Match 2. Leamington v Bideford Town

Saturday 22^nd August 2015 @3pm

Southern League Premier Division

LEAMINGTON 2-1 BIDEFORD TOWN

The New Windmill Ground (Philipps 66 Community Stadium), Harbury Lane, Leamington Spa.

Admission: £11

Programme: £2.50 (A5, 48 pages)

Attendance: 482

Refreshments: Coors Shandy £3.30.

With my family and friend spending the day at Warwick Castle, I took an opportunity for a game in the area.  I arrived at 1pm at Coventry Sphinx but found the area less than desirable and wasn’t taken on the ground, which was less rustic, rather shabbier. I could either hang around for 2 hours or drive back to Leamington Spa.  To be honest I had plenty of time, so I chose to have a look around the town centre then drive the almost 4 miles to the wilderness that is Leamington FC.  

The ground has a small signpost for the gap in the bushes towards the car park and stadium but you should see the floodlight pylons to find the ground on Harbury Lane. The entrance is in the near corner of the ground which has the clubhouse and catering in front of you and the club shop and toilets to the left.  There is covered terracing behind the near goal and both covered seating and standing alongside one touchline.  The dugouts and hard standing are on the open touchline and there is also uncovered terracing behind the far goal. I had bought a lunch with me so didn’t partake in any food but the usual fayre was on offer (no pies).  The pre match pint was most refreshing in the Brakes Bar on this hot day.  30 degrees Celsius as I parked up and even the forecasted shower blew over during half time.

This match was controlled by the home side although the match scoreline was closer due to their own unforced errors.  Bideford took the lead in the first half after the home centre half shoved the striker in the back when heading the ball.  The 30 plus yard free kick was accurately hit but lacked real power, however the keeper seemed to lose concentration as the ball somehow slipped through his hands and bobbled over the line.  Leamington got back in it after 25 minutes when Lee Moore drew level and the centre midfielder Richard Taundry calling the shots it looked just a matter of time for a home victory.  However Taundry picked up a hamstring injury and was subbed at half time.  The second half was dominated by the Brakes but they lacked leadership but was helped by a fatigued North Devon outfit who were playing their 4^th away game in 11 days.  The expected winner was a good goal though. A 55^th minute half volley on the edge of the box from Rob Ogleby dipped into the far corner of the net.  A good support from the 40 or so travellers from Bideford, a team who will rack up a fair few miles this season.

Post-match after picking up the family, was a stop off for dinner at The Crooked Billet in Iver Heath, then home for 9pm.