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.