Leamington's reward for defeating Fisher Athletic in the last round, is a place in the first round proper of the FA Trophy. Here they have been drawn away against former league club, Halifax AFC. It promises to be a great day out. If any Halifax fans are reading, then I advise you not to take Leamington lightly. It is clearly a game which the Shaymen should win comfortably, but I will be very surprised if Leamington don't make them work very hard for their victory.
The game will be played on Saturday 15th December 2007
Tuesday 27 November 2007
Monday 26 November 2007
Third Qualifying Round: Fisher Athletic Vs Leamington
24th November 2007
This adventure is starting to turn into a farce! Leamington FC was supposed to be a small club, who would maybe make it through the first round or two, but would essentially be a stepping stone before we started watching all sorts of other clubs, up and down the country. We should have done more research. As it turns out, Leamington are some sort of sleeping giant (or maybe a slumbering, tall man) who deserve to be at least one, if not two divisions higher than their current position. If the matches I have watched so far didn't tell me that already, everything about this round shouted it in my face.
It seemed as if all of Fisher's fanbase had been scared away by the travelling Leamington faithful. The attendance was given as 390, of which I estimated about 300 to be from Warwickshire. I had never been to an away match quite like it. The Leamington gold and black army turned the tie into a home fixture, taking over three sides of the ground, to create what must have been an intimidating atmosphere for the home team to play in. Even in the clubhouse afterwards, I didn't bump into a single local fan, despite it being full to bursting.
The game was hosted at Champion Hill, an impressive stadium, home to Dulwich Hamlet FC, and temporary home to Fisher Athletic. The turnstiles treated Jake and I to a brief glimpse of fame. A few short emails between myself and Joe, the Fisher Athletic programme editor, had led to us doing an interview for the matchday programme. In return for our contribution, Joe had left complimentary tickets and programmes for us at the gates. It was a nice surprise after buying London priced pints of beer all afternoon!
We could not find Joe in the clubhouse as we had previously arranged, and unfortunately now never will meet him, as Leamington produced yet another fine performance, to cause yet another upset.
The kick-off was delayed ten minutes to accommodate the Leamington team buses late arrival at the ground, but this did not seem to effect the visitors. From the outset, it was difficult to separate the sides on ability alone. However, after an even first 15 minutes, Fisher took the lead through a well worked corner. A few one touch passes found Gavin Tomlin in space inside the penalty area, and he made no mistake, coolly slotting the ball into the top corner of the net.
The travelling fans didn't stop singing however, and the travelling team never let their heads drop. Leamington began to take control of possession and territory, creating two or three good goal scoring chances. On the other hand, Fisher always looked dangerous on the break, and the home sides strikers looked slightly the sharper of the two sides. Leamington's best chance of the half saw a defensive mix-up leave Fisher 'keeper Simon Overland way off his line. The ball fell kindly for impressive midfielder Stuart Herlihy, but his shot drifted wide. On 40 minutes, the Brakes deservedly equalised. A corner from the right found Josh Blake unmarked, and his looping header somehow found the top corner, and sent the visiting fans wild.
Leamington nearly snatched a half time lead a few minutes afterwards, when a curling shot from the superb Marcus Jackson was just flicked onto the crossbar by Overland.
Half time provided a very successful trip to the food hut, where £2.50 bought me an excellent bacon French stick. It was a rival to Leaminton's sausage, chips and curry sauce for best food so far, but it came up short due to the caterers being sold out of fried eggs. Very unfortunate.
The second half saw the Fish create more chances than they had in the first, but all went begging, as Leamington began to smell blood. The Brakes more than matched their opposition, despite being two divisions below them, and pinched a dramatic winner with just 10 minutes left on the clock. A long free-kick from Richard Morris should really have been taken by Overland as it passed over his defenders heads, but Josh Blake once again found himself unmarked, and once again his looping header found the top corner. The terraces erupted as he wheeled away in celebration. Most fans seemed to be celebrating with an air of disbelief as their club looked set to progress into the first round proper of the competition.
Leamington saw out the remaining 10 minutes comfortably, and the final whistle brought amazing scenes, as the victorious players received a standing ovation from all corners of the ground.
I had another excellent day on Saturday, and I thank Steve, Pete, Pete, Baz and Vince for welcoming us on their tour around London, both before and after the match. Vince has also kindly provided photographs of our day out this week, as my camera decided to cut out as soon as I stepped off the train. You can see them here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/docwharton/sets/72157603293361939/
Final Score: Fisher Athletic 1 Leamington 2
Attendance: 390
This adventure is starting to turn into a farce! Leamington FC was supposed to be a small club, who would maybe make it through the first round or two, but would essentially be a stepping stone before we started watching all sorts of other clubs, up and down the country. We should have done more research. As it turns out, Leamington are some sort of sleeping giant (or maybe a slumbering, tall man) who deserve to be at least one, if not two divisions higher than their current position. If the matches I have watched so far didn't tell me that already, everything about this round shouted it in my face.
It seemed as if all of Fisher's fanbase had been scared away by the travelling Leamington faithful. The attendance was given as 390, of which I estimated about 300 to be from Warwickshire. I had never been to an away match quite like it. The Leamington gold and black army turned the tie into a home fixture, taking over three sides of the ground, to create what must have been an intimidating atmosphere for the home team to play in. Even in the clubhouse afterwards, I didn't bump into a single local fan, despite it being full to bursting.
The game was hosted at Champion Hill, an impressive stadium, home to Dulwich Hamlet FC, and temporary home to Fisher Athletic. The turnstiles treated Jake and I to a brief glimpse of fame. A few short emails between myself and Joe, the Fisher Athletic programme editor, had led to us doing an interview for the matchday programme. In return for our contribution, Joe had left complimentary tickets and programmes for us at the gates. It was a nice surprise after buying London priced pints of beer all afternoon!
We could not find Joe in the clubhouse as we had previously arranged, and unfortunately now never will meet him, as Leamington produced yet another fine performance, to cause yet another upset.
The kick-off was delayed ten minutes to accommodate the Leamington team buses late arrival at the ground, but this did not seem to effect the visitors. From the outset, it was difficult to separate the sides on ability alone. However, after an even first 15 minutes, Fisher took the lead through a well worked corner. A few one touch passes found Gavin Tomlin in space inside the penalty area, and he made no mistake, coolly slotting the ball into the top corner of the net.
The travelling fans didn't stop singing however, and the travelling team never let their heads drop. Leamington began to take control of possession and territory, creating two or three good goal scoring chances. On the other hand, Fisher always looked dangerous on the break, and the home sides strikers looked slightly the sharper of the two sides. Leamington's best chance of the half saw a defensive mix-up leave Fisher 'keeper Simon Overland way off his line. The ball fell kindly for impressive midfielder Stuart Herlihy, but his shot drifted wide. On 40 minutes, the Brakes deservedly equalised. A corner from the right found Josh Blake unmarked, and his looping header somehow found the top corner, and sent the visiting fans wild.
Leamington nearly snatched a half time lead a few minutes afterwards, when a curling shot from the superb Marcus Jackson was just flicked onto the crossbar by Overland.
Half time provided a very successful trip to the food hut, where £2.50 bought me an excellent bacon French stick. It was a rival to Leaminton's sausage, chips and curry sauce for best food so far, but it came up short due to the caterers being sold out of fried eggs. Very unfortunate.
The second half saw the Fish create more chances than they had in the first, but all went begging, as Leamington began to smell blood. The Brakes more than matched their opposition, despite being two divisions below them, and pinched a dramatic winner with just 10 minutes left on the clock. A long free-kick from Richard Morris should really have been taken by Overland as it passed over his defenders heads, but Josh Blake once again found himself unmarked, and once again his looping header found the top corner. The terraces erupted as he wheeled away in celebration. Most fans seemed to be celebrating with an air of disbelief as their club looked set to progress into the first round proper of the competition.
Leamington saw out the remaining 10 minutes comfortably, and the final whistle brought amazing scenes, as the victorious players received a standing ovation from all corners of the ground.
I had another excellent day on Saturday, and I thank Steve, Pete, Pete, Baz and Vince for welcoming us on their tour around London, both before and after the match. Vince has also kindly provided photographs of our day out this week, as my camera decided to cut out as soon as I stepped off the train. You can see them here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/docwharton/sets/72157603293361939/
Final Score: Fisher Athletic 1 Leamington 2
Attendance: 390
Friday 9 November 2007
Dulwich Here We Come!
The next leg of the adventure will see Jake and I take in the sights and sounds of South London, as Leamington FC travel to play Fisher Athletic.
Fisher Athletic will start the game hot favourites, as they currently sit 10th in the Football Conference South Division, two tiers above Leamington in the pyramid.
The game will be played on Saturday 24th November, and a match report should follow shortly afterwards.
Fisher Athletic will start the game hot favourites, as they currently sit 10th in the Football Conference South Division, two tiers above Leamington in the pyramid.
The game will be played on Saturday 24th November, and a match report should follow shortly afterwards.
Thursday 8 November 2007
Second Qualifying Round Replay: Margate FC Vs Leamington FC
November 6th 2007
I have been attending football matches for about 15 years now, and I can honestly say that Tuesday's match ranks up there as one of the best experiences I have ever had at a football ground. It was an experience that I have to admit, I was not looking forward to. I am already behind with my work for the year, and I was missing yet more lectures to complete what I thought was going to be a thankless task.
I had been to gig in Birmingham the night before, and slept on a mate's floor in Coventry. I woke up late and didn't have time for a shower or breakfast. I rushed into uni for a lecture, grabbed a quick bite to eat, then made my way to Automotive Products in Leamington, where the club coach was set to leave from. It was fair to say that I wasn't feeling on top form.
At the coach park I met up with a few of the Leamington fans I had met previously and we went for a quick pint in the pub over the road. I was tired and smelt, but feeling slightly better due to company and beer.
After what seemed like an eternity of trying to finish Chemistry worksheets on the coach, we arrived in Margate. This is where the fun began. After a stroll along the beach in the evening gloom, (some members of the Brakes' fan base being slightly more naked than others) a visit to the sea-front chippy, and several more pints of ale, I was starting to feel like a proper Leamington fan. All the pub talk of singing constantly for 90 minutes, combined with a nice level of alcohol was getting me steadily worked up for the forthcoming match. Not only was I starting to want Leamington to win, but I was getting the same adrenalised feeling I used to get at Coventry City's local derbys and big cup ties. After a few dormant years, the true football fan in me was starting to emerge again.
After a few more beers in the very pleasant Margate clubhouse, I realised that I'd left my match report notebook and pen on the coach. This, coupled with the rapidly increasing alcohol content in my blood, and the fact I felt like I was a bona fide Leamington fan, and was starting to be accepted by the locals as one, were all the excuses I need to forget entirely about writing a match report. I didn't witness any footballing masterclass on Tuesday night, nor did I witness a thrilling goal-fest, but non-league football is not about that. Tuesday night was all about 20 or so Leamington fans singing until their voices hurt to get behind their team. And I am proud to say that I was one of those 20 or so fans. From the first whistle to the last, we sung every song in Leamington's vast repetoire of songs over and over, and even invented some new ones. (My favourite this week being: Russ Dunkley, Russ Dunkley, Russ Dunkley is a striker to be scared of. To the tune of Prince Charming by Adam and the Ants.)
The famous Margate drum was all but drowned out for the majority of the match, and that is no slur on the Margate supporters. As far as match action went, the first half produced a few chances, with Margate looking the better team as was expected by all at the ground. They showed attacking purpose worthy of their stance in the tier above the Brakes. However, with half time approaching, a corner from Leamington's Marcus Jackson was headed towards goal and cleared off the line. Gasps from the Leamington faithful were quenched, as Josh Blake steered home the rebound with his head. Cue what seemed like a good five minutes worth of cheering and embracing and manical jumping around.
Half-time was a cue for yet more drinking and socialising in the club-house, causing me to miss the start of the second half. Finishing my pint I jogged round to the far side of the ground, desperate to get back amongst the crowd. I didn't know what was coming over me. I actually jogged round the ground, so I could stand and sing with a bunch of guys I hardly knew, watching a team that I shouldn't really have cared much about. But Tuesday night I cared. A Leamington victory meant (almost!) as much to me as did the hardcore support. I had been sucked into non-league football and I was loving every second of it!
The rest of the second half saw more singing, banging fists on advertsing boards to make as much noise as possible, yet more singing, bitten fingernails, and then a bit more singing, ending with an epic 10 minute long "Jason Cadden's Barmy Army." (Cadden being Leamington manager.) On the pitch, Leamington were brilliantly proffesional. They battled, scrapped and were at times classy, in restricting Margate to a handful of half-chances, even creating a few of their own. Despite a very nervy last few minutes, it was just not to be Margate's day, and five minutes into injury time, the referee blew the final whistle, cueing yet more manical celebrations from the Leamington fans.
I have no doubt in my mind that the non-stop support shown by the travelling support was a major influence in helping the team to victory. The Leamington team and management rightfully stood and applauded the fans behind the goal before they left the pitch, and the compliment was returned by the fans.
I don't remember much about the journey home, as I was asleep for most of it, but I remember thinking that the fans sharing a bus with the players, manager, and even the chairman of the club, really seemed to contribute to the tight sense of community I had experienced during my short time following Leamington. Even as the manager walked on the the coach, he was rumored to be heard singing "Oo, sack Cadzy", a bit of an in-joke at the club. The fans sing the song, I believe, partly as a back-handed compliment to their manager, and partly as a swipe at the 'revolving door' style of football management that is occuring further up the league pyramid.
A huge thank you goes to Margate FC, who were more than welcoming. Thanks especially to Dan and to Alan, who I had a good chat with before and after the match respectively. I was very satisfied to see that the home fans were very gracious in defeat, and instead of telling us to p*ss off out of the clubhouse, instead wished Leamington the best of luck, and had a grown-up discussion about the game. It is a shame that this sort of thing seems to be reserved to the lower standards of the English game, while the upper reaches suffer from disorderly behaviour and offensive chanting.
Massive thanks once again go to the Leamington supporters, who not only allowed me to travel on their coach, when I was probably taking up the space of a more regular traveller, but provided me with drinks and entertainment, and generally accepted me as one of their own. It would have been quite easy to push me to one side and let me write a match report, but they even joined in when I started off one or two chants so I didn't feel like a lemon.
Thanks guys, I look forward to seeing you again in the next round.
By the way, I took a few photos at the match. Most of them didn't come out as my camera is rubbish, but the few decent ones can be seen here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/18823077@N05/sets/72157602989062357/
Final Score: Margate FC 0 Leamington FC 1
Attendance: 315
I have been attending football matches for about 15 years now, and I can honestly say that Tuesday's match ranks up there as one of the best experiences I have ever had at a football ground. It was an experience that I have to admit, I was not looking forward to. I am already behind with my work for the year, and I was missing yet more lectures to complete what I thought was going to be a thankless task.
I had been to gig in Birmingham the night before, and slept on a mate's floor in Coventry. I woke up late and didn't have time for a shower or breakfast. I rushed into uni for a lecture, grabbed a quick bite to eat, then made my way to Automotive Products in Leamington, where the club coach was set to leave from. It was fair to say that I wasn't feeling on top form.
At the coach park I met up with a few of the Leamington fans I had met previously and we went for a quick pint in the pub over the road. I was tired and smelt, but feeling slightly better due to company and beer.
After what seemed like an eternity of trying to finish Chemistry worksheets on the coach, we arrived in Margate. This is where the fun began. After a stroll along the beach in the evening gloom, (some members of the Brakes' fan base being slightly more naked than others) a visit to the sea-front chippy, and several more pints of ale, I was starting to feel like a proper Leamington fan. All the pub talk of singing constantly for 90 minutes, combined with a nice level of alcohol was getting me steadily worked up for the forthcoming match. Not only was I starting to want Leamington to win, but I was getting the same adrenalised feeling I used to get at Coventry City's local derbys and big cup ties. After a few dormant years, the true football fan in me was starting to emerge again.
After a few more beers in the very pleasant Margate clubhouse, I realised that I'd left my match report notebook and pen on the coach. This, coupled with the rapidly increasing alcohol content in my blood, and the fact I felt like I was a bona fide Leamington fan, and was starting to be accepted by the locals as one, were all the excuses I need to forget entirely about writing a match report. I didn't witness any footballing masterclass on Tuesday night, nor did I witness a thrilling goal-fest, but non-league football is not about that. Tuesday night was all about 20 or so Leamington fans singing until their voices hurt to get behind their team. And I am proud to say that I was one of those 20 or so fans. From the first whistle to the last, we sung every song in Leamington's vast repetoire of songs over and over, and even invented some new ones. (My favourite this week being: Russ Dunkley, Russ Dunkley, Russ Dunkley is a striker to be scared of. To the tune of Prince Charming by Adam and the Ants.)
The famous Margate drum was all but drowned out for the majority of the match, and that is no slur on the Margate supporters. As far as match action went, the first half produced a few chances, with Margate looking the better team as was expected by all at the ground. They showed attacking purpose worthy of their stance in the tier above the Brakes. However, with half time approaching, a corner from Leamington's Marcus Jackson was headed towards goal and cleared off the line. Gasps from the Leamington faithful were quenched, as Josh Blake steered home the rebound with his head. Cue what seemed like a good five minutes worth of cheering and embracing and manical jumping around.
Half-time was a cue for yet more drinking and socialising in the club-house, causing me to miss the start of the second half. Finishing my pint I jogged round to the far side of the ground, desperate to get back amongst the crowd. I didn't know what was coming over me. I actually jogged round the ground, so I could stand and sing with a bunch of guys I hardly knew, watching a team that I shouldn't really have cared much about. But Tuesday night I cared. A Leamington victory meant (almost!) as much to me as did the hardcore support. I had been sucked into non-league football and I was loving every second of it!
The rest of the second half saw more singing, banging fists on advertsing boards to make as much noise as possible, yet more singing, bitten fingernails, and then a bit more singing, ending with an epic 10 minute long "Jason Cadden's Barmy Army." (Cadden being Leamington manager.) On the pitch, Leamington were brilliantly proffesional. They battled, scrapped and were at times classy, in restricting Margate to a handful of half-chances, even creating a few of their own. Despite a very nervy last few minutes, it was just not to be Margate's day, and five minutes into injury time, the referee blew the final whistle, cueing yet more manical celebrations from the Leamington fans.
I have no doubt in my mind that the non-stop support shown by the travelling support was a major influence in helping the team to victory. The Leamington team and management rightfully stood and applauded the fans behind the goal before they left the pitch, and the compliment was returned by the fans.
I don't remember much about the journey home, as I was asleep for most of it, but I remember thinking that the fans sharing a bus with the players, manager, and even the chairman of the club, really seemed to contribute to the tight sense of community I had experienced during my short time following Leamington. Even as the manager walked on the the coach, he was rumored to be heard singing "Oo, sack Cadzy", a bit of an in-joke at the club. The fans sing the song, I believe, partly as a back-handed compliment to their manager, and partly as a swipe at the 'revolving door' style of football management that is occuring further up the league pyramid.
A huge thank you goes to Margate FC, who were more than welcoming. Thanks especially to Dan and to Alan, who I had a good chat with before and after the match respectively. I was very satisfied to see that the home fans were very gracious in defeat, and instead of telling us to p*ss off out of the clubhouse, instead wished Leamington the best of luck, and had a grown-up discussion about the game. It is a shame that this sort of thing seems to be reserved to the lower standards of the English game, while the upper reaches suffer from disorderly behaviour and offensive chanting.
Massive thanks once again go to the Leamington supporters, who not only allowed me to travel on their coach, when I was probably taking up the space of a more regular traveller, but provided me with drinks and entertainment, and generally accepted me as one of their own. It would have been quite easy to push me to one side and let me write a match report, but they even joined in when I started off one or two chants so I didn't feel like a lemon.
Thanks guys, I look forward to seeing you again in the next round.
By the way, I took a few photos at the match. Most of them didn't come out as my camera is rubbish, but the few decent ones can be seen here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/18823077@N05/sets/72157602989062357/
Final Score: Margate FC 0 Leamington FC 1
Attendance: 315
Sunday 4 November 2007
Second Qualifying Round: Leamington Vs Margate
November 3rd 2007
Another home draw for Leamington meant yet another trip to the NWG. As much as I had enjoyed my previous visits, I was starting to want to go somewhere else. After all, we started this adventure with the intention of travelling the country. Even the home support voiced there concern that we were starting to get sick of the half time sausage and chips special. A nice trip to the seaside town of Margate would have been a lovely way to spend a Saturday. Never mind. I thought that it wouldn’t matter all that much. The law of averages stated an away tie next round, or a Margate victory on the day would lead to a long drive to somewhere or other in a fortnight’s time. Jake and I joked that it would be perfect as long as we didn’t have to travel to the coast on Tuesday night, as would be the case if the match finished a draw. Oh how very funny that turned out to be.
By all rights, Leamington should have sealed the victory long before the 90 minutes was up, but they were left to rue several missed opportunities, and were left contemplating that aforementioned long trip to Margate on Tuesday night.
The game started brightly, with Margate looking far more worthy opponents than both Marlow and Banbury put together. It was Leamington however, who took a third minute lead through Ben Mackey. A chipped ball forward saw Russell Dunkley find Josh Blake on the edge of the area. The ball was knocked back to Mackey who composed himself before firing past the helpless Scott Chalmers-Stevens in the Margate goal.
The rest of the first half was a very entertaining, well matched affair, which was threatened to be spoilt by a whistle happy referee. The man in black gave some strange decisions on both sides, but the Leamington crowd and team seemed to take it badly. Captain Arron Parkinson nearly talked himself into a red card after being given a soft booking, and there was generally a lot of huffing and sighing from the Brakes all over the pitch.
In between all of the freekicks, both sides had chances to score. Notably an excellent freekick from Margate’s Jimmy Jackson (I think!) was clawed away from the top corner by Richard Morris. At the other end Dunkley went close on two occasions. Once beating the ‘keeper to the ball in the air, but he had to watch as his header dribbled agonisingly wide. A better chance came his way from a well worked corner. The cross found him unmarked in the centre of goal, but again his header went wide.
The first 12 minutes of the second half have been erased from the history books. I was too busy eating to take notes unfortunately, and my feeble memory has failed to recall anything that occurred. The rest of the half however, should have belonged to Leamington. A generally solid (give or take a few moments of panic) defensive performance gave the forwards a great base to built their attacks. The on loan Jamie Towers was a handful down the Margate left hand side, and nearly set up Mackey for a second after an hour, but his turn and shot was pushed around the post for a corner. The game should have been sealed just before the 70 minute mark. A dubious penalty was awarded as Marcus Jackson was brought down, when it looked like the ball was running out of play. Mackey stepped up to the spot, only to see his weak shot saved well and cleared to safety.
Mackey’s poor second half continued when, after finding himself one-on-one following a defensive error, he hit his shot straight at Chalmers-Stevens, and Towers saw his follow up shot fly narrowly wide. At this point I was starting to sweat a little. Too often in football when a side misses chances like Leamington had done in the second half, they are punished by an equalising goal. Margate got a chance from a freekick on 80 minutes. I took a deep breath, but the shot went straight into the wall, and then fired well wide. Then disaster struck. A scramble in the Leamington area led to another very dubious penalty decision, which seemed to have the whole crowd confused. James Pinnock placed the ball on the spot. I took another deep breath, but Pinnock sent Morris the wrong way, and made it 1 – 1.
The final few minutes saw neither team able to create any real chances, and my worst fears of a replay became a definite reality. Leamington’s inability to seal the tie had cost them, their fans, and me dear. The long trip south on Tuesday night will be a thoroughly different proposition to facing the Isthmian League side in the Midlands.
Although I’m not looking forward to the journey, I am definitely looking forward to the match on Tuesday night. The prospect of Margate winning and spending a day at the seaside in couple of weeks is almost giving me a Margate bias for the match, but I’m sure the Brakes faithful will convince me otherwise on the day!
Final Score: Leamington 1 Margate 1
Attendance: 790
Another home draw for Leamington meant yet another trip to the NWG. As much as I had enjoyed my previous visits, I was starting to want to go somewhere else. After all, we started this adventure with the intention of travelling the country. Even the home support voiced there concern that we were starting to get sick of the half time sausage and chips special. A nice trip to the seaside town of Margate would have been a lovely way to spend a Saturday. Never mind. I thought that it wouldn’t matter all that much. The law of averages stated an away tie next round, or a Margate victory on the day would lead to a long drive to somewhere or other in a fortnight’s time. Jake and I joked that it would be perfect as long as we didn’t have to travel to the coast on Tuesday night, as would be the case if the match finished a draw. Oh how very funny that turned out to be.
By all rights, Leamington should have sealed the victory long before the 90 minutes was up, but they were left to rue several missed opportunities, and were left contemplating that aforementioned long trip to Margate on Tuesday night.
The game started brightly, with Margate looking far more worthy opponents than both Marlow and Banbury put together. It was Leamington however, who took a third minute lead through Ben Mackey. A chipped ball forward saw Russell Dunkley find Josh Blake on the edge of the area. The ball was knocked back to Mackey who composed himself before firing past the helpless Scott Chalmers-Stevens in the Margate goal.
The rest of the first half was a very entertaining, well matched affair, which was threatened to be spoilt by a whistle happy referee. The man in black gave some strange decisions on both sides, but the Leamington crowd and team seemed to take it badly. Captain Arron Parkinson nearly talked himself into a red card after being given a soft booking, and there was generally a lot of huffing and sighing from the Brakes all over the pitch.
In between all of the freekicks, both sides had chances to score. Notably an excellent freekick from Margate’s Jimmy Jackson (I think!) was clawed away from the top corner by Richard Morris. At the other end Dunkley went close on two occasions. Once beating the ‘keeper to the ball in the air, but he had to watch as his header dribbled agonisingly wide. A better chance came his way from a well worked corner. The cross found him unmarked in the centre of goal, but again his header went wide.
The first 12 minutes of the second half have been erased from the history books. I was too busy eating to take notes unfortunately, and my feeble memory has failed to recall anything that occurred. The rest of the half however, should have belonged to Leamington. A generally solid (give or take a few moments of panic) defensive performance gave the forwards a great base to built their attacks. The on loan Jamie Towers was a handful down the Margate left hand side, and nearly set up Mackey for a second after an hour, but his turn and shot was pushed around the post for a corner. The game should have been sealed just before the 70 minute mark. A dubious penalty was awarded as Marcus Jackson was brought down, when it looked like the ball was running out of play. Mackey stepped up to the spot, only to see his weak shot saved well and cleared to safety.
Mackey’s poor second half continued when, after finding himself one-on-one following a defensive error, he hit his shot straight at Chalmers-Stevens, and Towers saw his follow up shot fly narrowly wide. At this point I was starting to sweat a little. Too often in football when a side misses chances like Leamington had done in the second half, they are punished by an equalising goal. Margate got a chance from a freekick on 80 minutes. I took a deep breath, but the shot went straight into the wall, and then fired well wide. Then disaster struck. A scramble in the Leamington area led to another very dubious penalty decision, which seemed to have the whole crowd confused. James Pinnock placed the ball on the spot. I took another deep breath, but Pinnock sent Morris the wrong way, and made it 1 – 1.
The final few minutes saw neither team able to create any real chances, and my worst fears of a replay became a definite reality. Leamington’s inability to seal the tie had cost them, their fans, and me dear. The long trip south on Tuesday night will be a thoroughly different proposition to facing the Isthmian League side in the Midlands.
Although I’m not looking forward to the journey, I am definitely looking forward to the match on Tuesday night. The prospect of Margate winning and spending a day at the seaside in couple of weeks is almost giving me a Margate bias for the match, but I’m sure the Brakes faithful will convince me otherwise on the day!
Final Score: Leamington 1 Margate 1
Attendance: 790
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