By Roger Vincent

Gloves Off for Cadbury

There was a bit of an edge to this one. Following Leamington's defeat at Cadbury in the Challenge Vase cup some of the younger element of Brakes' fans had built up a grudge against Cadbury goalie Neal Leach who had refused to be cowed by our large following at their ground.

Thankfully wiser counsel prevailed and Neal responded well to the North Bank's more usual, good-humoured taunts. At the end of the game he gave his gloves to a young, admiring Brakes' fan, a fine gesture at any time but truly magnificent in the circumstances, a gesture that one young fan will remember all his life.

The game was somewhat marred by the weather. High winds and driving rain told against Cadbury in the first half and they performed well in the circumstances especially as they didn't have their best side out with problems caused by travelling away on a working day with such an early kick off.

A purple black sky rolled over the ground from the North Bank end releasing horizontal sleet and driving the crowd to a huddle under the stand where those without glasses saw Brian Agar slot home the only goal of the game before half time. As one of those wearing glasses I couldn't see a thing.

Things brightened in the second half with Brakes kicking towards the North Bank and the wind having dropped considerably. Brakes only threatened briefly but with the defence in commanding form they never looked like conceding.

So, a cold, wet night, another 3 points, and a warm glow from one man's gesture - thanks Neal.

Leamington Paul O'Keeffe; Ian Billington; Will Payne; Liam McGovern; Stuart Hepburn; Darren Timms; Glen Webb; Barry Shearsby; Josh Blake; Brian Agar (captain - sub Guy Rippon 70m); Steve Thompson
Unused subs: Martin Beeston, Adam Ball