Turning out in a red kit supplied by Charlton kit suppliers Joma, Leamington fell into another Charlton tradition today. Having already been knocked out of the FA Cup, they went down 3-2 at Unibond League Glapwell to exit the FA Trophy. This is in spite of having won every single match in the Southern League.
Just a one and a half hour drive from Leamington found us in a very different part of the Midlands in the former Nottinghamshire coalfield. We nearly ended up in Glapwell Colliery Cricket Club as we searched for the stadium and staff at the friendly ground addressed me as 'my duck' in the distinctive North Notts accent. What is relatively small village has done well to sustain a Unibond Division 1 team which was only set up in 1985.
They seem to have some sort of link with Notts County as they play in a similar kit and some of the managerial team and one or two players have had County associations. Their most experienced player had extensive Football League experience with Northampton, Cheltenham and Hereford, while their 36-year old goalkeeper played out of his skin.
It was amusing to four lads scramble over a high wall just before the game began, doubtless they were not counted in the disappointing attendance of 203.
In contrast, the Brakes started off as if they had come for a stroll in the warm sunshine and the home side came close to scoring in the first minute. After 14 minutes, pressure from Glapwell in the form of three successive corners finally led to their opener being scored from close range.
Glapwell then had a penalty, which fortunately for the Brakes winged off the upright. Such chances as came the way of Leamington led to balls soaring high over the crossbar, leading to chants of 'Johnny, Johnny Wilkinson' from the Leamington faithful. Indeed, not having watched a non-league game for a few weeks, I had forgotten how much hoofing there is. In flashes, Brakes showed the ball control and passing fluency that has served them well, but it was too infrequent. Then Glapwell then made it 2-0 just before the break and it looked like game over.
There were rumours that danger man Marcus Jackson had been carrying an injury and he was withdrawn immediately after the break and replaced by Stanley. Brakes continued to be in some danger and one attack had to be cleared off the line to prevent a 3-0 lead.
Josh Blake was replaced by James Husband, a sensible move giving them more width. Subsequently, Towers was replaced by former Birmingham City Academy player Liam Reynolds. Brakes started to step up a gear and they got back in the game with a strike by Stanley.
Corbett blasted over when he was through with a good chance and Bello hit the post from a narrow angle. However, as they tried to press forward, Brakes were exposed on the break. Having won a corner, Glapwell scored with a tap in from a crowded goalmouth. However, Brakes were straight back up the other end and made it 3-2, the culprit this time being Owen Goal.
As Brakes tried to get the equaliser which would have won the game, the inept referee gave the first yellow card of the game to Glapwell. He and his assistants didn't seem to realise that there is a handball rule in football.
The card was raised for four minutes added on, and Brakes tried to score the equaliser that would have taken the match back to the New Windmill on Tuesday. It seemed like an occasion for that old cliché: the team that wanted it more won. The victory was greeted with the usual delerious World Cup winning scenes when Brakes lose, with youngsters chanting 'Who are ya?'
Brakes will now have to concentrate on the league - oh, and the Birmingham Senior Cup.
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