Honours even at the Spencer Stadium

Leamington earned a creditable 2-2 draw at the Spencer Stadium this evening against Southern Premier League side Banbury United, two steps ahead of them in the non-league pyramid. At a match sponsored by Chiltern Railways, we were reminded that it was possible to travel from both towns and between them by means of the railway company, but we used the M40. I was wearing the new royal blue away kit supplied by Joma.

The Brakesmen were in fine voice with an opening chorus of 'Go and see Coventry City? You're having a laugh. We're following Leamington FC.' Brakes played a fluent passing game with Dave Pearson showing his Football League experience up front, but Banbury went ahead with a goal from Andy Baird on 37 minutes.

Leamington continued to forge forward, but were kept at bay by some stunning saves by the Banbury keeper, removal man Josh Blake being among those denied. Then 'Clunesie' (Martin Thompson) who had come on as a substitute swept forward and scored an angled goal that left the keeper with no chance. An own goal put Leamington 2-1 ahead, but a 87th minute saw the home side equalise to give a fair outcome to this competitive match.