By Roger Vincent

Ellie May Agar Makes Debut but Wind the Winner in 0-0 Stalemate

After a week in which Ellie May Agar made her debut appearance (see team notes below) matters of lesser importance took place at Handsaker where Leamington emerged favourites to reach the final in the 2nd leg to be played at the New Windmill after a dour 0-0 stalemate where the only winner was a ferocious cross-wind. With both teams struggling to string together more than a few passes a goalless draw always seemed likely and, after a brilliant save from Morris on 90 minutes, even welcome.

A ferocious wind blowing across the pitch, with threatening rain clouds scudding across an overcast sky, provided the backdrop for about 150 Brakes' fans in this semi-final 1st leg of the President's cup. Both teams struggled to control the ball and interest centered on whether or not enough match-balls would be available as clearance after clearance sailed over the highest trees already littered with carrier bags and other detritus from the far reaches of the park.

With play compressed into one half of the pitch this was an untidy match with good football at a premium and little to report for 1/2 hour apart from an early Webb attempt which was deflected over the bar and a Care blaster which went the same way. In the 33rd and 40th Webb went close twice, the first after a powerful run at the defence, all the more impressive as he was suffering from a stomach bug and had been ill on the coach. Care also went close in the 41st with a drive that was just wide and a hallmark Dhesi free kick was headed over as the half drew to a close.

The second half started more promisingly as Brakes started to play the ball on the ground and went close in the 52nd after good work by Mort. A minute later Timms was unlucky with a superb header from an awkward position after a Thompson corner. Shearsby replaced the struggling Blake in the 53rd and Brakes started to impose themselves on the game but any impetus was being thwarted by a constant stream of injuries to Handsaker players stopping the game.

Webb and Timms were towers of strength driving against the wind with the invaluable McGovern, rock-like in defence, complementing the cultured play of Sidwell and Dhesi. But goal chances were few in the conditions though Webb, again, had two attempts scrambled away by a good, Handsaker defence who were much improved from their 5-0 drubbing at the New Windmill earlier in the season. Care was using his speed to get down the flanks but was particularly vulnerable to some hard tackling that often bordered on the unacceptable.

As cold rain threatened to dampen any enthusiasm the fans attempted to rouse a hard-working team to one last effort; Thompson drove just over in the 80th and Care was flattened, again, after a promising run in the 85th. Dix came on for Webb in the 90th with 5 minutes of injury time still to be played but it was Handsaker who went closest when Morris dived superbly to turn a close range shot round the post at the death and leave Brakes with every hope of reaching the final in the second leg to be played at the New Windmill.

Leamington: Richard Morris, Jonny Burgess, Harj Dhesi, Liam McGovern, Tom Sidwell, Darren Timms, Nick Mort, David Care, Josh Blake (Barry Shearsby 53), Glen Webb (Andy Dix 90), Steve Thompson [Capt.]
Sub Not Used: Kevin Ariss

Team news: A very special welcome to Ellie May Agar a new signing to the Brakes Youth Brigade on Wednesday 6 February 2002 at Warwick Hospital, with a special mention to Clare Agar who was there throughout; Brian was bringing them home at lunch-time so we think can be excused for missing the match.

Welcome also to new signing Andy Gregory, a bit older at 18 and a mid-fielder / defender from Central Ajax, and physio. Matt Papworth replacing Louise Emeney who is moving to pastures new after sterling work as part of a successful management team for a season and a half; good luck for the future Louise, and thanks.