National League: Leamington beat Telford to seal sixth-tier return

Leamington's play-off-win ensured an immediate return to National League North after relegation last season



Leamington made it an afternoon to remember as they stunned AFC Telford United on home soil in front of a near 5,000 crowd at the Bucks Head to win the Southern League Premier Division Central play-off final - and earn promotion back to National League North.

Second-placed Telford finished 11 points ahead of Leamington in the end-of-season table.

The American co-owned Bucks were also too good for the Brakes when the two sides met in the league on 6 April, winning 1-0 with a goal from Remi Walker.

But this time it went the other way - and almost to the minute too - as Ewan Williams struck the all-important goal, on 73 minutes.

"We came here five weeks ago and were second best all over the park," Leamington's long-serving manager Paul Holleran told BBC CWR.

"I didn't get it tactically right that day, we tinkered with the personnel a bit - and it worked."

Telford and Leamington, back in their original form, were among six Midlands sides who were founder members of the Alliance Premier League when English football first created a fifth tier in 1979.

They both got relegated together from National League North - the sixth tier - a year ago but Leamington now accompany league champions Needham Market back up.

Didn't they used to be called 'Lockheed Brakes' or something?

I can't comment on the veracity...



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Okay, thanks!