Bishop's move

A Colby Bishop hat trick saw Leamington beat Nuneaton Borough 3-0 at the Phillips 66 Community Stadium in the final home game of the season watched by 623 and two dogs. Leamington remain 14th on the same number of points as Southport (53).

Brakes showed early intent when a free kick was headed off the post. An excellent cross from Connor Taylor enabled Bishop to make it 1-0. Almost immediately after the resumption, Bishop forged through to make it 2-0. Some entertainment was provided by Nuneaton's No.9, Luke Barlone, aka the incredible hulk, constantly falling over.

After the break, Leamington rained in shots on the Nuneaton goal but Cameron Belford made two excellent saves. Twenty minutes in Bishop made it 3-0. There were calls for the 'old five', but it was not to be.

Bishop and Jack Edwards were substituted and Nuneaton used their two substitutes. Tony Breeden had to make a good save to prevent a consolation. In time added on Brakes hit the underside of the bar.

The referee kept his cards in his pocket.

Annual general meeting

The attendance was fairly modest. One interesting revelation was that the average turnover of a club in the National League North is now just over £700,000 a year and the average playing budget is £268,000. This reflects the fact that there are a number of former Football League clubs in the division. However, a number of clubs have much smaller turnovers and playing budgets.

The recently released accounts of one club for 2017/18 show a turnover of £294k and a player budget of £190k. Advertising and sponsorship was the biggest income stream at £90k while match receipts amounted to £77k. A donation of £10k was received for the transfer to Swansea City. A £18k contribution was received from the National League from Premier League distributions and their own sponsorships.

The meeting followed the win over Ashton which should have secured another year in the National League North. Relegation would mean a loss of £70k in revenue. In the long run, the situation is not sustainable which is why we need to move to a new ground.

Individual directors bought £25k of shares to cover a projected £18k end year loss. They are not wealthy individuals and I would like to endorse the vote of thanks passed at the meeting.

Villa vanquished

Leamington went through to the final of the Birmingham Senior with a 2-1 victory over Aston Villa under 23s at the Phillips 66 Community Stadium tonight.

Villa started brightly and went ahead on 10 minutes through a header from Aaron Pressley. The visitors had tremendous pace, getting quickly from one end of the pitch to the other, but their finishing left something to be desired.

Leamington were stronger in the second half while Villa faded. Ahmed Obeng was tormenting the Villa defence and a free kick was awarded after he was brought down by Villa charm merchant Mungo Bridge who received a yellow card for his trouble. The free kick led to a goalmouth scramble with Junior English scoring.

The winner came from Colby Bishop converting a corner with a header.

We played the ball along the ground more than we normally do and there was less hoofing than usual.

The referee had a good game, particularly to be commended for insisting that throw ins were taken in the right spot.

Three crucial points

Leamington secured three crucial points at the Phillips 66 Community Stadium this afternoon with a 1-0 victory over Southport. With most other games postponed, Brakes moved up to 16th, ten points above FC United in the leading relegation place.

The goal came after seven minutes when a mix up between the Southport keeper and his defender allowed Colby Bishop to score.

The strong wind did not make for accurate football, but Brakes were able to hold Southport at bay.

Doltish Southport defender Matthew Platt eventually picked up the yellow card he had been looking for all afternoon, but then Junior English was booked. A second harsh booking saw him sent off.

It wasn't a quality game, but the win was vital. Attendance was a disappointing 450.

Not good enough

Leamington lost 0-1 to an in form York City at the Phillips 66 Community Stadium in front of a crowd of 801 this afternoon. I didn't think the Minstermen were that marvellous. However, we were often second to the ball and insufficiently clinical in front of goal. And, once again, we relied too much on the long ball. The midfield weren't very evident, but then the long ball game doesn't help them. The windy conditions didn't help accurate passing.

The game was decided in the 10th minute when a cross came in from the right and Breeden unusually fumbled the ball allowing the visitors to score.

We did get better as the second half wore on and had some chances, but we were unable to take them. In particular, we should have scored from a corner but the ball went just over. A late free kick was also unproductive.

Hood put in some good defensive work and one positive was Junior English getting forward more.

The referee didn't do us any favours. Just as well York City had a Pullman coach with a comfy seat for him.

The last three matches against York have ended in 2-2 draws, but we never really looked like getting an equaliser today.

Ashton lost at Alfreton so we are still six points above the drop zone in 17th. Tuesday evening's opponents, Bradford Park Avenue, drew at home with Curzon Ashton.

Score draw with two penalties

A segregated crowd of 1,150 saw Leamington draw 2-2 with Hereford United at the Phillips 66 Community Stadium this afternoon.

The early phase of the match was relatively uneventful with no real chances for either side. Then Obeng was one on one with the keeper, but his effort was deflected for a corner. Tony Breeden made a great one handed save, but before long the visitors stabbed in an opener from close range. An idiot flat capped Hereford supporter ran on to the pitch and had to be shepherded off by one of their players, no sign of the stewards.

Jack Edwards then equalised, but a couple of minutes later Hereford scored from a penalty sending them in 2-1 ahead at half time.

Brakes tried to press in the second half, but to no great effect. Bulls charm merchant James, Waite was then sent off for a blatant elbow. Hereford subsequently brought on their secret weapon in the form of big fat lump Mike Symons.

Holleran brought on Mikey Taylor who did not make much of a difference and then Reece Flanagan who did with some precise passes. Leamington were then awarded a penalty and Colby Bishop stepped up to equalise.

Leamington remain 14th.

Great win for Brakes

Leamington beat West Bromwich Albion 4-1 at the Phillips 66 Community Stadium tonight in front of a crowd of 211 to progress to the semi-finals of the Birmingham Senior Cup.

It was a fluent performance against a Baggies side that had plenty of pace and penetration.

The win included two goals from Jack Edwards and a Colby Bishop penalty.