promotion last night.  They gained an impressive Southern League First Division win over highly-placed Tamworth last night thanks to two goals from Ivor Talbot.  

Second placed AP soaked up long periods of pressure from sixth-in-the-table Tamworth and cleverly countered work with swift breakaway moves that brought them a goal in each half.  The visitors opened brightly and then came under heavy pressure.  

But AP snatched the lead two minutes before half time when a speculative forward pass beat full back Dave Reardon, and there was wing man Ivor Talbot to score a fine goal.   AP’s patience was the deciding factor.  Their ability to break quickly from defence finally clinched the match after 84 minutes when Adrian Stewart sent Talbot racing clear.  With the home defence split, Talbot took the ball into the penalty area and calmly shot past a stranded keeper in the home goal.’

Next up were Barnet at the Windmill and ‘Roger Brown exploded the perfect header to register two more points in AP’s committed promotion drive.  Timing his run to the inch, Brown met a 31^st minute centre from Alan Jones at the far post and bulged the netting with a stunning finish.  It was a goal of absolute quality – a moment to savour in a game that was otherwise easy to forget.  

Brakes, determined not to repeat last year’s disappointment, when promotion was passed up by a single point, were obviously happy with the result.   They can be excused for adopting a “professional” stance.  But this dull encounter was a bitter pill for the Leamington fans to swallow.  A bumpy pitch made life difficult for both sides.  But this does not entirely disguise what rapidly became an enormous bore.’

Brakes bounce back in 1976

Roger Draper wrote in March 1976: ‘Battling AP Leamington have made the perfect recovery from their “torrid” time at the hands of Redditch United.  Since that disappointing 3-2 upset at the hands of the Southern League Division 1 leaders, Brakes have taken six points from three matches [fifty years ago it was two points for a win].  And with only eight matches left the Leamington club seem certain of promotion to the Premier Division for the first time. 

Manager Jimmy Knox, who has missed the boat so many times, Is justifiably proud.  “We were upset to lose against Redditch after going 20 matches without defeat, it was a jolt to our plans.  But the team refused to let it get them down and have responded in the best way possible – by winning.”  

There is a tremendous team spirit at the Windmill this season and Knox is convinced this is one of the major reasons behind their development.  “I have always made a point of attempting to sign the right sort of player.  His worth off the field can be just as vital as his ability on it.   I consider myself to be a players’ manager.  They must always come first.  But this season’s squad are a joy to work with.”  

This spirit was graphically underlined during Tuesday’s 3-1 defeat of Stevenage.   Striker Adrian Stewart, who has plundered 43 goals so far, once dashed over 70 yards to get in a telling tackle.  Says Knox: “Ada has been superb for us this season but he Is just as concerned about helping to prevent goals as score them.  All the lads are the same.”’

‘Second place Leamington gained two valuable away points when they defeated Barry with another vitally important goal from goal ace Adrian Stewart.   After taking the lead in the first half, Brakes held on comfortably against struggling Barry.  Brakes controlled the game for long periods and a packed defence was able to absorb heavy pressure from Barry for a 20-minute period in the second half. 

 Stewart netted his 42^nd goal of the term on the half hour.   Leamington showed all-round strength in attack and defence and were particularly quick when going forward.   Barry, always a hard side to beat on their own ground, started confidently.   It wasn’t long, however, before efficient Brakes settled down and dominated most of the first half with some incisive attacks.  Stewart completed a brilliant solo effort by slotting the ball past Barry keeper Trevor Nott from a narrow angle.

After the break the AP rearguard were lucky to escape on several occasions when only poor finishing by the home forwards denied Barry.  Leamington covered well though and still threatened on the counter attack.  From one such move Steve Lee almost put them further ahead but was denied by keeper Nott at the last moment.  In the closing stages AP defended grimly but managed to hang on to their victory.

Against bottom of the table Stevenage, Adrian Stewart scored to bring his tally for the season to 44 goals while Micky Boot ‘cracked home a devastating volley’ from an acute angle.  Both goals came from corners.   Keeley grabbed the third, having earlier hit the bar with an overhead kick.   Stevenage pulled one back in a goalmouth scramble.

Brakes lose crucial top of table clash

In March 1976 ‘Even two goals in the last four minutes couldn’t prevent Brakes slipping to their first defeat in 21 games to champions-elect Redditch – leaving them facing the daunting prospect of a tough end-of-season fight to hold on to their second-place promotion spot.

Leamington can have few complaints about the result.  For leaders Redditch, after a shaky start, settled to serve up the more deadly and penetrating soccer and in the process notch their 12^th consecutive league win.  AP though were never disgraced in front of 985 spectators – their biggest league crowd of the term - yet their inability to piece together devastatingly dangerous moves in the Redditch mould, was their downfall. 

All too often their attacks lacked the breathtaking speed of the visitors’ moves and Redditch’s resilient defence was able to fall back and reform.  Last season AP came unstuck after 23 unbeaten at a similar stage to leaders Bedford, and manager Jimmy Knox has a real task to lift his players for the remaining eleven games with Witney and Worcester hard on their heels.  I

In the first half-hour, it seemed as though AP’s top-scorer Adrian Stewart could become the key figure in the encounter between the two sides who have scored more than 130 league goals between them.  In the opening seconds he rose about the visitors’ defence to trouble Ward with an on-target header, and five minutes later he gave a glimpse of his remarkable acceleration with a rapid turn and burst from the half-way line before Clement cut in to hack the ball back to safety. 

However, Stewart had little other opportunity to frighten the visitors as the home side denied him a worthwhile service – especially after the interval.  It was a different story for Redditch as they gradually worked leading scorer Roger Shaw into the game.  Twice he ghosted up to the far post to scare Leamington before the best chance fell at the other end to Keeley.   AP’s front-runner hit a superb one-two with Stewart and was denied a goal as Ward came quickly off his line to knock Keeley’s drive over with his trailing legs.

 Redditch survived and Shaw finally made his presence felt when he glided on to a Dale header to fire into the far-corner from ten yards.   Four minutes later, Brakes were shocked again as Dale found space to send in a clever overhead kick.  Keeley almost narrowed the gap immediately after half-time as he got up to nod in a great effort from Boot’s corner – but Ward was equally to it with an equally-fine save.    

Leamington began to enjoy an abundance of possession but it came to nothing and Redditch continued to frighten with some lightning raids.  Tuohy almost got in on the act in the 60^th minute, but the best chance of wrapping it all up came to Dale in the 79^th minute when he broke free, rounded Davis but failed to take advantage of an empty net.  However, five minutes from the end, Shaw looked to have it sown up when he s

lipped through to pounce on an inch-perfect through-ball from Tuohy and slot home.  Two minutes later Keeley lifted AP with a fine opportunist overhead-kick goal.  AP pressed hard and in the final seconds they gained a penalty after Lawrence had handled, and Kavanagh put it away – but it was all too late (2-3).

Stewart turns down chance of league football

In February 1976 ‘AP Leamington striker Adrian Stewart turned down the chance of playing League football with Reading.   Stewart, who has notched 41 goals this term, was approached by the Fourth Division club’s manager Charlie Hurley and offered “attractive” terms.  But Stewart, who is a Product Engineer at Jaguar, said a firm “no”.   

He explained: “It has always been my ambition to make the Football League, but although flattered by Reading’s interest, the offer was not good enough to tempt me away from my job.  I had a long chat with Hurley, but looking at it purely financially, I did not feel that the move was the right one.”   

Stewart, who is 26, has been in brilliant form this season and his goals have jetted AP to within sight of the Southern League Premier Division.  Reading, who are challenging for promotion, have been watching him for weeks.  Hurley is understood to be contemplating making a new offer.’

Brakes faced Gloucester City away and ‘despite a spirited display by the home side were never in danger of losing this match. Once again Adrian Stewart was in top form, adding two goals to his “top of the league” tally.   His first came in the 40^th minute, headed past keeper Stow after almost every member of the team had helped the ball up field in a long sweeping movement. 

His second came in the 76^th minute, he coolly pushed past Snow following a long solo run through the heart of the home defence, for his 40^thgoal of the term.  Steve Lee bagged the remaining goal from close range in the 57^th minute.  His shot came from a scramble in the City goal area which had he usually strong defence in complete disarray.  The goal was just reward for Lee, who was in the thick of every Leamington attack.  He was prevented from opening in the 18^th minute by a superb save by Stow.   The ball returned to Lee whose shot rattled off the bar.   Mick Keeley also hit the City bar in the 7^th minute and always looked likely to score before a pulled stomach muscle midway through the second half led to his replacement by Brown.  

Gloucester were by no means swamped in this match.  For long periods they drove play into the Leamington half and had a closing tally of five corners to Leamington’s two.  But it’s goals that count , and Davies, Taylor and Kavanagh did well to draw the sting from the City attack.  And there could be little doubt that in the end the better side won.

Leamington’s next match was against league leaders Redditch away who were three points ahead of the Brakes.    The game was billed as the most important league clash of the season. ‘it seems  likely that Knox will name an unchanged side unless injury or illness lead him to do otherwise.   Newcomer Phil Lines keep his place in midfield after pleasing Knox with his show at Gloucester and keeper John Davis who first “stood in” when the team travelled to Redditch in mid-November prepared for his 14^th game with Leamington.  

According to Knox, AP were brimming over with confidence.  “If they win then the gap opens up to five points, if we win it narrows to one.  we haven’t  any thoughts of losing at all.”’

 

'Scott goes racing on'

That is the headline in the Non-League Paper today with a splash reporting the appointment of Scott Easterlow as Brakes supremo.

The report points out that Easterlow was in the academy before earning a spot in the senior side under Jason Cadden in the noughties.

Easterlow points out that he will no longer have to cross the Portobello Bridge or battle his way along Myton Road as Leamington is his home town.

'It feels like I am at a big club.   Leamington is a huge club.  These last few days have almost given me a new lease of life   I am as ambitious as anyone and the opportunity to move to a club at a higher level was too good to turn down.'

'The benefit of coming in at this point of the season is getting to work with the squad now.  There are some that I don't know. so I get to build relationships with them and if we do go down I will have a bit of understanding about who fits with how we want to do things,'

'Hopefully that will give a foothold to hang on to those we want to keep over the summer.'

'

Brakes feel the pressure

The Coventry Evening Telegraph reported in February 1976: ‘AP Leamington are beginning to feel the pressure as they mount their fiercest challenge yet for Southern League Premier Division status.  Manager Jimmy Knox this week admitted: “It’s to our credit that teams are now only concerned with stopping us but life is becoming more difficult.” 

A haul of 19 goals from their last seven matches would suggest that Knox is being less than fair to his attack and generous to the ability of the opposing defences.  Bur certainly Brakes did find it difficult to master Witney Town’s active rearguard during last Friday’s 1-1 draw at the Windmill, Adrian Stewart’s goal being their only on target effort.   The Leamington side have stretched their unbeaten league record to a splendid 13 wins and five draws to have the supporters cheerfully contemplating the thought of visits from the likes of Wimbledon and Nuneaton Borough next term. 

But Knox is adamant that the hardest hurdles have yet to be overcome.  “The players must realise that from now on every team will be out to beat us.   Fortunately, they have the character and ability to meet the challenge.”    Knox is disappointed by the attitude shown by some opponents.  “I will never asl my players to stop attacking.  I feel very sorry for managers who are forced to adopt such depressing policies”. 

AP joined the rush this week to sign Bermuda and Arley Rectory winger Pete Dawkins.  They put in seven days’ notice of approach and are hopeful that a transfer will be completed.  Says Knox: “Arley came and played a friendly match against us on Tuesday for their big Sunday Cup tie tomorrow.  Obviously, this gave me a chance to see the boy in action and I was extremely impressed.”’

Brakes were hoping to complete a double on Bedworth United to maintain pressure on league leaders Redditch.   ‘However, it will be no easy task.   Despite their modest record, George Awde’s Bedworth outfit are difficult to beat.   They have drawn 19 matches this term and have a disciplined defence.’

It turned out to be a bit of a game of two halves with the Evening Telegraph report which covered the match up to half time much more positive than the Courier report on the game as a whole.   The Telegraph report was headed ‘Bedworth feel AP drive’ and stated that ‘Title chasing AP Leamington dictated their clash with Bedwortb United at the Windmill Ground.  They were worth more than the 2-0 half time score suggested, giving the hard-pressed Bedworth defence a pounding.  AP were the first to show aggression and looked the better side.’  

Their first goal was a simple header from Lee after Keeley worked an opening on the right.   For the second goal, Stewart made use of a midfield mistake, ran 30 yards and rounded the keeper to score.    The Courier warned, ‘The sort of over confidence that allowed Bedworth two late chances could prove costly.’  Ivor Talbot scored the third for Brakes on 65 minutes and ‘it looked all over bar the shouting.’  

However, Bedworth then ‘staged a stunning revival as AP decided to rest on their laurels’, allowing Bedworth ‘the time and space to bounce back.’  In the last 10 minutes the visitors hit the post and bar, threatening to share the points.

Knox gets his man as Brakes battle on

In February 1976 Brakes boss Jimmy Knox swooped for the signature of Banbury United midfield player, 21-year old Jimmy Lines.  ‘Knox has had Lines watched four or five times in recent weeks and wants to sign the midfield player to boost AP Leamington’s bid for Southern League Premier Division  status.

 But Knox’s approach to Lines received a cool reception from Banbury boss Brian Stone who does not want to lose the services of the player.   Commented Stone: “I understand that AP Leamington has placed seven days’ notice of approach on the player but other than that I do not know much about it.”  He added: “I wish Jimmy Knox had come to me first rather than have gone about it like this.  It would have been much more satisfactory all round.”  

But Stone is unlikely to stand in the way o Lines moving to AP Leamington if terms are agreed between the player and Knox, who himself is a former Banbury player.’

Knox did indeed get his man: “Phil is just the sort of player I have been looking for and he will be included in the squad for Friday night’s match with Witney.   I would have played him against Kidderminster on Monday but the game was postponed.”  After his meeting with Knox, Lines said: “Leamington are a good side and I will have to play well to keep a regular place.  But there is a very good chance of playing Premier Division football with them next season.”’

‘Despite struggling with a heavy cold, marksman supreme Adrian Stewart was in the right place for the 37^th time this season when he soared above the Witney defence to give Brakes a 61^st minute lead on Friday.  Skipper Roger Brwn was absent with ‘flu, having missed the last two games with a knee injury. 

 The gritty Oxfordshire side clung on to their promotion hopes with a deserved equaliser 14 minutes later which keeps them snapping at AP’s heels in third position.  The fierce-tackling Witney rearguard soon put the shackles on Stewart, Keeley and Talbot, and with the struggle for midfield supremacy unresolved throughout the match chances were few and far between.

 Indeed the best chance of the match resulted from a careless back pass which fell to Ivor Talbot as early as the tenth minute.  But the winger was unable to add the final touch after rounding keeper Stewart Rennie. 

The remainder of the half was a grim affair with goal scoring efforts restricted to long range shots which never looked likely to break the deadlock.   There was little more enterprise in the second half, but at least there were goals.  

And ironically – in a defence-dominated match – both resulted from moments of slackness.  In the 61^st minute Micky Boot crossed from the left and Stewart rose almost unchallenged to head home from four yards with debutante keeper Rennie rooted to his line.  And Witney’s goal was equally negligent.    A cross from the right gave unmarked Barrie Thomas the time and space to head home a header from ten yards. 

Brakes nearly stole both points in the last minute when Keeley failed by a whisker as he went in on a Kavanagh corner at the far post, but it would have been more than AP deserved.’

Morale high at injury hit Brakes 50 years ago

In January 1976 ‘The precarious tightrope that Brakes boss Jimmy Knox is walking with his depleted squad tautened this week with the injury sustained by midfield man Micky Boot.   With his squad almost at full stretch, Knox now has to sweat it out until Saturday to see whether Boot will be at the ‘derby’ encounter at the Windmill against Banbury. 

Should Boot – whose form this term has been one of the dominant factors in AP’s surge towards the head of Division One North – fail a late fitness test with knee ligament trouble then Knox will be  virtually forced to bring in either defender Doug Griffith or John Brady, neither of whom have creditable experience in midfield.  And that will mean in turn Knox will have no option but to switch around his settled side.

Obviously the AP chief is reluctant to take such a step and possibly upset the rhythm of the team which have now gone 15 consecutive league games without defeat and picked up 26 of the last possible 30 points in the process.  And naturally, Knox is anxious to sign the midfield cover which he has been watching in recent weeks – and is hopeful that the move will come in the next week. 

Meanwhile, the goalkeeper crisis that has beleaguered the Windmill in the past three months is still no easier.  Dave Jones and Dave Garratt, the two AP professionals, are still nursing knee and ankle injuries and a lack of match practice isn’t helping their recovery – a sure sign that reserve soccer is sadly missed at this level of football.   Consequently John Davis is likely to once again take over the keeper’s jersey for the tenth game of the season.  

Despite the problems, spirit in the AP camp has never surely been as high.  Even in his programme notes on Tuesday, Knox was moved to comment: “I can’t praise enough the players’ attitude and the work they put into their game.   We have a wonderful spirit inside the dressing room and outside as well – this is an essential part of any successful team and takes time to achieve it but I feel we have got this now … it will go a long way to get us into the Premier Division.  There’s still some way to go but in our present mood I don’t see anyone stopping us.  It’s the same story from the players.  Ask any one of them and they’re all confident that promotion – if not the championship – is on the way to the Windmill. 

Last night at Birmingham skipper Roger Brown was appealing against a booking he received in the September FA Trophy game at Boston.  Brown asked for a personal hearing against the caution because he believed that should the FA take into consideration with two other bookings he received against Redditch and Bury at the end of last season, he could receive an automatic short-term ban.   Manager Knox was accompanying Brown, who is claiming a case against mistaken identity at the hearing.

As it turned out Brakes had no difficulty in beating Banbury 5-0, although the visitors lost their leading scorer to injury and then their keeper had to go off with a gashed eye.   Brakes were 3-0 up at the interval with two goals by Stewart amd one by Talbot.    He scored again in the second half and then Stewart scored jis 35^th goal in 34 games.

 

Good start to 1976 for Brakes

The end of 1975 and the beginning of 1976 saw some encouraging results for Brakes.  ‘AP Leamington extended their long unbeaten run in the Southern League First Division North by drawing at promotion rivals Barnet on Saturday.  And if this gritty performance was anything to go by, they are sure to be there or thereabouts by April. 

 One point was as much as they were going to get.  Indeed, their ambition from the outset did not seem to aspire to victory.   But in face of Barnet’s relentless advance, Leamington resisted so stubbornly for so long that one could not begrudge them a major piece of luck near the end.   They began brightly enough, home goalkeeper Barker cutting out a Talbot cross and then clinging to a Boot free kick in the first ten minutes.  

But the rest of the half saw Barnet pour down their slope.   Top scorer Ray Agglo once had Leamington worried by turning and firing into the hands of David Jones and later rounding the keeper, only for a couple of defenders to prevent him getting in a shot.   Leamington must have been relieved to see Agglo helped off after half an hour with a leg injury.  Certainly, Barnet had no one else with his ability to prise open defences.  

For a while in the second half Leamington came more into the picture until Barnet launched themselves into one final all-out assault.    But with Alan Jones and Brown on fine form, the home side could not find a way through, though Meadows headed against the bar in the 94^th minute with David Jones stranded.  Lemington visibly breathed a sigh of relief.  AP: David Jones, Taylor, Kavanagh, Alan Jones, Brown, Boot, Adcock, Lee, Keeley, Stewart, Talbot.  Sub: Griffiths (not used).

On Boxing Day Brakes played Enderby Town at home.  ‘When substitute Graham Adcock fired in AP’s second goal with his first kick of the match In the 46^th minute, Brakes finally relaxed.   For virtually thewhole of the first half, Enderby’s slick and zippy play caught the eye – and only poor finishing and bad luck denied them a commanding interval lead.  However, Adcock’s goal signalled a better display from a strangely lethargic AP oufit.   [Perhaps they had enjoyed Christmas too much?] And at the end the visitors could have had few grumbles about the final result.

Leamington looked only a faint shadow of the side that had humbled Worcester a few days earlier.  They let Town grasp the initiative and had few answers to the visitors’ early pace.    In the 8^th minute their efforts were rewarded when Cooper sliced the home defence apart with a perfect through ball for Paul Dearden to shoot over Davis’s body.   Mee failed to make it two in the 16^thminute after Dearden had weaved his way around the back of AP’s susceptible looking rearguard.  

However, strong running by Adrian Stewart after Talbot had knocked on a header brought Leamington’s equaliser in the 27^th minute.  Adcock’s goal put a different complexion on the game and it was AP who started to work together with their defence stifling what moves the despondent Town side could muster.    Town keeper Satchwell was carried off with torn ankle ligaments in the 70^th minute and four minutes later when stand in Burton failed to hold Boot’s shot, Stewart dispossessed him for Keeley to tap home.

NLP coverage of Holleran departure

 

Viva Holleran

The news that Paul Holleran is standing down was a shock and a blow.   In days of rapid managerial turnover he has served the club for 16 years and his long spell in charge was recently featured on BBC TV.

Paul has a marvellous contacts book and has developed many under rated players who have gone on to greater things, e.g., Colby Bishop at Portsmouth.   Danny Newton writing on X was full of praise for how Paul had rebooted his career.

Danny Newton said: 'The word legend for this man is an understatement  Signed me when I was close to packing it all in.   Gave me belief, advice and endless opportunity to discover my abilities that sparked my career.  What a man!  I am for ever grateful.'

I understand that Paul has some health challenges and I wish him well with those.

We will not see his like again.   I hope that someone on the board is filling in the Cabinet Office forms for an appropriate honour.

What we must now try and do is find a manager who will stay with us for a while.

I might give my Paul Holleran mask one more outing!