Valley Talk

I have just added a link to the relatively new Valley Talk blog which looks like being an excellent addition to the range of Charlton blogs. Direct link here: Valley Talk. It's interesting to see how new blogs are often using Wordpress or existing ones changing to them.

I should also have mentioned the blog from the 'Albury Addick', subtitled 'the grumpy ramblings of a Saga lout.' It has a nice personal style to it. It appears that the writer is one of those fortunate seniors who has managed to avoid the modern requirement to go on working beyond the state pension age and who can afford the time to take holidays (it's some years now since I have had one). I met some Saga Louts in Malta once and they also seemed to be called Reg. Anyway here it is: Albury Addick

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Blogs come and go and some well-known bloggers have been posting less often. I am aware that my links need sorting out as some of the blogs are defunct (or never really got off the ground). However, at the moment I am very busy with Leamington's promotion push. I write an article for each programme and also act as secretary to the Vice-Presidents club which means that I need to be on duty in the vice-presidents' lounge if there isn't a clash with a Charlton game. It is rather nice to have a cup of tea indoors at half time with a television to watch.

Currently eight points clear in the Southern Premier with a game in hand, there is a real chance of winning the title. However, the FA insists that we increase our ground capacity to 3,000 (not that an attendance often goes into four figures in the Blue Square North) and also move our two stands close to each other with a connecting roof. We also have to have the capacity to segregate the fans in case two nutcases turn up from Workington, and we have to provide a treatment room for spectators should it kick off. All this is going to cost money (apx £50k) which we need to find.

If you are on the M40 tonight, why not take a short detour and see the Brakes take on the Eagles at the New Windmill Ground? The Brakes go marching on, which is more than can be said for Charlton at the moment.

Brakes Face Gay Puritans

After winning the Fosse Way derby on Saturday, the Chiltern Line derby comes to the New Windmill Ground tonight when Leamington take on Banbury United. In the 1950s they were known as the Gay Puritans according to the Windmill Wonderland fanzine, but these days they are known simply as the Puritans.

However, like the Bardsmen of Stratford Town, their language can be industrial rather than pure. A favourite chant used against Banbury United is 'you all smell of coffee', Banbury being the home of a factory that makes it.

With a number of changes made in the side, including the departure of Lee Downes after an exchange of views with manager Paul Holleran, Brakes have staged a mini recovery. A credible draw away at Cambridge City was followed by a win away at Bedford and Saturday's victory. A play off place may yet be achievable.

Brakes face Baggies test

I've just been down to the New Windmill Ground where a number of volunteers were hard at work preparing for tomorrow's game against West Bromwich Albion. The groundsman was forking the turf and the players' shirts were drying in the breeze.

Even though Brakes beat Birmingham City 3-2 in the last round of the Birmingham Senior Cup, the Baggies could well prove to be a tougher test. Brakes have slipped out of the play off places in the Evostik Southern Premier League after some recent defeats.

I was able to have a look in the new hospitality suite. I was a bit sceptical when it first arrived, but the refurbishment work has been first class and it gives an excellent view of the pitch.

Fleeces out at Harbury Lane

Fleeces have been laid out on the pitch at Harbury Lane tonight to protect it from any frost damage prior to this afternoon's clash between Leamington and Chippenham Town.

Conference outfit Mansfield Town have swooped for left back Stephan Morley who has been given a trial. The left back has an eye for goal and is one of the best players for the Brakes. Understandably, he would like to become a full-time professional footballer.

Morley appears to have been noticed when scouts were watching Jacob Blyth who has recently given an outing with Birmingham City reserves. Blyth is, however, under contract which would mean any move would involve a transfer fee.

Brakes keeper Tony 'Bartram' Breedon was recently snapped up by Conference side Kidderminster Harriers. None of this helps the battle for a play off place.

Charlton scores as Brakes defeat Blues

Even the presence of England under-21 goalkeeper Jack Butland could not prevent Leamington inflicting a 2-1 defeat on Birmingham City in the Birmingham Senior Cup at the New Windmill Ground last night.

The match was played at a fast and furious pace but Leamington more than held their own. They were therefore rather unfortunate to go behind on 41 minutes after a goalkeeping error by Lee Evans let Blues in.

However, Asa Charlton levelled the score on 64 minutes and then substitute Luke Corbett put the home side ahead.

Referee Marc Perry had a good game.

Brakes face Puritans in cup clash

Leamington face local rivals Banbury United at the New Windmill Ground in a Birmingham Senior Cup clash tonight. The winners get a home tie against Birmingham City.

Last time we entertained the Blues in this competition we won 3-2 even though they included one or two Premiership players. The look on the faces of the quite substantial number of Blews supporters was a joy to behold.

First we have to beat the Purtans. It's a cold night with a strong wind blowing. The New Windmill Ground is in an exposed country location. This does not promise quality football and I shall certainly have to wrap up warm. The Vice-Presidents' lounge will be an especially welcome venue before the match and at half time.

Brakes won 3-0, playing some fluent football in front of a crowd of 176. And it was very cold!

Gold and Black Goal Machine

That was the chant from the Harbury Lane End as Leamington defeated Stourbridge 4-2 at the New Windmill Ground this afternoon.

The Glassboys were well organised at the back and the opening exchanges focused on midfield tussles. But then on 23 minutes Alex Taylor put in an opportunistic shot from distance and it crept under the bar to make it 1-0.

Half time: Brakes 1, Glassboys 0

Brskes looked to be in some difficulty after the interval when the ball richoted around in front of goal after a free kick and they had difficulty in clearing their lines. But then James Husband put Brakes 2-0 ahead on 53 minutes. After that the Glassboys stepped up the pressure. First they pulled one back with an excellent strike and then Broadhurst got a second for them with a header.

Some feared that they would go on to win the match, but a very well executed free kick allowed Tuohy to give Brakes the lead again. Taylor then ran in well down the left and scored with an angled shot that went in off the post to make it 4-2.

The referee then decided to invoke the six second rule and awarded an indirect free kick in front of goal, although not before a Stour player had run up to Evans and wrestled him to the ground. However, Brakes were able to clear.

The final phase was often end to end, but Brakes were in the driving seat, although hopes of the 'old five' were not to be realised. I was impressed with Francis brought in as cover who engaged in some intelligent defending directing his headers at someone in the gold and black.

Bring on the Glass

The scene is set for a classic clash at the New Windmill Ground tomorrow when Leamington face long-time rivals Stourbridge who recently reached the second round of the FA Cup before being knocked out by Stevenage: Glassboys

With frosty conditions forecast overnight there are some doubts about whether the match will go ahead but vulnerable portions of the pitch are being covered with fleece.

Shell shocked manager Paul Holleran is still recovering from last week's last minute 2-1 defeat at Weymouth after Brakes had gone ahead against the Terras in the 87th minute. A mid-week win by Brackley saw Brakes fall back to second in the Evostik Southern Premier League. Moreover, the club has been hit by injuries, departures and suspensions and it has not been easy to find cover.

Brakes Overcome City To Go Top

A closely fought 1-0 win over St. Albans City saw Leamington go top of the Evostik Southern Premier League tonight. Admittedly, they are only one point ahead of their nearest rivals and the teams below them have one, two or even three (Oxford City) games in hand. But it is still a good place to be and keeps the Brakes in contention.

A swirling wind at the exposed New Windmill Ground did not make for quality football, although it did die down a bit in the second half and Brakes were able to play the ball on the ground more.

The captain for St.Albans was the highly experienced Paul Furlong, still plying his trade. Quite what he made of the Warwick University cheerleaders who welcomed him and the other players on to the pitch is a matter for speculation.

It was a tight battle in the first half. Brakes showed some real quality in midfield, particularly through Tuohy, but their performance in the final third was often more disappointing.

City had a penalty shout, while St. Albans keeper Nick Jupp made an excellent save from a Stephan Morley free kick.

Half time: Brakes 0, City 0

Brakes keepeer Lee Evans made a brilliant save to keep Brakes in the game as the ball came at him at an angle.

The Bloke Behind Me was insisting that there was a goal in the game, while others were forecasting a dour draw. In the event Leamington were awarded a penalty and Jacob Blyth struck it home.

The St.Albans players were going to ground with increasing frequent, but the healing Spa waters soon revived them. The referee had issued just one yellow card and began to lose control of the game, not helped by a rather poor lino.

Inevitably it all kicked off after City were given a free kick and Jacob Blyth and City charm merchant Ryan Moran were sent off. The absence of Blyth will be a blow to Brakes.

Brakes controlled the final phase well and most of those in the crowd of 511 went home happy.

Battling Brakes overtake City

'You're not very good' chanted Cambridge City fans as their side went 2-1 ahead against Leamington at the New Windmill Ground this afternoon. But by the end of the game they were silenced as Brakes overtook them 4-2.

The visitors went 1-0 ahead through Craig Hammond after three minutes and this one has to be down to Brakes keeper Lee Evans after he hesitated about whether to come for the ball or leave it.

However, Brakes were soon back on equal terms through David Kolodynski after a three touch move that started with a free kick.

I missed Cambridge's second goal as I was about to buy my raffle ticket but it seems that the ball was bobbling about in the area and was not cleared properly and the next thing I saw was the old onion bag, as they call it Statesside, shaking from the impact of the ball.

Brakes missed a golden chance to score from a few yards out, but City keeper and Luton Town product Zac Barrett made a couple of excellent saves, one from a free kick.

In the early part of the game the referee, who was one of those who likes to be his Tesco clubcard the only one he shows, had mislaid his contact lenses and missed handballs and the like, although the lino on the Sheepside also seem to have problems with what was happening immediately in front of him.

Any decision the referee did take, however reasonable, was the subject of constant complaint from Cambridge's lippy captain who performed a similar role when they came last year and eventually the one yellow card of the game was shown.

Brakes equalised through a wonderful effort under the bar from Jamie Hood. They then seemed to take their foot off the pedal as half time approached, seemingly content with levelling the score.

Half time: Brakes 2, Lilywhites 2

Possibly the decisive goal of the game was scored on 47 minutes when a great move led to a goal by Jacob Blyth.

From then on a more confident side played some fluent football, keeping possession well and passing the ball around, often on the ground. Blyth put the game effectively beyond doubt making it 4-2.

Cambridge still showed an ability to threaten and the Brakes keeper made one great save on the ground, being caught by his opponent for his pains.

News came through via our departing pitch announcer of the success of Stourbridge against Plymouth and the impressive progress of AFC Totton to the next round of the FA Cup.

The referee had been given a special Fergie Time watch and managed to find considerable time to add on, but Cambridge were unable to narrow the score.

By leaving Copenhagen early this morning I was able to ensure that the crowd was 631 rather than 629 and the effort I made was more than matched by that of the team. If we keep on playing like this, attendances should improve.

Brakes lose on penalties after Charlton last gasp equaliser

Only 204 turned up to the New Windmill Ground last night on a damp evening to see Leamington play Brackley Town in the Red Insure (league) Cup. However, those who did come certainly had an entertaining night.

Talking before the game about Tony Breeden who debuted for Kiddy on Saturday keeping a clean sheet and making one first rate save. Our new keeper looks the business though: I wouldn't blame him for Brackley's two goals.

Billy Turley started in goal for Brackley. He has had a chequered career:
Turley I remember him as keeper at Rushden & Diamonds: he had a very loud voice then.

First he got in trouble for allegedly taking anabolic steroids and then he got a six month ban for recreational use of cocaine. As someone said last night, it was a good job he wasn't a winger as he would be accused of following the white lines. He then resurrected his career at Oxford United.

Just as in the recent league game, there was little to choose between the two sides in the first half, although we were playing the ball on the ground more than we have been and making greater use of the wings.

The main incident in the first half came when the ref blew up and went over to the Brackley bench. I thought for a moment that someone had said something to the lino, but then the ref showed himself the red card. It was a calf muscle strain and a new lino was produced to applause after some delay.

Unfortunately the young lino who took over as ref wouldn't take a decision on anything (apart from anything else it appeared that the ref had forgotten to give him his cards). This cost us dear in extra time when we were denied what I thought were two clear penalty appeals.

Brakes looked sharper when Blyth came on and although Brackley took the lead, we replied with Blyth scoring from a Husbands corner. Brackley then went ahead again with an unstoppable header and I must admit that I was heading towards the corner flag when the appropriately named Charlton scored with a header to make it 2-2.

We had been getting better as the game went on but I think that our best period of play was in the first half of extra time when we really rattled the post twice, the first time from Blyth and then from Morley.

It went to penalties and unfortunately Blyth put his shot over to allow Brackley win 5-3. These things happen in penalty shoot outs. In any case I am not too bothered about exiting the cup. What is encouraging is that we look in good shape for Saturday's more important game against Cambridge City.

If the queues at Heathrow immigration aren't too long when I fly back from Copenhagen I should make it.

No goals but plenty of action at the NWG

Leamington and Brackley Town played out a hard fought goalless draw at the New Windmill Ground in front of a crowd of 612 this afternoon. Perhaps such an outcome should not be surprising in a 6th versus 7th fixture which attracted the chairman of the Evo-Stik Southern League to judge from the expensive car with magnetic plaques proclaiming the fact that was in the car park.

Although the match was a competitive one, it was the poor judgment of the ageing referee that attracted increasing attention as the match went on. Card happy and whistle happy, I pointed out to him that there is a toll free number on which you can claim your pension.

Brackley's tactic was to defend in depth and try and score on the break and they nearly succeeded more than once, Breeden being called on for a good save just before half time. On the whole, Brakes controlled the midfield but I thought that our play was disjointed at times, especially in the first half.

The referee set out his stall with a bizarre yellow card for obstruction for not moving when the keeper played the ball. On 33 minutes Brackley took off Jaszcun and brought on Chris Willmott who was signed from Luton by Wimbledon when they were in the Premiership for £350,000.

Just afterwards Brackley did put the ball in the net, but the linesman had raised his flag and the referee had to concede that it was offside after going over to consult him.

Brakes applied some good pressure in the middle part of the second half, but were unable to find the back of the net. Towards the end of the match the referee started to give a few free kicks to Leamington and one of these had to be knocked over the bar by Walker in the Brackley goal.

Brackley also continued to show a turn of speed down their left wing, but although they won some corners, Brakes defended well. New acquisition Asa Charlton impressed me.

So a dismal defeat in the cup last weekend, an impressive victory away midweek and a share of the points today. It's an unpredictable season for the Brakes.

Brakes hunt down Stags

Not a good day for match analyst and Stags supporter Homer

Leamington defeated AFC Totton 2-1 at the New Windmill Ground this afternoon in a key victory in front of a crowd of 601 over the table topping side who had won all their matches to date.

There was an early call for a penalty for the Brakes after an apparent handball in the box. Then the Stags went ahead on 13 minutes. Gosney broke away at speed for the visitors and the goal was attributed to Jonathan Davies although I thought it could have been an own goal.

Baddley and Charles received yellow cards for the visitors, the latter for a blatant trip on Downes. Porter had to make a good save for Totton to deny Leamington.

Totton were impressive defensively with Leamington camped out in their box much of the time but always being closed down. Leamington put the ball in the air too much which was not a good idea in the very windy conditions.

Half time: Brakes 0, Stags 1

Breeden in the Brakes goal changed the game with a great assist which led to a penalty dispatched with aplomb by Jacob Blyth who was my man of the match. Despite the last man being brought down, the referee thought that no card was necessary.

Leamington then went ahead on 67 minutes after Berwick had provided the assist for his strike partner Blyth.

Totton used all their three substitutes, the last one coming on to cries of 'Bring out your dead.' The referee gave a series of dubious free kick decisions to Totton which led to Richard Batchelor receiving a yellow card for dissent.

The referee added on as much time as he could find but Leamington held on with some authority and the players received warm applause as they left the pitch.

Brakes Get Blues as Blyth is Injured

Leamington lost 1-3 at home to Birmingham City at the New Windmill Ground but the real concern was an injury to promising striker Jacob Blyth who hobbled off injured in the first half. At half time he was seen being driven away to hospital for a precautionary x-ray.

The two Conference sides, Kidderminster and Tamworth, who came to the New Windmill Ground for earlier friendlies were quicker to the ball than Leamington but with Birmingham the difference increased to something like the power of three. Blues also had plenty of pace.

It was therefore no suprise when they took an early lead, Breeden having been lured out of his goal and trialist Taylor Morgan find the back of the net for the visitors.

However, Brakes got back in the game a few minutes later when an attack lead to penalty, Blues fans claiming that it was a dive. Berwick made no mistake from the spot to level the score.

Ben Mackey, who had come on in place of Blyth, had a chance to score from a promising position but sent the ball wide.

Half time: Brakes 1, Blues 1

Brakes nearly scored in early play, but then Berwick took a knock and required treatment. Then a fierce dive was put in by the sporited Eddy Gnahore, Breeden could not hold the ball and it went into the back of the net.

A Brakes corner led to a goalmouth scramble. A Blues free kick just outside the box came off the Brakes wall. Tuohy went down and required treatment. Then Taylor Morgan powered in and scored with an angled ball.

Some humour was provided in the closing phase of the game by the efforts of the dad of Blues substitute Syrus Gordon to coach him from the touchline.

A question that was being asked by some supporters was whether Brakes are playing too many friendlies. Anyway it's Racing Club away on Tuesday and Coventry City at home on Wednesday.

Brilliant Blyth

Leamington beat Conference side Kidderminster Harriers 3-0 at the New Windmill Ground this afternoon. The morning's heavy rain had cleared but the swirling wind sometimes made the ball difficult to control.

Not surprisingly Kiddy dominated the early exchanges, being quicker to the ball and having most of the possession. The game was played largely in Leamington's half, but the Brakes defence stood firm, even if some of the clearances were agricultural.

Then suddenly Brakes broke away down the slope and Blyth drew in the defender well to earn the penalty. He made no mistake in dispatching the ball into the back of the net to make it 1-0 to Leamington.

Lee Vaughan was a constant feature in the Kiddy side last season and the pace and determination of the right back gave the home side plenty of problems. At one point he broke through and Breeden had to make a quick reaction save, almost spilling the ball.

Then Blyth broke throough again. I thought that perhaps he was being a little selfish as Husband yelled for the ball (as he invariably does). But Blyth put in a beautiful curling shot that beat the keeper and went inside the post to make it 2-0. If he isn't on a contract now, he should be.

Half time: Brakes 2, Kiddy 0

One expected the visitors to came into the game more in the second half but Leamington were playing with confidence and it was new signing Tom Berwick who broke through and made it 3-0.

Kiddy started to pile on the pressure and Breeden had to have his wits about him as he made a number of saves. But Brakes, who started to bring on the substitutes, counter attacked as well. In the dying minutes, the Sheepside lino flagged for a penalty and it was definitely in the box. But the referee decided to award a free kick and although one of the players in the Kiddy wall was knocked over to general amusement, Brakes were not able to score a fourth.

All one can say is bring on Birmingham City next Saturday!

Now is the summer of my content

Leamington won an emphatic 3-0 victory over Stratford Town at the New Windmill Ground last night. It was deja vu time at Harbury Lane with eleven of the Bardsmen formerly featuring for Leamington. It was also a return for former management duo Jason Cadden and Morton Titterton, Cadden being greeted with warm applause as a tribute to what he had achieved for the Brakes.

Brakes were wearing their smart new away kit (also do check out some of the excellent new merchandise in the club shop). The Bardsmen turned out in a tangerine away strip which led me to comment that someone at the Anne Hathaway must be a Blackpool fan, a remark which drew an objection from a rude mechanical seated in front of me.

On a cool evening the first half was played at a fast pace. Stratford are a neat passing side and were not easy to break down even though Brakes were playing down the slope. They did create a couple of potential scoring opportunities, one of which was tipped over by keeper Tom Cross.

Half time: Brakes 0, Bardsmen 0

The second half started much like the first. Brakes had plenty of possession but were unable to break down a resolute Stratford defence which included the son a former Shakesperean actor.

Former Brakes keeper Richard Morris was now between the sticks for the visitors and a forceful free kick by Downes left him with no chance. The 1-0 scoreline cued substitutions and new signing Tom Berwick from Daventry Town did not need the prompter to remember his lines. He put in a sweet cross for Jacob Blyth who found the back of the net with ease.

Daly then completed the scoring with a bullet header that for me was the goal of the match and would not have disgraced a higher level. Our doubts are our traitors, but some of the Stratford support started abusing their team in language not penned by Shakespeare. Harbury Lane legend Josh Blake came on a substitute for the visitors but wasn't a game changer.

Ben Mackey made his return in this match and was certainly full of enthusiasm and effort. He still looked to me as if he was carrying a bit of weight, but Sir Mick assured me that he had been training hard and it was all muscle.

Kiddy on Saturday will be a tougher test, but so far, so good.

The ultimate pre-season friendly

That's the tag being applied to tonight's needle derby between Leamington and Stratford Town. Fortunately Brakes do not have to travel to the Anne Hathaway Stadium where their record has been mixed. So perhaps the historic chant 'Two nil or not two nil?' will be heard round the New Windmill Ground.

One might expect the Bardsmen to charge on to the field of play saying 'Verily' and 'Forsooth', with the odd 'Gadzooks' if they experience a hard tackle. However, their language is probably the most industrial in Warwickshire. When you get beyond the well defined tourist zone in Stratford, it is just like any other small Midlands town, albeit with some very expensive housing along the Avon.

Much confusion at Harbury Lane

Leamington's start to the season was somewhat confused yesterday evening, although there were not so many players changes as there are likely to be at Park View Road today when Charlton play in the Crown Berger Cup. (Once again was the only Charlton blogger I saw at the New Windmill Ground). However, the teams were not announced and Tamworth's two time added on goals were scored by a player with no number on his shirt anyway!

It was all a bit low key with an attendance I would estimate at around 200, although there were quite a few Tamworth fans there. Brakes held their own well against the Conference side, although the Lambs were quicker to the ball. Towards the end of the game former Racing Club Warwick boss Marcus Law apparently took the view that it was all getting a bit too friendly and brought on two quality players to finish the game off (at least that is what Sir Mick told me).

The first goal came after a wicked deflection caught out Breedon and the second came with the last kick of the game. It was a good workout, though, and I thought that James Husband looked particularly sharp.

Possibly Brakes could have been sharper in front of goal. They did create a few potential striking opportunuties and were inclined to hesitate when an opportunist shot might have paid off.

Addicks fans will be looking forward to seeing some, if not all, of the 11 new players at Welling this afternoon, Michael Morrison now having signed from the Owls. Jason Euell has been training at Sparrows Lane so there may be a cameo from him.

Glass shattered

Leamington won a morale boosting 3-2 victory over bogey team Stourbridge at the New Windmill Ground this afternoon in front of a crowd of just under 800. The well-deserved win set them up for Thursday night's playoff semi-final at Hednesford Town.

The Glassboys were cutting through Brakes like glass in the early exchanges. An early Stourbridge corner led to an effort that went just over the bar. Keeper Breeden and Glassboys charm merchant Ben Billingham got a talking to from the referee after a scuffle. In fact the referee was rather fond of long talking tos, although on the whole Mr Stretton had a good game.

Billingham then dived and somewhat oddly Stour were given a corner when I would have thought it was either a yellow card or a penalty. Gordon Bennett, the corner came in and Nathan Bennett delivered a bullet header to put the visitors ahead after just 8 minutes, sending the rather desultory chorus of visiting glass blowers into ecstasy. Stourbridge continued to edge the game for the rest of the half.

Half time: Brakes 0, Glassboys 1

Corbett put in a great header but somehow keeper Lewis Solly managed to tip it over the bar. However, following chants of 'You'll never beat the Stour' from the visiting contingent, Brakes broke down the right and it was Jamie Sheldon who found the back of the net.

After one free kick, a second nearer the goal was awarded to Stour for a tangle on the ground between two players. McCone converted with a header to make it 1-2.

The referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot on 75 minutes and it was Brakes captain Richard Batchelor who stepped up to take the penalty after some attempts at delay and obstruction by the keeper. Solly jumped up and down on his line, but Batchelor drove low and firmly into the net to make it 2-2.

Brakes were really accelerating now and it was Luke Corbett who made it 3-2 on 85 minutes. James Husband had a chance to make it four when he was one-on-one with the keeper but was unable to find the back of the net.

Then it was time to cue the celebrations in the sunshine. Whatever the outcome on Thursday, when I shall be on a plane to Korea, it has been a satisfying season at the New Windmill Ground.

Woolwich rejects in whinge mode

Sometimes it's nice to share someone else's misery and 606 last night was dominated by fans from the Woolwich rejects fulminating about Arsene Wenger. The press have been in full cry after him for some time and even Radio Scilly was on his case this morning.

As Charlton fans we would be happy with a consistent top four finish. Indeed, we would settle for mid-table mediocrity in the Premier League or even a place in the Championship for now. The sense of entitlement to a trophy among Arsenal fans is overwhelming.

Incidentally, one of the callers was 'David from Blackheath'. Was he a legacy of the generations of Arsenal fans in South-East London that hit our attendance in the 1950s or was he a recent immigrant to upscale Blackheath?

By the way, it was interesting to hear Charlton referred to as 'South London gits' on the United docu drama last night.

Elsewhere, Leamington are secure in the play offs regardless of the result in this afternoon's clash with the Glassboys, something of a bogey team for the Brakes. Straws in the wind indicate that my role at Leamington may be enlarging. In any event this blog will continue, although I must stop postponing setting up a third division version.