April 25

1957 - Lockheed-Leamington 4 Nuneaton Borough 1 - Birmingham & District League Division 1

The first fixture we currently have in our ever expanding archive for this date is a Birmingham & District League game against Nuneaton Borough at the Windmill Ground in 1957. In front of a crowd of 1,300, the Coventry Evening Telegraph reported that this was Brakes’ first win over their rivals from the North of the county:

‘It took a goal by Nuneaton Borough to bring Lockheed to life in a Birmingham League Division I match at Leamington last night. The Leamington team then produced their best soccer for two months to finish 4-1 winners their first League victory over the Borough. Slater put Nuneaton ahead after 27 minutes, a position which shortly afterwards put fight into the Lockheed attack and for the remainder of the game the Leamington team were in command.

Lockheed, in the middle of a programme of 10 League matches in three weeks, showed no signs of staleness in the second half when they split open the Nuneaton defence with some lively wing to-wing movements. Outside-left Burrows was in bright form. Scorers for Lockheed were Dutton (2), Robertson and Reeves (own goal).’

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1974 - Bedworth United 0 AP Leamington 2 - Southern League Division 1 North

Another all Warwickshire affair - this time at The Oval - and another win for Brakes.

Report from the Coventry Evening Telegraph: ‘Bedworth failed by two points to achieve manager Gerry Baker’s target of 40 as A.P. Leamington completed the double at the Oval last night.

But in their final match. United's tactics were all wrong to expect victory over the well organised AP side. Too often they pumped long balls down the middle where they were easily put out by AP's impressive back four of Taylor, Bowden, Griffiths and Wilkinson.

AP scored two goals In the opening 10 minutes. Strong-running Neil Armstrong forced his way past his ex-team mate Bill Thomas to fire them in front in the 50th minute.

Then impressive Ivor Talbot worked his way into the Bedworth penalty area before shooting wide of goalkeeper Peter Garnell.

Trevor Shepherd. skipper for the night. twice almost reduced the lead for Bedworth. He had a close range header brilliantly saved by David Jones and then United's top scorer hit a post from a free kick.’

Team: D Jones, D Taylor, E Wilkinson, A Bowden, D Griffiths, K Shrimpton, R Horne, S Lee, A Stewart, N Armstrong, I Talbot. Substitute: N Foster.

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1975 - AP Leamington 1 Redditch United 3 - Southern League Division 1 North

Brakes took on fellow promotion hopefuls Redditch United just three days after unfortunately losing by a single goal to Atherstone Town in the Birmingham Senior Cup Final at Highfield Road. 767 were there to watch it.

Redditch were playing their final league game of the campaign and moved into second place with this win. Roger Shaw scored their first goal early in the first half, Mick Tuohy adding a second after half time, and though Mick Keeley replied for Leamington John Jones sealed the points for the Worcestershire side. Brakes still had games to play before their season was completed however, and they would finish above Redditch in third place, just a point behind promoted Dunstable Town.

Team: D Garrett, D Taylor, J Brady, D Griffiths, R Brown, M Boot, N Armstrong, S Lee,A Stewart, D Scriggens, M Keeley. Substitute: A Bowden.

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1978 - AP Leamington 2 Yeovil Town 0 - Southern League Premier Division

Jimmy Knox’s side recorded an important win as they battled to stay in the Southern League Premier Division. Only 232 people were present at the Windmill Ground to see it. Report from the Coventry Evening Telegraph below.

‘MICKY BOOT’S timely return stylishly underlined AP Leamington's right to remain a Premier Division club on merit last night.

Boot, who walked out of the Windmill three months ago, came back to orchestrate a fluent exhibition and lift the shroud of gloom following Saturday's 7-0 defeat at Maidstone.

The little midfield star effortlessly provided the missing link and his precision passing and positional play handed Brakes a lifeline of hope.

"I owe AP nothing." said Boot. "But I couldn't sit, back and watch them go down. We gave too much blood and sweat to get them up."

It was a typically honest opinion and came minutes after one of the best AP performances in weeks. Their baffling inconsistency could still see them fail but with Boot pulling the strings AP's immediate future looks secure.

It was far from being a one-man show with Tom Kilkelly, Adrian Stewart and Kevin Hughes also outstanding in a slick team effort.

Hughes slammed the first goal in the 25th minute and you would go a long way to see one better. Roy Morton planted the bell in the path of Stewart's intelligent run and when the big No. 9 weaved round a defender and crossed there Hughes to explode an unstoppable angled volley past Brian Parker.

And four minutes later Hughes was hauled down by Steve Flay and Gerry Kavanagh stepped up to slot home a perfect penalty. Yeovil, whose early flourish saw Vince O'Keefe make two fine saves, were being torn apart and Danny Conway could have added two more goals.

He regained a lost ball only to see his deft chip over the goalkeeper headed off the line by Flay and seconds before the interval, he toed over an open goal after Boot and Hughes had put him clear.

The visitors were unable to shake free of a vice-like defensive grip in the second half and AP calmly closed the door on any recovery. And with Boot, Dennis Taylor and Morton linking well, most of the action was towards the Yeovil goal with Stewart twice going clam to adding to his 18-goal tally and Boot seeing a snap shot deflected inches outside.’

Team: V O’Keefe, G Kavanagh, G Capewell, A Jones, T Kilkelly, M Boot, R Morton, D Taylor, A Stewart, D Conway, K Hughes. Substitute: R Mason.

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1981 - AP Leamington 0 Nuneaton Borough 1 - Alliance Premier League

Brakes looked to have suffered a damaging defeat to Warwickshire rivals Nuneaton as a goal from Trevor Morley in the dying seconds handed Boro’ the points in this relegation six pointer played out in front of 441 at the Windmill Ground. Report from the Leamington Spa Courier below.

Team: Dulleston, Cooper, Montgomery, Jones, Brown, Ashenden, Farrington, Gorman, Mee, Gardner, M Taylor.

Chilled to the relegation marrow

AP Leamington 0 Nuneaton Borough 1

Bitterly cold, wet and windswept though the Windmill was on Saturday afternoon, the elements became nothing compared with the chill which gripped AP hearts after what surely must be the most dramatic ending ever witnessed on the ground.

Referee Mr Toseland had already checked his watches twice. The few spectators who had braved the January-in-April arctic onslaught, were rising to leave, the AP fraternity amongst them happy in the knowledge that relegation was almost staved off, albeit at the expense of neighbours Borough, for whom the 0-0 draw was no less condemning than a 10-0 defeat.

After a rugged game, in the most rugged conditions imaginable, it appeared as though the stalemate would prevail until that pending final blast of Mr Toseland’s whistle.

Nuneaton had done nearly all the pressing in the last ten minutes. They had no other course of action open to them. A goal was imperative. Brakes calmly repelled each successive attack, or relied on Borough’s continuing inability to gauge the strong wind to work in their favour.

Even the loss of right-back Paul Cooper, sent off five minutes from time, did not imperil AP to any serious degree. The ascent throughout the team was on defence anyway.

What, in the event proved the last Borough attack, was half cleared. The ball was pushed back into the middle from the Nuneaton left. It fell at the feet of Trevor Morley 20 yards out. He had to shoot, and he did so, low and hard. Alan Dulleston covered it just inside his right hand post. He failed to hold it, and the treacherous ball appeared to come off his chest, and roll under his body into the net.

For the space of perhaps three seconds, there was no reaction, and then one of utter joy as Borough players, dugout occupants and supporters, engulfed the jubilant Morley who had raced to the touchline arms raised in thanksgiving.

From a distance - at which most of them were - the AP faithful prayed that the ball had gone into the side netting. There was no such reprieve. Brakes restarted, Duncan Gardner dribbled past three men in a head-down, hell bent, despairing charge. He was inevitably robbed, and as the ball was hoisted back into the home half Mr Toseland brought down the curtain.

Agony and ecstasy condensed into a fateful minute, and agony especially for Brakes’ keeper Alan Dulleston who was, technically, to blame for the goal.

‘But how can you blame him, when he, more than anyone else has won priceless points for us in recent matches,’ said manager John Farrington on Monday. ‘Ninety nine times out of 100, Alan would save that sort of shot with his eyes closed. This was the 100th, it was bitterly disappointing to put it mildly, but that’s football.

‘All goals count as long as they’re scored within the 90 minutes. We’ve now got to go to Wealdstone tomorrow and win. It’s all down to ourselves and that one match. We suffered no injuries against Nuneaton, only broken hearts. I’ve got to get them mended by Saturday.’

One man, however, will not be playing in London, and if Dulleston takes the technical blame for the disaster, then Paul Cooper might take the moral responsibility. Cooper was sent off five minutes before the end, after clashing with Borough’s Alan Hough who was booked. The time it took referee Toseland to complete his on-field paperwork he would have added to the normal span.

Cooper was dismissed because he had already been booked, shortly before half time. Borough’s Derek Walker and Mark Neale also incurred the similar first half wrath of Mr Toseland. But the game was never as undisciplined as it might have been taking into account the factors which handicapped it.

The one fact that success was paramount to both teams made it the most crucial local derby for years. The grim weather added to the burden, and in such conditions the outcome was always likely to be decided by a mistake, rather than skilful football.

Strangely both sides played better against the wind. Nuneaton facing it in the first half when they put the Brakes under considerable pressure, and ominously, it was Morley who created most problems.

He drove one fierce shot wide, and another was frantically pushed over the bar by Dulleston. A third Morley effort was parried by the ‘keeper who recovered rapidly to snatch the ball off the feet of the onrushing Walker and Neale.

All of AP’s pre interval threats came in the opening minutes, and Borough keeper Ken Hall had to use his legs to keep out Paul Mee’s shot from Farrington’s corner.

Gardner headed wide from a Paul Montgomery free kick during this initial flurry which unfortunately died out rapidly as Borough settled. With the wind in their faces after the break, AP’s task seemed immense. And more so as Nuneaton forced three corners in the opening four minutes.

But Brakes kept them all out, and the defence, centred round the calm efficiency of Gary Brown, grew more confident by the minute. Farrington, Tommy Gorman and Russell Ashenden, also made much more impact in midfield than they had done earlier, and greater accuracy returned to AP’s game.

Goal chances were restricted by a Borough defence in equally as dour a mood as was AP’s, but Micky Taylor was desperately unlucky when his shot skidded across the face of goal, inches away from Gardner’s lunging boot, and inches wide of the far post.

Mee was just too slow to realise he had sprung Borough’s offside trap on another occasion; while a wayward back pass sent Gardner haring clear, but control was beyond him and a corner was the only gain.

They were incidents which appeared destined to become inconsequential as Borough’s spirits sagged lower with every attack which bounced off Brown and Co., or drifted to nothing on the wind.

Until, that is, the fickle gods of soccer did their work on Mr Toseland’s stop watch and mind, and on the reactions of Trevor Morley. To be scrupulously fair Borough shaded the contest on points, and Morley deserved to be their saviour.

Scant consolation that is for AP, who have spent five months clawing their way from the foot of the relegation cliff to the top of it, but now have a mere 90 minutes left in which to avoid plunging back on to the inescapable rocks.

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1987 - Buckingham Town 5 Leamington 1 - Southern League Midland Division

A sad day as Brakes were soundly beaten in what was to be their final Southern League game for 22 years, though those present that day were not to know that at the time. Mark Rosegreen scored our consolation goal. Report from the Leamington Spa Courier below.

Team: Campbell, Chatwin, Upton, S Thomas, Britton, O’Hare, Coleman, Wilson, Draper, Rosegreen, Kavanagh. Substitute: L Williams.

R.I.P

Manager Malcolm Kavanagh’s pre-match instructions to his players were apparently to go out and enjoy themselves.

Sadly the only Leamington enjoyment from this slaughter in the sunshine, was for those harbouring kamikaze tendencies.

Frankly it could have been infinitely worse. Buckingham scored five times but managed to miss at least another handful chances.

Brake’ defence, so fragile in the first half, wilted towards transparency in an embarrassing last twenty minutes. The only consolation was that Buckingham had left their finishing skills in the dressing room at half time.

Brakes competed almost blow for blow in the first twenty minutes. The only difference was that Buckingham took their opportunities. The unfamiliarity of wearing Buckingham’s second strip (Brakes arrived without their own!) spread to their understanding at the back, as Junior Wilson and Russ Ashenden were given free headers inside the opening twelve minutes.

But when Mark Rosegreen’s anticipation pulled a goal back from Dave Bristow’s poor back header in the 29th minute, Leamington’s demise was temporarily checked. Suddenly they were given an injection of confidence and Paul Coleman might have done better than scoop over another good opening.

By the 40th minute the spring in the stride was well and truly flattened. Tony Kingston tucked away a 37th minute penalty after a needless handling offence, and three minutes later it was 4-1 as Terry Shrieves touched in Wilson’s knock down.

It was Shrieves who finally beat Trevor Campbell again with four minutes of the game remaining.

If it is to be Leamington’s last Southern League game - or their last altogether - it was a sad way to bow out. They certainly performed like a side expecting to go to the gallows.

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2006 - Barwell 0 Leamington 4 - Midland Football Alliance

Barwell 0 Leamington 4
Midland Alliance
Tuesday 25 April 2006
By David Hucker

Adams and Blake bury Barwell in brilliant Brakes show

Brilliant Brakes guaranteed fifth place in their first season the Harvey World Travel Midland Alliance with a clinical display against near rivals Barwell. These two sides will meet again next month in the Polymac Services League Cup at Walsall's Bescot Stadium and, whilst that match will start all square, Brakes have given their opponents plenty to think about.

Brakes nearly opened the scoring as early as the fourth minute, when an inswinging corner from James Husband was missed by 'keeper Glenn Ashton, only for a defender to clear off the line. However, it didn't take long for the first goal to come as, two minutes later, Josh Blake stole in to head home a well-flighted Jon Adams free-kick (0-1).

Ryan Parisi was called upon to make a timely clearance in the 8th minute, but the home side were not really firing and Brakes got their second in the 11th. The nervous Ashton rushed from his line to the edge of the penalty area only to upend Josh Blake and Jon Adams made no mistake from the spot (0-2).

The assured Tom Cudworth, who is improving with every match, sent a long free-kick into the area, but Dave Care put his shot wide. Danny Spencer wasted one of a number of chances for Barwell, slicing his shot wide in the 22nd minute before Jody McKay lay the ball off to Husband who drew a good save from Ashton. With the interval approaching it was the turn of Richard Morris, who had been a spectator for much of the half, to tip a Barwell free-kick over the bar and Brakes went in at half-time two goals to the good and very much in the ascendancy.

The second half started with Brake again taking the game to their hosts and, when on 52 minutes, Blake flicked the ball onto Jon Adams to race clear and beat a clutch of defenders, Ashton was left to pick the ball out of the net for the third time. Husband, who was causing considerable panic down the left side, was fouled off the ball by Dale Turner who was shown the red card, making Barwell's task even harder. Brakes were in no mood to ease off and, in the 64th minute, Leon Morgan rose to head an Adams free-kick against the post, but Blake reacted faster than everyone to put away the rebound (0-4).

There could have been a fifth on 76 minutes, but Ashton beat out McKay's shot and then near the end he got down well to deny Alex Rodman, who had come on for Morton Titterton.

This was a good team performance, built solidly from the back with Parisi, Cudworth and Mike Feely (who replaced Tom Sidwell) withstanding the Barwell attacks which got more frequent as the match wore on. Behind them, Richard Morris saved everything that came his way. Jon Adams, playing his 62nd match of the campaign, was back to his brilliant best after a couple of matches where the long season appeared to be taking its toll and the effervescent Blake was as fresh in his 58th match as he was back in August.

Jon Adams surpassed his brother Richard as the club's leading marksman for the season and described it as "a great achievement to beat a fine goalscorer." The retort from Richard was "I am not happy about that, at all" or words to that effect.

Assistant Manager, Darran Tank described the performance as "top notch" adding, "we were on fire from the outset and really wanted that fifth spot. We were a yard quicker to very ball and kept our discipline when the going got tough. That's ten league matches unbeaten now and we want to round off the season with the right result at home on Saturday."

Tom Sidwell has a slight back injury and there were bookings for Parisi, Titterton and Morgan.

Barwell: Glenn Ashton; Dale Turner; Rich Masters; David Hart; Steve White; Karl Noble (Danny Kitching 78); Scott Clamp [Capt.]; Carl Adams; Danny Spencer; Craig Noble; Reece Lester.

Subs Not Used: Adam Cleater; Dean Sergeant; Nick Pollard

Leamington: Richard Morris; Dave Care; Ryan Parisi; Tom Sidwell (Mike Feely 26); Tom Cudworth; Morton Titterton (Alex Rodman 66); Jon Adams; Leon Morgan [Capt.]; Josh Blake; Jody Mckay; James Husband (Ryan Howell 72)

Subs Not Used: Paul Eden; Paul Shepherd

Attendance: 302

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2009 - Leighton Town 2 Leamington 5 - Southern League Midland Division

10 man Brakes leave Reds on the ropes
Saturday April 25th, 2009 @ Bell Close, vs Leighton Town (5-2). British Gas Business Southern League Midland Division.
By Paul Edwards.

This was almost the perfect end to a perfect season. Brakes rounded off their victorious title winning year by eventually cantering to victory, in a game that many had marked down as a tough one when the fixtures were first viewed. Indeed, this was our first victory over Leighton after three draws, and it was made all the more impressive by the fact that the team played for just over an hour with ten men, after Adam Cooper was rather harshly sent off for conceding the penalty which led to the opening goal. However, this only served to galvanise Brakes, and they went in front before riding out some pressure from the home side, rounding a memorable season off with a fine second half display.

There was a real end of season feel about the place before kick off, with a relaxed atmosphere, gold and black replica shirts resplendent, as the crowd soaked up the April sunshine. Keeper Lee Clark plucked an early cross from James Husband off the head of Josh Blake, and Husband then tried to curl a pass around the last man for Blake to latch on to, but Clark was off his line to claim. The home side may have narrowly missed out on the play off places, but they were keen to take the scalp of the Champions, and Liam Hatch forced Chris Kiely to push his fierce shot over the bar.

There was a scramble for the ball inside Kiely's penalty area, as Leighton continued to press, but the home side were unable to force the ball home. Marcus Jackson then crossed for Blake, who held the ball up and turned well, but his shot lacked the power to trouble Clark. A dangerous ball in from the left was missed by the Leighton forwards, and Kiely was eventually able to claim.

On 28 minutes the game exploded into life, as Adam Cooper's afternoon came to a premature end. He was given a straight red card for pulling back a Leighton attacker, and Dennis Fenemore coolly dispatched the resulting penalty kick past Kiely to put his side in front. The Brakes stopper was then forced into another save from a low shot by Liam Hatch.

It appeared that Brakes may have a tough task on their hands to avoid defeat, but they were determined to smash the 100 point barrier, and were level within five minutes. Jai Stanley slung a cross in from the right, and Mark Bellingham, despite being tightly marked, got enough on his header to carry the ball past a flat footed Lee Clark and into the corner of the net.

The goal, and the resilience shown by Leamington seemed to take the sting out of the home side, and they found themselves behind six minutes before the break. James Husband sent over a searching ball from the middle of the park, and Chris Murphy stole in unmarked on the right, and sent a first time shot into the far corner for a fine goal. Jai Stanley had a chance to extend the lead further, but flighted his free kick from the edge of the area just over the bar.

For a short period at the beginning of the second half, it appeared that the players' minds may be on their upcoming summer break, as they conceded a rather soft equaliser, but after that, there was only one team that looked likely to win this game. Leighton pushed forward from the restart, and were rewarded on 49 minutes, when a shot from the right evaded Chris Kiely and struck the far post, with Liam Hatch tucking away the rebound. Brakes were after an immediate reply, and Bellingham was caught offside as Stanley played the ball over to him inside the area. Only a well timed last ditch challenge from Charlie Cunningham prevented Josh Blake from a clear run on goal as the pair chased a through ball. At this stage, both goalkeepers were seeing a lot of the ball without having to make too many saves. However, just after the hour mark, Leamington moved back in front, a position they would not relinquish during the remainder of the game.

A clearance from defence by captain Martin Hier was helped on by the head of Josh Blake. Mark Bellingham relishes these kind of situations, and he was onto the ball, in a straight chase with his marker, but there was only going to be one winner. With keeper Clark stranded off his line, Bellingham clipped his shot past the helpless keeper and the ball looped into the net.

Marcus Jackson made a timely intervention in defence to prevent a dangerous cross from causing problems for Chris Kiely, but Leighton were seeing less and less of the ball in attacking positions, while Leamington looked threatening every time they went forward, causing panic in the home defence. Jai Stanley left the field to a raucous ovation, to be replaced by a hungry looking Luke Corbett, who immediately began making a nuisance of himself all over the pitch. He played a big part in Leamington's fourth goal on 75 minutes, picking up a stray pass on the right to spring Brakes into a counter attack, with the home side pushed up field. Corbett's cross was inches from the head of Josh Blake, who flung himself forward to try and connect with the ball, but instead it found Mark Bellingham at the back post. Lee Clark made himself big and blocked the initial shot well, but Bellingham had time to pick himself up, and laid a pass back to James Husband outside the area, and he arrowed a powerful strike through the crowd and into the far corner.

The travelling support were in party mood now, and Chris Kiely received a well deserved ovation as he was replaced by the returning Richard Morris for the final minutes of the game. If this was to be his last game for the club, his contribution has been very much appreciated by all, and hopefully he has enjoyed his stay at Leamington enough to consider a return, if the opportunity arises. However, it was good to see Mozza back between the posts, and he was no doubt relieved to be back, even though he had practically nothing to do during his time on the pitch.

Leighton keeper Clark was perhaps fortunate that the Referee was unsighted when he charged out of his area to contest a high ball with Luke Corbett, as there was a suspicion of handball as he made contact. An exchange of wry smiles with Bello told its own story. The Brakes striker looked to be in with a chance of a hat trick, as he robbed Liam Howley on the left touchline and charged towards the area, but with two players hot on his heels, he ran the ball out of play.

Mykel Beckley, fit again after his recent injury, stepped off the bench to provide further torment for the Leighton back line. He will no doubt be hoping for an injury free season next time out, as his chances of cementing a place in the side have been hampered by long spells on the sidelines. He saw a cross pushed out by Clark, which fell to Husband outside the area. His shot nicked a home player on the way through, and went behind for a corner. As the ball was played into the 6 yard box, an almighty scramble ensued, with shots being desperately blocked, before Mark Bellingham forced the ball home. He was mobbed by his team mates as they celebrated his sixth hat trick of the season, and a second in two games. Brakes fans have seen some prolific goalscorers play for their team since the renaissance in 2000, but surely none more so than this man. He has finished the season with a record of practically a goal a game, which even at this level, is astonishing. The adulation he receives from supporters, young and old, knows no bounds, and he certainly seems happy to be playing for Leamington. It is to be hoped that the club can persuade him to return for our assault on the Premier Division, next time out, because it would surely prove very difficult to replace a player of such quality.

Bellingham so nearly grabbed a sixth goal for Leamington, as a cross from strike partner Corbett squirmed through the legs of keeper Clark, and hit the post, before the keeper got his hands to it just in time. This was allegedly Martin Hier's final game for the club, as he has apparently decided to hang up his boots while at the top, and he almost connected with a corner kick, which would have been a fitting send off for a player who has had a big part to play in the successes of recent seasons. The game ended with Brakes firmly in the ascendancy, and the players and management were warmly applauded from the pitch.

Even before the memories of this wonderful campaign have time to fade, thoughts turn to next season. It is sure to be another exciting, eventful campaign. The buzzword is always 'consolidation', when entering a new, unknown division, with new opponents and fresh challenges, but with the way our team has approached these situations before, it would be foolish to bet against another successful season for Jason Cadden's men, next time out. The team has been an absolute pleasure to watch and report on, at times this season, and will no doubt continue to be so. The future's bright. The future's Gold and Black!

Leighton Town: Lee Clark, Charlie Cunningham, Jack Copson Jamie O'Grady, 75), James McNulty, Peter Clifford [C] (Dean Buss, 69), Liam Howley, Scott Thomas, Enzo Silvestri, Dennis Fenemore, James Hatch (Bilal Hassan, 81), Aston Goss.

Subs not used: Steve Root [GK], James Lasbrey.

Leamington: Chris Kiely (Richard Morris, 75), Chris Murphy, Martin Hier [C], Adam Cooper, Guy Sanders, Marcus Jackson, Stuart Herlihy, Jai Stanley (Luke Corbett, 69), Josh Blake (Mykel Beckley, 81), Mark Bellingham, James Husband.

Subs not used: Reis Ashraf, Liam Reynolds.

Referee: P.C.Martin.

Assistant Referees: G.Kinnear, M.Gospel.

Attendance: 288.

Man of the Match: Chris Murphy.

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2011 - Leamington 3 Stourbridge 2 - Southern League Premier Division

Having secured a play off place in Paul Holleran’s first season in charge with a 3-2 win at Oxford City in their previous game, Brakes took on old foes Stourbridge in the final league match of the season. No long term fan will need reminding how frustrating games were against Stourbridge back in those days but the worm would start to turn from this game onwards as Leamington stormed back from behind twice to finally record a win over the Glassboys.

Leamington 3 Stourbridge 2
Zamaretto League Premier Division
New Windmill Ground
Monday 25th April 2011

Once again Leamington dug deep in storming from behind to win by the odd goal in five for the third time in four games, and it is this kind of steely resolve that gives all at the club great hope as we march into Thursday’s play off semi final tie at Hednesford Town. Paul Holleran’s charges found the mental strength and determination from somewhere to ensure that the league programme did not end on a sour note, and there is suddenly a real belief that the team is capable of one final push for promotion. Although they may be viewed by others as the underdogs in the final four, in a one off game, anything is possible, and the last few games of the campaign have highlighted the never say die attitude that has developed throughout the squad.

This was not altogether evident during the first 45 minutes however, as the visitors put on the kind of performance we have come to expect in this fixture over the last few years. They were by far the better side in the opening exchanges, and indeed for the majority of the half, as they continually exploited the space afforded to them in midfield, and utilised set pieces as efficiently as ever. Nathan Bennett headed an early corner over the bar, but it was clear to see what was coming when the same player towered above a congested penalty area to thump home another set piece on 8 minutes. Brakes were left chasing shadows at times, and were fortunate not to be further behind after another effort deflected over, and also when a dangerous ball into the six yard box was somehow screwed wide of an open goal from 3 yards out by Josh Craddock.

The two benches were friendly enough before the first whistle but the handbags were flying when Ryan Mahon was cautioned for a challenge that left Neil Barnfield grounded. To highlight the Glassboys’ dominance, Leamington’s first effort at goal did not arrive until half an hour had been played, Richard Batchelor shooting over Lewis Solly’s bar. Some good hold up play by Chris Knight saw the ball played out to Michael Tuohy on the right, but his ball across the penalty area did not find a team mate.

Stourbridge were comfortable as the two sides swapped ends, but they came up against a completely different animal in the second half. Luke Corbett was denied as his powerful close range header was pushed over the bar by Solly, and the recalled striker was in the thick of the action throughout the second half. It was his persistence in cutting back the ball from the touchline that created an opening for Jamie Sheldon to control and fire home the equaliser on the hour, with the Stourbridge defence statuesque. Corbett then saw a deflected free kick plucked out of the air by Solly as it headed for the top corner.

There may have been limited opportunities for the visitors during the second half, but they capitalised on one that came their way, as Paul McCone headed them back in front from a left sided free kick on 71 minutes. However, Leamington had the bit between their teeth now, and levelled things up again within four minutes. Luke Corbett was involved again inside the Stourbridge penalty area, and had his legs taken from under him , leaving Referee Guy Stretton with little option but to award a penalty. A number of the squad have failed from the spot this season, but skipper Richard Batchelor was calmness personified despite the best attempts of Lewis Solly to unnerve him as he placed the ball, and he confidently sent the goalkeeper the wrong way to square things up.

Brakes continued to push forward, Scott Lycett’s speculative drive from distance bouncing through to Solly, before a corner was headed out from under the crossbar. Corbett’s shot from a superb ball by Nick Stanley was deflected behind for a corner, which was to lead to the winning goal five minutes from time. Solly punched clear as Liam Daly challenged, and when the ball was played back in, Corbett and Daly both went for it on the goal line, somehow heading it away from danger. Alex Taylor picked up possession on the right and the Harbury Lane End screamed for a penalty as he appeared to be brought down, but the ball was eventually rammed back across goal, where Luke Corbett displayed razor sharp instincts to get there inches ahead of Solly and ram a shot into the net. It was his first goal in nine games, possibly the longest he has gone without scoring in his time at the club, and he celebrated wildly, almost leaping straight over the barrier behind the goal into the supporters, who were more than happy to share his joy.

Leamington were still not finished, and Corbett’s burst down the right saw his cross spin high into the air from a deflection, the ball eventually being claimed by Solly. Another swift break from midfield saw Alex Taylor stumble as he looked to move clear, but Neil Barnfield played a clever pass out to substitute Chris Murphy on the left, leaving him a clear run at goal, but with defenders closing in and Lewis Solly rushing from his line, the shot was saved.

This was a truly rousing way to end the season, and can only fill everyone associated with the club with confidence ahead of the match at Hednesford. The Stourbridge players and management have not tasted defeat at the New Windmill Ground too often, but warmly returned the applause from the Brakes support as they left the field, with keeper Solly wishing us good luck, which was appreciated.

Attention now turns to what could be one of the biggest games in our recent history. All roads lead to Hednesford on Thursday night. Be there......

Leamington: Tony Breeden, Michael Tuohy, James Husband, Neil Barnfield, Liam Daly, Scott Lycett, Jamie Sheldon, Nick Stanley, Chris Knight (Alex Taylor, 46), Luke Corbett, Richard Batchelor ©.

Subs not used: 16 Liam Doyle, 17 Tom Cross.

Stourbridge: Lewis Solly, Sam Rock (14 Linden Dovey, 70), Aaron Griffiths, Paul McCone, Ryan Mahon, Nathan Bennett, Sam Smith, Drew Canavan, Ryan Rowe (17 Justin Nisbett, 88), Ben Billingham ©, Josh Craddock (15 Aaron Drake, 55).

Subs not used: 12 Craig Slater, 16 Paul Lloyd.

Attendance: 793

Referee: Mr Guy Stretton

Assistant Referees: Mr Kevin Allen & Mr Shaun Garner

Man of the match: Richard Batchelor.

2015 - Boston United 0 Leamington 0 - Conference North

Brakes waved goodbye to the Conference North with a creditable draw at play off contenders Boston United. (Video highlights from Boston United on You Tube.)

Boston United 0 Leamington 0
Vanarama Conference North
The Jakemans Stadium
Saturday 25th April 2015

Brakes earned a creditable final day point at play off chasing Boston to delight their travelling supporters as they waved goodbye to the Conference North for the time being.

Against a Pilgrims side that was admittedly not at full strength but still full of attacking intent, Leamington defended manfully and while at times aided by a little good fortune, something which has deserted them for most of the season, they stuck in there and hauled themselves to the 40 point mark.

The Jakemans Stadium had given Brakes fans their first real taste of Conference North away days and in a twist of irony it was to provide their last for now at least, and those who travelled helped give the team a European style welcome onto the pitch with huge gold and black banners covering the away end, and ticker tape.

Kaine Felix was to have a frustrating afternoon for the hosts and he fired the first warning shot of the afternoon early on, striking the post after being played clear by Jake Hall. Leamington broke from this attack and Nathan Hicks shot took an unfortunate double deflection off the Brakes player to go behind for a goal kick.

Boston skipper Carl Piergianni’s low shot was wide before Richard Taundry had Leamington’s best effort of the half, a low driven free kick that went just past the post.

Boston began to build up a real head of steam and Paul Holleran’s men did superbly to hold firm, getting challenges and blocks in by any means necessary. Piergianni sent a diving header inches past the post at the end of one such attack.

Boston were screaming for a penalty award as Jonny Maddison and Felix collided on the edge of the box, while the midfielder saw another shot cleared off the line by Joe Magunda. Maddison then got down well to deny Marc Newsham.

Jordan Goddard’s early second half effort was blocked as Brakes began to see more of the ball in forward positions but Boston were still looking the more likely side to break the deadlock, the only problem being that they appeared to have left their shooting boots at home. They were unfortunate however when Jamie McGhee’s well struck shot took a deflection that helped it onto the crossbar.

Boston then proceeded to spurn a raft of chances, any one of which on another day could have been nestling in the back of the Leamington net. Piergianni’s acrobatic effort just cleared the goal, Newsham then headed narrowly over the bar when he should really have at least tested Maddison while Felix looked odds on to do so after bursting clear on the left, only to shoot into the side netting.

He then blazed another effort over the bar, before substitute Mark Jones did likewise.

Brakes were denied by the offside flag on a couple of occasions when they looked to have found a way through the Boston defence, but they had a glorious opportunity to snatch the lead when Hicks managed to get the ball past keeper Max Stryjek to centre for Danny Newton, who headed agonisingly wide of the open goal.

The chances continued to rain down on the Leamington goal at the other end as the heavens opened, Rene Steer blazing another shot high and wide, while substitute Scott Garner got one on target which was comfortably held by Maddison. Zak Mills then sliced first time high over the bar as a corner kick fell nicely for him at the far post. The final chance fell perhaps inevitably to Felix, but again he was off target, leaving Brakes fans to cheer an ultimately fruitless but welcome point, while Boston, who finished in third place, can look forward to a play off semi final against Chorley and the chance to get back into the Conference National division.

There was plenty of mutual respect between the two sets of fans after the final whistle which was nice to see, the travelling support hanging back to witness the hosts’ end of season awards as the Pilgrims fans from the Town End terrace came onto the pitch to watch.

Although the season ultimately ended in bitter disappointment and a first relegation since the dark days of the 1980’s, there is still much to look forward to. A new adventure awaits back in the Southern League next season, no doubt with a different looking squad when August rolls around. As one wise Brakes fan pointed out, the last time the club was relegated the future looked uncertain. Whatever the future holds this time, it is on a much firmer footing.

Attendance: 2,025 (55 Leamington)

Boston United: Max Stryjek, Zak Mills, Rene Steer, Kyle Dixon, Ollie Price (14 Scott Garner, 64), Carl Piergianni © , Kaine Felix, Jake Hall, Marc Newsham (12 Dayle Southwell, 69), Jamie McGhee, Jake Sheridan (16 Mark Jones, 58).

Subs not used: 15 Nicky Walker, 17 Louis Saebe.

Leamington: Jonny Maddison, Joe Magunda, James Mace, Jack Edwards, Jamie Tank, Delroy Gordon, Jordan Goddard, Richard Taundry (12 Bilal Yafai, 90), Connor Gudger (Ellison Porter, 90), Nathan Hicks, Danny Newton © .

Subs not used: 14 Matt Warner, 16 Martyn Naylor, 17 Lewis Fenney.

Referee: Alf Greenwood

Assistant Referees: Jan Suchecki & Mark Swift

Brakes Man of the Match: Delroy Gordon.