October 20th 2007
After my very pleasant first trip to the New Windmill Ground (NWG) two weeks ago, I was very pleased when Leamington FC were drawn at home in the First Qualifying Round.
Despite Banbury being a tier above Leamington in the football pyramid, I was quietly confident that the home side could pull off a small upset. The Brakes went into the game sitting top of the Southern League Midland Division, with Banbury struggling in the league above.
The early stages of the game saw Banbury looking slightly the better team, but they failed to create any clear chances. This was largely due to some generally impressive and disciplined Leamington defending.
Half an hour in and still nothing had happened in the way of goalmouth action. Jake had managed to travel all the way from Nottingham to watch this match and I sensed that he was starting to think it was a bad idea.
Half way through the first half, Leamington began to dominate proceedings. They started to keep the ball much better than they had previously, and the visitors were looking very short of ideas when they came forward.
It still took until the 37th minute for the first shot on goal. Not that it was particularly memorable. A weak header from a freekick was taken comfortably by home ‘keeper Richard Morris.
Inspired by the home support, who were becoming increasingly vocal, just two minutes later, Leamington had the lead. A firm shot from striker James Blake was blocked on the edge of the area, and fell kindly for Ben Mackey, who slotted the ball coolly into the bottom right hand corner of the net.
The goal seemed to knock any remaining wind out of the Banbury sails, and there appeared to only be one winner from that moment on.
The final few minutes of the first half saw the home side pressing for a quick second. First Russel Dunkley saw a low shot well saved, and Mackey also fired over before the 45 minutes was up.
The second half picked up exactly where the first half left off. Only a last ditch tackle prevented Mackey extending the lead after a brilliant Dunkley through ball. Mackey had the beating of the defence from this point on, and lost his marker almost at will in and around the box. He got the second goal the team deserved on 50 minutes. A first time cross from Dunkley found Mackey in the penalty area, and he made no mistake as he struck the ball crisply into the corner of the net.
The result from here was never in doubt. Brakes had a few more chances which they failed to convert. Most notably, Blake fired just wide after brilliantly turning his marker in the box.
The final 20 minutes were almost played at walking pace, with Banbury offering nothing in the way of attacking football, with many of their attacks being snuffed out by the commanding Stuart Herlihy.
The home support was in party mood throughout the second half, and we were treated to a large repertoire of songs. My personal favourites included, “We hate cribbage, we are the cribbage haters.” And a very strange ditty about a disillusioned Labrador made of cardboard. If anyone could explain to me the meaning of the lyrics then please let me know!
2 – 0 was how it stayed, and Leamington deservedly progressed to the Second Qualifying Round. Again, thank you to the Leamington home support, who again proved themselves to be a very friendly bunch of people.
Final Score: Leamington 2 Banbury United 0
Attendance: 704
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The cardboard dog song doesn't get much of an airing these days. Nor does the cardboard dog, come to that. His name is Nimrod, and i don't think he's been seen since we went to Rushall in August. The 'he's disillusioned' line was a bit ad-lib, and the rest of the song was lost because of that! It was a bit of a piss take of one of our fellow supporters i think, who got a bit annoyed after we lost 1-0 at Rushall. We haven't lost a league game since then! If you are still confused, you'd best go to http://www.myspace.com/cardboarddog The song is there. Have a look at the myspace videos, and you will start to get the idea!!
As i'm sure you've seen, we've got a home draw again!!
Your comments on the fanzine would be appreciated, if you've read it. Your bits will be in the next issue, which will hopefully be out at the next game. Cheers, Paul.
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