By Maverick

Brakes Snatch a Draw From the (H)edge of Defeat!

This was a wonderful late summer's day, the Leamington faithful worming their way over Shakespeare country in order to see their heroes upon the footballing stage of Wilmcote S&S. Winding through the village, we were greeted by the lovely countryside sight of a pub on the crossroads being adorned outside by drinkers clad in Gold & Black. The same heart-warming vista was to be had 100 yards from the ground also! The vast majority of support at this match was Brakes-enthused, and as the lads ran out a huge roar went up from the NWG-transported crowd. If the official figure was 358, it has to be emphasised that the 8 were home supporters!

The travelling North Bank amassed behind the Wilmcote goal and didn't take long to get into full voice, with the usual intimidation of the home keeper. This keeper however was a diamond, and not that bad as a keeper either! The first 45 was tight, Baz Shearsby buzzing around, went close with a header and Guy Rippon exhibited his skills to the faithful. Goal-less at the turnaround though! After a refreshing visit to the bar, the 2nd Act of the play presented more of same close contest with the two teams slugging it out in gladiatorial fashion in the arena. Two great saves from Beefy saw the nerves begin to crack. Debutant Daz Timms then came on after 75 minutes to add inspiration to the midfield.

Then - Disaster!... Wilmcote scrambled in a goal with 2 minutes remaining. Then, to our amazement and amusement, and to add to the drama already on view - Bill "Hedgehopper" Harris, returning from the bar.............. (Wait for it!) ... Fell into the ditch behind the goal!!! The crowd were stunned!!! We were agog as to the cause of this extraordinary turn of events? Was it just too much falling down water or the sight and obvious shock of a Wilmcote goal that led to this side-of-pitch and into the ditch incident? Only the Hedgehopper knows. The truth is out there!

Back on the field of play however and Brakes rallied. They bombarded the home goal, Si Wickson being felled in the box deep into injury time. The North Bank screamed for the obvious penalty along with the team and away bench. The referee however obviously adjudged Mr Wickson to have been acting and awarded a corner instead. The resulting cross met Rugrat's head but the effort was saved by the keeper, the ball then bobbled about before our Mr Reliable centre half Will Payne prodded the ball into the net! YEEESSSSS! The crowd did go wild, Bill fell into the ditch again and the final whistle went. A hectic few minutes of drama both on and off the field to say the least! The team promptly joined in with the crowd and many a chorus of "Oh Lemmy, Lemmy..." could be heard before we all happily headed for the bar.

This was a great day out and a cracking result. The Wilmcote officials were also rather pleased with their day, they took a grand in takings and one of them was heard to say that they "...can now buy a new kit..." Travelling Brakes fans and opposition officials alike - Everybody's happy nowadays!

Leamington Paul O'Keeffe; Tim Romback; Ian Billington; Will Payne; Kevin Ariss; Adam Ball; Barry Shearsby; Jon Burgess (Guy Rippon 87m); Josh Blake; Brian Agar (Darren Timms 54m); Simon Wickson
Unused sub: Simon Gulliver.