UCL champions Stotfold started brightly and really took the game to Leighton in the opening stages, and Town found it hard to get into the rhythm that has seen them finish so positively in this campaign.

However, they had the first chance of the game after just five minutes. The Stotfold defence failed to clear a long ball and Enzo Silvestri had his effort well saved.

It was Stotfold though who made the first breakthrough in the 11th minute. Louis Lee closed down a defensive clearance and as the ball broke free, his strong challenge on the oncoming goalkeeper was timed to perfection and the ball trickled in for the opener.

Leighton battled back and Leon Cashman, amongst others, proved a constant worry for the Stotfold defence. Just before half time Leighton had a glorious chance to enter the break on level terms. Bruce Wilson played a wonderful crossfield ball into the path of Andy Fagan but his effort was well saved by the Stotfold keeper. And they paid for that miss just a minute later. A mistake in the Leighton defence was punished with a good finish by Joel Fagan.

The second half started slowly but it was Leighton who had a golden opportunity to pull a goal back when Wilson missed when clear through on goal with only the keeper to beat.

Just past the hour mark Stotfold killed the game off with their third goal. Lee Allinson curled a free kick past the Leighton keeper.
Leighton grabbed a consolation goal five minutes later. A free kick was partially cleared by Stotfold and as the ball was returned into the area, Peter Clifford was on hand to score from close in.

With 15 minutes remaining Lee was sent off for Stotfold for a second bookable offence.

However, Leighton failed to make the extra man count and Stotfold ran out well-deserved winners.

On Thursday Leighton appear in their second final of the week when they visit Buckingham in the Buckingham Senior Charity Cup Final, kick-off 7.45pm.