By Roger Vincent

Brakes Fall to Sucker Punch

Rugby Town probably just about deserved to win this one, which they did with the only goal in the 80th minute. Two very tired teams, with nearly 100 league goals each, failed to really test either 'keeper and the game was heading for extra time and penalties before a Rugby break broke Brakes' hearts. The given official attendance of 563 was surely way below the actual figure in a large crowd clearly dominated by Leamington fans. Brakes must now pick themselves up for the league championship run-in, starting Thursday, of another 4 games in 7 days.

A tentative start, as might be expected on a big occasion, saw both teams feeling eachother out but no real threat on either goal. Agar was looking dangerous, with his skills showing well on a larger pitch, and Burgess and Blake were using their speed to unsettle the Rugby defence. But as time passed it was becoming apparent that, for all the hustle and bustle, the Rugby Town defence, with 'keeper Leach looking solid as usual, was showing no signs of crumbling. At the other end Walker brought gasps of admiration from the crowd as he ran the width of the pitch to make a superb, saving tackle as Rugby threatened to break.

Brakes best chances were coming via Mort and Thompson. A Mort free-kick in the 25th from the edge of the box was beaten out by Leach and, 5 minutes later, Blake met a Thompson cross with his head but the defence cleared. Rugby's no.8 became the 1st of their 3 bookings as, briefly, things looked promising for Brakes with signs of dissent in the Rugby defence but, although Mort, Blake and Timms had chances, in truth the Rugby defence looked solid and unlikely to be breached.

The second half was a continuation of the first. Brakes continued to have more midfield play but Rugby looked more likely to shoot on goal. Nevertheless there were moments when it seemed that Brakes might be getting on top. Wickson replaced McGovern in the 67th. In the 71st Rugby went close which seemed to trigger a period of Brakes' superiority. With 3 Rugby players now shown a yellow and signs of panic and arguments in their defence it started to turn Brakes' way. Probably inevitably therefore Rugby broke away in the 80th to to smack a superb shot into the corner of the net. Dhesi came on for Timms in the 85th but though hearts were willing and the fans did their best to rouse the team the match petered out in disappointment.

The Brakes' fans rose to their team who have performed beyond all expectations in April and cannot be disheartened when they reflect, later in tranquillity, on all the results in that month. Most of the fans can be congratulated as well for their support during the game and equanimity in defeat. But, again, I have to report despair at the mindless minority who spoilt the presentation ceremony by booing the Rugby players and singing about the "Rugby scum". I'm sure that they mean well and that, by their own lights, they are "true supporters" in the spirit of what has been called, in a national context, "misplaced patriotism". Would their smiling faces, happy at the "rightness of their cause", show some hint of a different understanding if they recognised that they are driving some people away and stopping Leamington becoming a true "community club" which is where a successful future lies.

Leamington: Richard Morris, Jonny Burgess, Simon Walker, Tom Sidwell, Andy Gregory, Darren Timms (Harj Dhesi 85), Nick Mort, Liam McGovern (Simon Wickson 67), Josh Blake, Brian Agar [Capt.], Steve Thompson
Subs Not Used: Jamie Barr