Nuneaton Town 2, Leighton Town 1

Leighton Town started their BGB League campaign with a trip to Nuneaton on Saturday and had it not been for two defensive mistakes they would have returned with a well-deserved point for their efforts.

Nuneaton, who were in the Conference North last season but relegated two divisions after going into administration, are one of the strongly fancied sides to gain promotion as they seek to regain their former status at the higher levels.

Leighton had to make a defensive change when Peter Clifford failed to recover from a knee injury sustained in the midweek win over Stevenage and Sam Chapman and Liam Howley were paired together in central defence. Wes Lewis was included in midfield as partner to Enzo Silvestri.

Leighton's James Hatch had the first shot of the game but his effort flew wide of the post. A minute later the hosts were awarded a free kick just outside the box but Chapman headed the ball away to clear the danger.

In the eighth minute the hosts were awarded a corner which was delivered to the far post but fortunately for Town the ball was headed into the side netting.

A few minutes later Steve Root in the Leighton goal had to be alert to punch the ball off the head of an attacker, as the hosts stepped up the pace.

Town countered and were awarded a free kick just outside the box but Scott Thomas drove his low kick straight into the defensive wall and the chance was lost.

A few minutes later Silvestri ran through from midfield but was denied at the expense of a corner. Although Chapman won the ball his header was easily caught by Acton in the home goal.

Nuneaton took the lead in the 35th minute when Ramsay ran onto a hopeful forward ball and held off challenges from Chapman and Lasbrey to slot the ball past Root.

Nuneaton created the first chance of the second half after winning two corners. Brown's header from the second looked like finding the net but Town were able to clear the ball off the line.

Town replaced Thomas with Jamie O'Grady and within two minutes were level. Hatch showed some neat footwork and fed a clever pass to O'Grady and his wonderful curling cross was met at the far post by Silvestri with a fabulous header which flew into the back of the net.

With just five minutes remaining and Town looking good for a point the referee's assistant flagged for a highly debatable free kick as three Town players went to win the ball near the corner.

After Town protests about the decision the free kick was swung into the box and the unmarked Ramsay was left free to head his second and the winning goal.

Despite their best efforts Town never looked like scoring an equaliser and the hosts finished with all the points.

Town were disappointed not to have earned at least a point but Nuneaton had more possession and more territorial superiority although Root had very little work to do apart from collecting a few crosses and through balls.

Two defensive lapses cost Town dearly but they displayed their usual collective resilience and spirit to make it hard work for the hosts.

Attendance: 748

Leighton Town: Root, Lasbrey, Cashman, Chapman (Kench 88), Lewis, Howley, Thomas (O'Grady 65) Silvestri, Gallant, Hatch, Gordon. Subs (not used) McNulty, Bell, Copson.

Leighton Reserves opened their Suburban League season with a 1-1 draw at home to Bedfont Green Reserves.

Tonight (Tuesday) Town entertain Woodford United, 7.45pm, then on Saturday they are at home Bromsgrove Rovers, 3pm.
On Bank Holiday Monday they visit Marlow, 3pm.