I love you ref!

This was the unusual cry from the Harbury Lane End today as Leamington beat Bedworth United 3-0 in pursuit of the BGB Midlands Division title. It probably wasn't because of the decisions taken by Miss Sian Massey, although those were of a high standard.

There was a biting wind and a snow shower before proceedings began. Before the start of the match Miss Massey somewhat oddly ran over to the Sheepside Stand and gave us some verbal, but as the loudspeakers were on we couldn't hear what she was saying. She then walked away with a shrug of the shoulders.

The oddness of the occasion was enhanced when a few minutes after the start of the match the Burger Side lino suddenly went haring down the tunnel. Proceedings were halted and he returned to derisive cheers with a new flag.

The next incident was when a Greenback was suddenly prone on the ground. Miss Massey did not hand out any cards, but called Bedworth manager Liam O'Neill out of his dugout and gave him a right talking to.

While the wind did not help, Brakes had difficulty finding their usual rhythm in the first half to the despair of most of the crowd of 611. Jamie Towers hit the bar and then the ball was cleared off the line. Bedworth's No.11 shirt, a charm merchant if there ever was one, was booked by Miss Massey to his disgust.

Half time: Brakes 0, Greenbacks 0

I positioned myself behind the goal for the second half and found myself sitting next to two French supporters. Playing down the slope and no longer against the wind, Brakes put their foot on the accelerator and Liam Reynolds slotted the ball in the net on 58 minutes. We then had a long delay while a fallen Bedworth player was stretchered off. Three bags of frozen chips were rushed to the dressing room to apply to his wound.

Ben Twigger [sic] was the third Greenback to have his name taken by Miss Massey. Andrew Kemp in the Bedworth goal was playing a blinder while Mozza surveyed events from afar.

On 78 minutes Josh Blake made it 2-0 provoking a chorus of 'Walking in a Windmill Wonderland'. Meanwhile word had filtered through that Evesham United were 2-1 behind. [I now learn that this was a false report and they beat Romulus 1-0] Former Reading ace Guy Sanders sealed the match by scoring to make it 3-0 on 87 minutes.