After their disappointing performance last week in the FA Cup, Leighton returned to action in the FA Trophy at Bell Close on Saturday against Ryman League Chipstead.

Town, in great form, achieved their best win in an FA competition since they beat Gorleston in the FA Vase in 1993. 

Home supporters in a disappointing crowd of just 88 were able to watch an entertaining performance from their side and with a little more luck and composure Town could easily have reached double figures.
Town made three changes to last week's side with James Hatch restored in attack in place of Dennis Fenemore, Charlie Cunningham replaced the unavailable James Lasbrey at right back and James McNulty replaced Scott Thomas in midfield.

Playing into the wind Town took time to settle and their first chance saw McNulty get his head to the ball under pressure but his effort went wide.

In the 20th minute Leon Cashman knocked in a good inswinging corner and captain Peter Clifford rose well and headed the ball firmly into the net.

Town got a deserved second goal in the 39th minute when Enzo Silvestri drove a shot across the keeper and although the ball was going in, Delaney helped it on its way into the net. 

In the 43rd minute Chipstead created a good chance but Fleming's header was easily caught by Lee Clark.
In the 45th minute Town scored a third when Wastell was unable to hold Cashman's fierce, low shot and the alert Hatch was on hand to fire the loose ball into the net.

Chipstead had the first effort of the second half but full back Fleming shot over from 20 yards.
            
In the 57th minute Town had a half chance but McNulty put his volley way over the bar.

Town were not to be denied, however, and two minutes later scored their fourth when Hatch stole the ball off Wareing, ran on and then prodded the ball low past the keeper.

Two minutes later Hatch scored his third and Town's fifth when Ben Gallant played a clever pass through the defence and Hatch confidently flicked the ball high into the net with the keeper well beaten.
 
Chipstead now looked completely demoralised and three minutes later Enzo Silvestri drove home a left-footed shot from close range to make it six. 

Town were now constantly on the attack and a good move involving Leon Gordon and Peter Clifford saw Gallant shoot just over.

Against the run of play Chipstead scored a consolation goal in the 74th minute through Oxley as Town temporarily lost concentration in defence. 

In the last minute Silvestri volleyed in Town's seventh and his own third to end the scoring.

Town will now play Bury Town on October 18 in Bury St Edmunds in the next round.

Team: Clark, Cunningham, McNu-lty, Lewis (Kench 68), Clifford, Howley, Gordon, Silvestri, Gallant, Hatch (Gray 68), Cashman (Chapman 77) Subs (not used): Root, Fenemore. Att: 88.

Leighton Town go to Stourport Swifts in the BGB League on Saturday, kick off 3pm and Town will be running a coach to the game.

If you want to travel on the coach please add your name to the list in the clubhouse. Price is £8.

Leighton Town Reserves are away to Sandhurst in the Sub-urban League.