'Bull elephant' sent off in FA clash

‘It’s going to be a long hard winter for AP Leamington.’   This was the view of the Coventry Evening Telegraph after Brakes went down 1-2 at home to old rivals Nuneaton in September 1976 in front of 833.  ‘For on the evidence of last night’s clash with Nuneaton Borough they have a lot to do to bridge the gap between First and Premier Division Southern League football.’

 In its report the Courier reckoned that ‘Davis was at fault when he failed to retrieve a headed back pass from Brown.   In sharp contrast to the first half, Leamington enjoyed all the play after the break and the turning point came when Borough keeper Knight made a miraculous save to thwart Boot’s 66^th minute rocket.’ 

After this blow against their old rivals, Brakes failed to redeem themselves against Rothwell Town in the FA Cup first qualifying round.   ‘AP Leamington rarely showed Southern League form against their United Counties League opposition and can be thankful the home club’s strikers had an off day.  Unbeaten so far this season, Rothwell never gave up trying and Brakes almost gave away a first-half match winner when Mickey Boot made a hash of a back pass to goalkeeper Dave Garratt.  

But shabby finishing from both sides kept scoring chances at the premium although Rothwell keeper Coe brought off two splendid second half saves against Keeley and Dyer.  Talbot, Stewart and Pollard always threatened for Leamington.  Roger Brown played a hero’s role in defence and also came close with a first half header following a fine corner from Talbot. 

But there were few highlights in a fast-playing game which became a niggling affair during the final 20 minutes.  It was perhaps defenders Marlow and Coe who were chiefly responsible for checking AP’s increased efforts after the interval.  Yet the Southern League club threw away their best chance in the dying minutes when Dyer fumbled as he connected with a low centre, to give Rothwell the deserved replay.

For the replay, Jimmy Knox promised the United Counties League side ‘a warm welcome’.   Rothwell were ‘well worth their draw’ but the Windmill Ground should prove their undoing.   Knox explained. ‘We found it difficult to show our true form on a sloping pitch but Rothwell will find out how really good we are tonight.  We are looking forward to it.’

 In the event Rothwell proved to be tricky opponents in front of a crowd of 596.   ‘It took Brakes 75 minutes to break the spirit of plucky Rothwell and only then by an own goal when the visitors had been reduced to ten men.   Brakes threw everything at the would-be giant killers, but just when it seemed that Rothwell would force extra time, Stewart broke free on the left and fired in a low cross that makeshift centre back Geoff Crick turned past his own keeper.  

Doug Smith made doubly certain of their right to meet Bromsgrove in the next round when his diving header found the target just seconds from time.    With the help of a lot of luck and some sloppy finishing it began to look as if Rothwell might deny Brakes a goal and snatching one themselves as frustration increased in the AP camp.    Giant centre back Mulvihall fouled Stewart once too often.   Sensing that Rothwell were in danger on 60 minutes he raced across half the width of the field and careered into the advancing Pollard like a bull elephant.  The dismissal was inevitable and with it went Rothwell’s chance.’