Leighton derby thrills crowd with seven goal bonanza

Woodside Rovers and Woodside Wanderers U11 show skill and determination.

LEIGHTON TOWN

Leighton Town U7s are looking for players whoare currently in Year 2 to come and train with us on Tuesday evenings at Vandyke Upper School Gym from 6pm to 7pm.

They will be going into Under 8s football next season and would like to put teams into both Saturday and Sunday leagues.

Also managers and assistants are required to help. Any queries or for more information.

Please ring Chris or Tasha Richmond on 01525 634360.

Woburn Hurricanes U8

Leighton Town U8

TOWN fought tirelessly throughout the opening game of the second half of the season.

Benjamin made a great solid save. Well done Taylor who scored his first goal of the season. Lloyd passed to Thomas who put a solid ball to Taylor. The keeper dropped the ball on the line and Taylor scored. Molly and Harvey came on, replacing the front two, and passed well together.

Molly tackled with great determination and Harvey was always in space. Thomas again stood firm in defence and made sure the ball didn't pass him.

Kyle and Lloyd came on. Jack was on top form with the tackling and made some great stops and passes. Connor also impressed with his solid passing and tackling.

Connor, Kyle, Lloyd and Taylor came back on. Benjamin kicked the ball out of the goal to Thomas, who passed the ball to Connor and scored a great goal using the outside of his right foot. Kyle passed the ball down the line. Lloyd again stopped the ball and passed it to Connor, who passed to MoM Taylor and scored.

Molly placed a great ball to Connor M, who kicked it to Harvey to score. The team played excellently and played with great spirit, keep the good work up.

Leighton Town Reds U8

v Bedford Juniors

A thrilling match was played out with Juniors winning by the odd goal in seven. Reds though after being resoundly beaten earlier in the season by this team proved that they have stepped up to the mark since then.

Town passed beautifully, but Bedford broke and went in the lead. Archie having his best game ever so far was immense at the back with Freddie. Edward was stifling Bedford with at times some WWE moves to frustrate them.

Josh then pulled off a fantastic save only to see the rebound put in and Bedford thought they were up and running, but Reds had other ideas. Charlie linking well with Edward then scored a beauty with the ball flying into the net.

In the second half, Town continued to press with Louis playing well with Nathan who at one stage losing a boot but carrying on until a break allowed him to re-adjust his footwear.

Josh kept Bedford out with some great saves and Charlie, Nathan and Henry went close for the Reds, who then deservedly equalised through Samand Reds were on fire.

Bedford repelled the onslaught and broke away twice to clinically finish, but Reds came back once again and from Henry's pass Charlie shot and scored.

Reds battled on but could not find another equaliser which would have been deserved but Bedford left the field knowing that they had been in a realgamethat they were lucky to win. Well played boys a fantastic performance by one and all. MoM Archie.

Leighton Town U9 5

Celtic Youth B 4

THIS match was even better than the scoreline suggests with entertainment from the first whistle to the last.

Both teams should be credited with great performances and great football. In the first half, Town went 1-0 up with great opportunism from Nathan after a mix up in Celtic's defence.

Some good football followed with George running midfield and soon after David slotted home to make it 2-0.

George then crashed aheader against the bar from a corner, but Celtic came back and good defending by Alex and Jack held them until two well- worked goals brought the scores level.

In the second half, Isaac made a couple of good saves and Leyton busy on the left went through but could only drag his shot wide.

Town then sneaked in front with a great one-two between Nathan and David resulting in the latter slotting home.

Luke came on and was superb with Jack pushing up.

Celtic once again came back strong and two goals in as many minutes changed the game again.

Town were not beaten and Jack let fly and a mistake from the keeper let his shot in for 4-4. Callum was on and secured the back as attack and counter attack followed.

Suddenly Nathan picked up the ball and with a touch in front of him let fly and the ball rocketed past the keeper before he could even react.

Still the action continued andnervous last moments ensued but Town hung on.

Well done boys but credit both teams for a great advert for mini-soccer which was on display. MoMNathan and George.

Flitwick Eagles 1

Leighton Town Girls U12 1

A short away day trip for the girls to play against traditionally difficult opponents.

Conditions were cold and blustery but the pitch was in great condition and the sun was shining as the game commenced.

Town started well with Becky Langthorne and Charlotte Carpenter rock solid in defence as the home team struggled to get going.

Rae Glennon and Chanice Ellis were starting to buzz around effectively in midfield as Town took a grip of the game.

Pressure was finally rewarded when Milly Mander scored another fine goal as she left two defenders flat footed.

Sian Kennett was warming to her task in midfield and Alicia Franklin was very composed in goal.

Jodie Turney and Kiera Lewis were introduced and made an immediate impact with their enthusiasm.

Town ended the half well on top but the interval served the home team well and Flitwick restarted with a keen desire to gain equality.

Town were restricted to break away attacks that always looked dangerous but could not kill off the game.

Flitwick eventually struck a deserved equaliser and the match ended in a tense but exciting draw.

Oakley Rangers 2

Leighton Town Spartans U12 5

TOWN were pleased to get their campaign back on track after an impressive performance against Oakley Rangers.

Town settled into their stride well and were put in the lead by a pneumatic piston of a shot unleashed from Waldock's right foot that flew past the keeper into the top of the net.

In fairness to Oakley, they responded well and they soon retaliated with a goal themselves.

Undeterred, Town forged ahead and Boniface was delighted to be able to put his side back in front once more.

A goal for the home team against the run of play put the score level as the two teams turned round at half time.

Defenders Farrugia, Wavish, Sutton and Franklin stood strong forming a brilliant line in front of the impressive keeper Bassett, after a period of absence.

Every one of them did their utmost, putting in every effort to stop further goals from the opposition.

Vines, Koch and Waldock were magically feeding balls forward for Whitby, Patterson, Cardinale and Sanderson to pressure Oakley and it was only a matter of time before more goals came.

Sanderson went agonisingly close but it was Boniface who scored another well-deserved goal and Whitby completed the score line with a fine brace.

Leighton Town U14 Girls 1

Vale Reds 0

TOWN hosting Vale Reds in the quarter final of the League cup was always going to be a tense affair.

Town looked to be lacking awareness and match sharpness.

The first half saw each side make mistakes. Town rode their luck and wasted chances in front of goal that normally would have been quickly converted.

Danielle made some great runs down the wing and fed the balls across, but Reds defence held firm.

Daisy along with Kerry worked hard at the back for Town to ensure that Amy had little to do.

The midfield struggled with the pace of the game in the first half leading to a congested feel around the centre circle.

The second half saw Town come to life; Sym took control of the centre and spread the play well to Charlotte and Danielle, who worked well with Jess and Rosie.

Just when it looked certain extra time was coming Rosie got on the end of a pass from Danielle and slotted home in the top corner, 2 minutes to go and Reds heads went down.

A well fought and deserved win. PoM: Symone Hodge.

WOODSIDE

Woodside Rovers U8

v Great Linford Cougars

A FANTASTIC first game began with a fantastic first quarter of the match.

Firstly, Theo Davison nearly scored from his own half with a brilliant shot – well, brilliant clearance.

Then Ross Daggett struck a shot that the goalkeeper could only parry, cue a breathtaking display of energy, speed and agility as Bradley Harding-Farrington celebrated the tap in.

The next goal was almost identical with Ross Daggett shooting again, but this time it was Freddie Heath who got the goal.

In the second half, everyone had chances to score Rovers' third.

Even Seb 'Crazy Horse' Wawrzyniak broke from his anchor in defence and ran the full length of the pitch to hit the post.

That third goal eventually came when Ryan Connew smashed in another trademark free kick for Theo Davison to score.

A typical combative display from Max Jones and a typically energetic performance from Sam Beaumont kept Woodside pushing forward but, as Woodside tired in the final quarter, Great Linford forced William Shaw to make several superb saves.

The performance of the team, not to mention the logic of the fixtures, meant that this was Rovers best game of the season so far.

Brackley Town 3

Woodside Rovers U10 6

ROVERS went ahead when Joe Harley's pass found Mason Coleman on the right wing who neatly switched play to the left for Luke Williams to blast home.

But Brackley are a great passing side and soon they equalised and then went ahead with a penalty for handball.

Keeper Noah Heath couldn't do anything about the well struck spot kick. Luke pounced for his second when the Brackley keeper couldn't hold onto a shot and moments later got his hat trick after Brackley failed to clear from a corner.

Brackley equalised again with a speculative effort from the right wing. Joseph Raymen was making a nuisance of himself up front when Owen found the back of the net from a corner.

In the second half Brackley went after another equaliser but Blake Lewis and Ben Crallan were resolute in defence and Sam Cook threw himself into every tackle.

Brackley thought they'd scored from a corner but Owen headed off the line. Then Luke struck again from a free kick which he hit like a thunderbolt. Owen added another right at the end.

Super sub Jay Stephenson came on to cause trouble on the left wing very late in the game.

Brookfield Rangers

Sparrowhawks 2

Woodside Wanderers U10 1

IN their first match back since the Christmas break Woodside were unlucky to not come away with at least a share of the points.

Woodside started the brightest and played some lovely passing football, midway through the first half a well worked move was finished by Luke who found himself unmarked in the Brookfield penalty area to put Woodside one up.

As a result the home side pressured the Woodside goal and it wasn't long before this pressure paid off with the Brookfield equalising.

As the game progressed chances were created at either end and both sides were unlucky not to take the lead.

Both teams had to defend resolutely with the woodwork helping out at either end on more than one occasion.

With the match drawing to a close and with the teams looking like they were going to share the points Brookfield capitalized quickest onto a loose ball in the middle of the pitch and broke through into the Woodside area and found the back of the net.

This sets up an exciting match next week as the teams meet again this time in the cup competition.

Team: Nat Goodlad, Tom Herbert, James Wright, MoM Dan Davison, Luke Orlando, Jamie Leighton, Jack Viera, James Heggarty, Ross Janes.

Woodside Rovers U11 5

Woodside Wanderers U11 2

BOTH teams were missing players and this made for an open and at times, very entertaining match.

The Rovers raced to a two goal lead through Michael Davies and a Kerry-Louise O'Connor blast. The Rovers defence of Peter Ulyett, Conor Drosihn and Ollie Howe coped well with the slick Wanderers attacks.

Wanderers' pressure led to a penalty but this was unconverted. Rovers were awarded a penalty of their own which was brilliantly saved but Max Coleman superbly chipped home the rebound from the tightest of angles.

Up front Nathan Winters and Michael played some great football and the interplay between them and midfielders Cat Connew, skipper Alex Batty and Max was, at times, tremendous. Two more Rovers goals from Kerry and Max made the game comfortable and allowed the Rovers to experiment with tactics and positions.

Keeper Mark Roberts had another great game and Kerry-Louise was top drawer, but Stuart Matthews takes the MoM honours this week for a performance full of skill and hard work.

Woodside Rovers U12 1

Bletchley Youth 8

ON A bitterly cold morning Woodies didn't turn up mentally for this game until halfway through the first half, by which time they were four goals down.

They restored some pride as they fought their way back and made a decent go of the game until fatigue took its toll in the last ten minutes.

MoM Keigan Smith capped a fine display by netting Woodies solitary goal following a trademark strong, pacey run.

Others who can take comfort from their performances were Fionn Bell, who showed real character by recovering from a difficult first half to put in a solid display at right back, goalkeeper John Shaw, who made a string of saves to keep the score in single figures, Oscar Russell slotted into midfield well getting in vital tackles and played some intelligent passes, Kieren Fosberry wide on the right in particular with his attacking play and who was unlucky not to score when his chip over the keeper just lacked power to get over the line.

James Harman and Isaac Claridge typically gave 100 per cent in the centre of midfield and defence respectively.

Woodside Rovers U15 4

Woburn Lions U15 2

ROVERS were up against bottom of the league Woburn Lions who were out for revenge after Rovers had beat them with a penalty in the last minute earlier in the season.

Both teams started brightly, but Rovers looked stronger with some good attacks and a disallowed goal unfortunately for O'Donoghue.

All the pressure paid off when a free kick from O'Hara was fumbled by the Lions keeper; Jell was at hand to score.

Rovers looked on top until a counter attack from Lions ended in a good shot going over the head of keeper Cherry. Half-time saw the scores level at 1-1.

The second half started and the midfield of Jones, Stiles, Jell and McGarvey took the initiative and dominated.

But Lions came back with a strike from the edge of the area nestled in the corner.

From then on Rovers controlled the game and equalised when a scrappy corner found its way to Stiles who finished nicely.

Woodside took the lead again when a header from O'Donoghue was deemed in by the linesman. The last ten minutes were tense but MoM Simons, O'Hara, Greany and Arscott Smith held out and three points were assured when Stiles scored three minutes from time.

Woodside Wanderers U15 2

Leighton Corinthians 4

THIS match demonstrated that old clich of a game of two halves.

Corinthians were the more inventive in the first half taking advantage of some poor defending by Woodside and creating opportunities which saw them with a 4-0 lead by half time.

Taking refuge from the cold in the changing room Wanderers analysed their first half performance and returned to the pitch, determined to show they can perform to a higher standard than they displayed earlier.

Woodside MoM Michael Flanery made his presence felt in midfield. Some excellent play down the left found Mitchell O'Connor who coolly took his goal.

Mark Mitchell put some of his frustration to rest with a well taken strike. More good work in midfield by Dan Blythe and Matt Forbes had the visitors on the back foot.

Luke Rhodes and Sam Hurley tightened up at the back which kept Corinthians at bay. Ultimately however, Woodside's local rivals had the edge and claimed the points. Woodside Squad: Robin Corston, Matthew Forbes, Mitchell O'Connor, Sam Hurley, Dan Blythe, Luke Rhodes, Mark Mitchell, Tom Holloway, Gary Wells, Michael Flanery, Michael Johnson, Shane Tiffen and Pat Bell.

LEIGHTON UNITED

Leighton United U8

V Sandy Colts

WITH weather conditions that chilled to the bone and two teams shivering in there boots, you felt this was a game to get over and done with as soon as possible.

Those were certainly United's intentions with Bradley getting them on the score sheet with a fine goal. The goals continued with Hatchet Harry and one more from Bradley.

You could sense that United really meant business keeping the pressure on the Colts goal keeper. Another good passage of play from United and Jack, the Russell, Young drilling a fine strike past the Colts keeper to make it four.

Colts may have been down but weren't out, they kept their heads up and remained positive. Five minutes before half time, Morgan is bought down in the penalty box, takes the pen and scores a great goal. United win a corner and this time it's the Colts goalkeeper's turn to be the hero, saving a great corner from Hatchet Harry.

United made a few substitutions just before the half time whistle and Charlie bagged another two for united.

Second half and Hatchet Harry fired another one home making it two for the Hatchet. Colts looked like a different team in the second half, managing to keep United at bay and attacking the united goal in the bargain.

Just as you thought colts were beginning to get the measure of United they gave a penalty away and Hatchet Harry got his hat trick. Still not out, Colts pressured and finally got there reward with a fine run and great finish. Another score for the Hatchet and the final goal coming from Bradley for his well deserved hat trick.

Leighton United U10B 3

Houghton Regis Youth 0

DOMINATING from the start, United quickly put Houghton under pressure. Jamie Leighton and Nathan Ashburner made great runs switching the ball between them.

Theo Cox and Alex Aldous-Ball battled hard both defending well winning the ball and pushing it through to Louie Clowes out on the right wing.

A poor clearance from a free kick saw Jay Denniston Volley the ball into the top left for United's first. Keeper Brett Smith Dealt with anything that came his way keeping United one nil up at half time.

United continued the pressure and Denniston soon scored his second. Cox and Aldous-Ball were solid at the back tackling hard not letting anything pass them.

Ashburner, Clowes and Leighton attacked, each having shots at goal. Houghton were under pressure and soon got agitated and it wasn't long before United were given a free kick again which Denniston put in the top right corner of the net.

United were flying and with Owen Reay up front United were unlucky not to score several times. Keeper Smith kept a clean sheet with a 3-0 win for United. MoM Alex Aldous-Ball, who took quite a few knocks for the team and for his outstanding defending.

Leighton United U10C 3

Markyate Youth 2

THE last time these two sides met, Markyate Youth tore into Leighton showing that their experience as a side far outweighed the newly formed under 10s C Team at Leighton Utd.

But Leighton have been training hard and it all paid off within the first five minutes as Markyates well oiled machine had a spanner thrown in it by Leighton's boys with two cracking goals by Connor Coulson.

With a 2-0 lead Leighton were all over Markyate and came close to increasing their lead with great efforts by Reece Padmore, MoM Marc Childs, Nathan McCarthy and Aaron Dann.

The surprised Markyate side fought back, and despite Leighton's terrific play in midfield and defence they eventually conceded making the half time score 2-1.

Despite the appalling weather, the second half proved just as exciting as the first with great play from Gino Franciamore, Adam Farmer-Patel, Oliver Chambers, Owen Read and keeper Aiden Matthews. Two lucky goals by Markyate though sealed the score, but Leighton proved that their game play is moving up a notch each week.

Leighton United Girls U10 2

Bedford Girls U10 5

UNITED were very unlucky to go out of the cup competition at the semi-final stage to favourites Bedford.

Despite a huge amount of pressure in the first half, with Jasmine Page, Lizzie Richardson and Alisa Chapman raining shots on the Bedford goal, the ball would not go in.

Charlotte Mulford in goal had nothing to do until Bedford's first attack towards the end of the first half, but was powerless to stop the visitors taking a surprise lead.

Savannah Shepherd played the best game of her season with some excellent tackling and set-up play.

At the very end of the first half a cross dribbled across the United area for Bedford to take a 2-0 lead with only their second shot – United had put 17 efforts on goal in the same time!

Mulford was injured during her attempt to save the second goal and so Rachel Moffat donned the gloves for the first time ever in the second half.

Jade Linders came on in defence and played solidly with the tireless Lucie Webster to snuff out the opposition attacks.Moffat and Chapman swapped places in an attempt to claw back the deficit, and this paid off handsomely as Linders put Moffat through for a run on goal followed by an unstoppable shot for 2-1.

Bedford hit back straight away with a lucky own-goal but Moffat charged through from the restart and crashed a long shot off the bar.Bedford broke again as United were caught up field and split the defence open for a 4-1 lead.United's heads didn't go down and Charley Lambert worked the ball wide to Moffat, who cut in from the left and blasted atremendous shot into the top corner for 4-2. Bedford grabbed a flattering fifth in the final minute.

Luton Borough Yth B 0

Leighton United U11A 3

UNITED started strong, some early weighted balls from Paolo and Jonno into Brett and JC nearly putting them ahead. Early pressure from Luton was easily soaked up by Liam, Neel and Ollie clearing their lines.

Leighton was justly rewarded after a superb high swinging corner from Brett, fell to Jonno, who didn't hesitate to hit the target.

It was very nearly two after good passing from Jake to Jordan then onto the feet of JC, whose shot rebounded off the woodwork.

Charlie Cooper was then called upon to make a brilliant save to keep the score sheet clean. Luton's pressure caused Leighton to concede a penalty, but Luton could not hit the target.

The second half saw Luton putting United under pressure with Charlie Beary up front not getting any chances, a quick substitution saw Luke come on and start with a shot on goal.

It was all United from then on, Luke then passed to Harry and Harry converted the chance into the second goal. Charlie McClelland was the final sub, but the last goal was the best with a long range shot into the top corner from MoM Brett Rason.

Barton Rovers U10 3

Leighton United U10 2

BARTON went one up against the run of play. but United battled well and new signing Sam Olson played a great match earning PoM.

At half time, United weew two down but in the second half they came out fighting and a great move from Jay, who unleashed a shot which hit the post, only for Grant to force the rebound over the line. United steppedup a gear and a long kick from Nicolas found Sam, who crossed for Grant to score his second. A bit of a mix up in front of goal allowed Barton to score their third.

Louis and Joel played well at the back as did the ever battling Oliver, Jay and Zoe in midfield who tried to support Grant. Team: Nicolas Tompkins, Louis Lenander, Joel Parish, Jay Parish, Zoe Molloy, Oliver Brown, Grant Brandon andPoM Sam Olson.

Flitwick Eagles U11 Girls 0

Leighton United U11 Girls 2

UNITED took the game to Flitwick from the start while the home side played for the draw and never bothered United keeper Charlie Hedges.

The defence of Georgia Carey and Sarah Miller prevented the forwards from getting near the goal. Niamh Ryan, Sammy Lay-Flurrie and Maive Kenny battled well in midfield. Zoe Molloy up front, found it hard as Flitwick put two girls on her to mark her out of the game.

Abi Luby and Tayla Dolan came on and played a big part during the game. The second half saw united step up a gear and a great pass from Abi found Tayla, who found Zoe, who lost both of her markers to blast a goal past the keeper. A similar move before hand found Zoe to hit the cross bar. 10 minutes later Zoe latched onto another through ball and made it 2-0. Abi earned GoM but it was a good team performance

Leighton United U13 0

Bedford Town Youth 3

EARLIER in the season United had lost 6-0 so knew they were in for a tough match.

The game started brightly with some good chances. Moffat put in some good corners and Turrell shaved the post with a great shot on the turn. All the pressure meant that Bedford could counter attack and on one occasion their big centre forward managed to break free and score.

But the renewed determination saw midfield of Casey and Keegan creating chances for Ash and Turrell up front.

In the second half United again pushed forward. The defence of Brown, Clegg, MoM Russo and Harding had a lot to deal with from the Bedford attack but coped well. Elding in goal pulled off some excellent saves.

But as United pushed on for an equaliser with Connew and Brown now up front, it left gaps at the back for Bedford to break and score two late goals.

This was a much improved performance and with all players fit United should be looking to give Bedford an even closer game later in the season.

LEIGHTON

CORINTHIANS

Deanhanger Colts

v Leighton Corinthians U8

DEANSHANGER went two up in the first five minutes, but Jack Dean did get one back before the end of the first period. The second period was closer with Ellis Capp, Oliver Gronert and MoM Lewis Young having good attempts at goal. Deanhanger did score more goals.

The third period was more Deanhanger as Corinthians conceded more goals, but Corinthians still had good attempts in the third and forth periods.

Leighton Corinthians U10 0

Great Linford U10 6

THE highlight for the home team was two superb debuts from Harry Cropper and Harry Reid. Both players showed great commitment and some lovely skills.

However, Linford showed the home team how important it was to finish their chances. Ben Sanders was impressive in defence and midfield and made numerous tackles. JJ battled well and made several goal stopping tackles, Callum Millar was heroic in his efforts and Tom "Hotshot" Adams kept the away defence busy. Natham Wilson showed his ball control with some good dribbling and captain Chris Tydings worked very hard.

Sean Hull made some telling runs and Jack Wears ran everywhere to support his team by tackling well and showing good ball skills. Ryan Eaton worked hard in goal and made several good stops to keep the score down.

After the break half Tydings made several good saves in goal, Eaton, now out on pitch, battled well and gave everything he had, Reid kept pressure on the defence and forced them into errors, Cropper tackled well and despite a few knocks continued to battle. Wears continued his great effort and Wilson again tried to use his dribbling skills. Adams and Hull battled well and JJ made some very important tackles. Sanders and Millar also made several goal stopping tackles. The only thing missing was the finishing and that is what separated the two teams.

MoM was Sanders for an heroic performance in defence and midfield.

Leighton Corinthians U17 7

Hartwell 0

WITH the pitch very boggy in the middle, it was extremely important for both teams to play their football down the wings.

Corinthians finally found their rhythm and scored through Ottaway, on hot form recently, who rifled a left-foot volley past the helpless keeper.

This sparked Corinthians into life and encouraged Jackson to find himself a goal – he chased down every ball and tackled the keeper before tapping into an empty net. 3-0 quickly followed when a Mitchinson cross gave Ottaway for his second. Then soon after it was 4-0 when a through ball by right-back Boud found Jackson to lob the keeper.

Corinthians picked up where they left off, when Mitchinson who mishit his first attempt tapped in to make it 5-0. Then Ottaway and Jackson both completed their hat tricks as Hartwell went down to 10 men as they became frustrated with some brilliant Corinthians play. A mention for Dixon who doubled his tally of clean sheets to two.

EATON BRAY LIONS

EB Lions Blues U8

v St Martins Blues U8

EB Lions kicked off with a confidence that was to shine through for the entire game. Facing an accomplished side, the Lions channelled new energy into the game from the starting whistle.

Sam Carter, Toby McGee, Joe Rabey and Ollie West were on rotation for mid-field duties, and all made enterprising plays which manifested in some tantalising shots on goal. Forward Myles Frederick likewise found success with impressive runs into opposition territory, and within the first half netted an awesome goal. Solid saves from star keeper Cam Burchell kept the Lions heading for victory.

Joe Thorne, who picked up MoM honours, was on searing form in defence, along with Sam Bramston and James Glover, whose gritty determination maintained a clean slate up to one minute before the half time whistle when an unstoppable St Martins goal equalised for the visitors.

The second half remained goalless but the see-sawing play from both teams thrilled spectators right up until the final whistle.

EB Lions U11 1

Beecroft Rovers U11 1

AN in-form Lions side inched ahead of their talented visitors after the break when Dominic Ryan slotted in from ten yards, establishing a 1-0 lead. Beecroft responded and for a time bombarded the host team's goal, but it was only with ten minutes remaining that keeper Dan Kennell was, for once, unable to deny the visitors who drew level to 1-1.

Lions rallied with a succession of corner opportunities, any of which might have been on target. Vigorous attacking plays from Charlie Nevitt, Sean Woodhouse, Aaron Gauntlett, Will Juster and Alex Poynter all contributed to an almost overwhelming offensive strike, but in a match that swung back and forth, defenders Aarin Johnson, Adam Bradley and Tom Horner had their work cut out for them too. MoM Mason Ashby never missed a tackle, setting up a string of tidy passes to return the ball to a forward position time and again.

A last gasp effort to wrest victory from the game came as Chris McGee's strike hit the bar, but the final tally was a fair result for two determined teams who played with spirit.

EB Lions U13 Girls 2

Leighton United 0

LIONS started strongly and with a goal from Hattie French after five minutes and a second from Megan Viljoen only four minutes later.

With the midfield of Darcy Ashby and Devon Ferguson dominating totally the Lions kept the pressure on Leighton who to their credit defended well, frustrating the Lions for the rest of the first half. In defence Katy Thiel and Eden Scott covered well when needed and pushed forward to try and increase the lead. In goal Nancy Oliver (who was GoM) kept another clean sheet, her distribution of the ball is very often the start of another great move from the Lions. All three substitutes, Emily Hudson, Shannon Byrne and Elsa Kirkwood made an impact when they came on and helped keep the Lions in control.

In the second half uphill and against the wind the Lions again came close with French, Viljoen and Ashby all nearly scoring what would have been a well deserved third goal. The Lions can feel very satisfied with a great win in the local derby match. Again this match showed what a well disciplined and well organized team the Lions are.

Team: Oliver, Thiel, Scott, Ashby, Ferguson, Hudson, French, Viljoen, Kirkwood, Byrne.

LINSLADE GREENLEAS

Dovery Down U7

Linslade Greenleas Dynamo U7

DYNAMO hadn't played a game for some time and it took a while for some of the players to get back into the swing of things.

Their two main strikers Owen Merrington and Charlie Waple-Moors had no such problems, laying siege on the Dovery goal early on. It was MoM Waple-Moors who quickly gave Dynamo a two goal advantage before Dovery came back strongly with three goals before half-time.

Dynamo began to take control of the game early in the second half. Emily Heale was playing well in goal and in defence Dan Hodey, Ryan Smith and Oscar Barnes were all tackling well. However, the passing was not as crisp as usual so chances were few and far between.

Smith then equalised and Kieran Carvell was very unlucky not to give Dynamo the lead when his effort hit the post. Then out of nowhere Dovery's best player scored a great goal to take the lead.

Dynamo went in search of the equaliser which Merrington deservedly got in the last seconds of the game with a great shot direct from a corner.

James Mallord and Harry Eacott both put in good performances and are improving with every match.

Linslade Greenleas Athletico U9 3

Woburn Lions 1

BACK into league action for Athletico and a tough fixture against a committed Woburn side. Early pressure from the visitors was kept out by the athletic efforts of Athletico's keeper, Axford, but it was a trademark goal from Liggett up front that got the game moving. A second soon after with a shot from Dimeo and a toe from Liggett saw the pressure ease, but Woburn fought back and took it to 2-1 before the break.

With captain Potter pushing up through midfield, the second half saw the game played from end to end. The strong defensive efforts of Cantwell were assisted by Kharawala who played to his strengths, playing the ball up the field to Culley in midfield for the counter attacks from Athletico.

Hearts were in mouths as Woburn tried to take their chances and so they would but for the Dillamores Furnishings MoM heroic efforts of Axford in the Athletico goal.

A final outstanding solo run by birthday boy Dimeo past three Woburn players rounded off with a well taken goal, secured the result for Athletico five minutes from time.

SOUTHCOTT OWLS

Southcott Owls U8 v Moretonville

Striker Jake Saunders grabbed six goals in an away victory in an exciting and well fought contest which saw a total of ten goals scored. Southcott showed plenty of character to finish in front.

It was 2-1 after the first period, and despite some excellent defending and attacking runs from Benedict Turley, good tackling from Lauren Avery and some heroic goalkeeping from Craig Rattray, Moretonville equalised in the second quarter.

More Southcott pressure came in the second half with a series of corners taken by Miles Drabwell and further efforts on goal by Tommy Johnston and Jamie Hunt. A shaky period of defending allowed Moretonville to equalise again at the end of the third quarter.

Southcott ran away with the game in the final ten minutes with several runs and strong finishes from Saunders

Southcott U11 0

Leighton Corinthians U11 2

CORINTHIANS moved into the semi finals of the cup with a battling team performance over their local rivals.

The opening goal came when George Wyatt spun on a loose ball and poked it home into the corner. Johnson had an effort disallowed just before goalkeeper Rhodes had his first touch of the ball, saving a penalty on the stroke of half time. The second half followed a very similar pattern.

The defensive units of Frame, Rhodes, Briars, Dandy Pacey and Cawood looked very solid throughout allowing Brown, Elliott, Wyatt, Starling and Johnson who closed the play down extremely well in midfield to try and create for Kidney, Elliott and Richards who all worked tirelessly up front. Corinthians added their second with 15 minutes left when Oliver Richards was sent clear, placing the ball across the advancing keeper.

Watling Saints U14 7

Southcott Owls U13 0

A fantastic performance from Howard, Thomas, Captain Clegg and Bell in defence, with the back up of the brilliant Harfield in goal, held the top of the league home side for a long spell in the first half.

Inevitably Watling found the goal after numerous thwarted chances. Murray, MoM Messum and Foulger played strong in the centre of midfield, but found it hard to create anything for forward Waterhouse. Brown and Bramston saw little of the ball on the wings. Three down at the break, Owls went for it in the second half. Hearn and Gillings came on the wings, Tift and Quinn went in defence.

Messum and Howard ran the midfield for a spell with Brown partnering Waterhouse up front. Save after save from Harfield and great tackling, pushed Saints all the way, but the U14s side was too strong.

WING RAIDERS

Wing Raiders U11 3

Bletchley Colts U11 1

TWICE postponed due to weather, this eagerly awaited Shield Round 1 game saw Wing claim their first win of the season.

Great wing play from McSweeney provided early chances for W Jones and Barrett. At the other end, Chapman, Giltrow and Allen (capt) held fast, backed by outstanding keeping from M Jones.

Shots rained in at both ends, with Goode finding space to create problems for the Colts defence. Finally, Barrett ran onto an incisive ball from W Jones and slotted home.

Colts came out fighting but couldn't break through. Even when three on one, Chapman did enough to allow keeper M Jones to save. McSweeney collected the throw and passed through the middle for Barrett to pounce and make it 2-0.

A goalmouth scramble gave Colts a lifeline but from a Colts corner, Heasman and McCabe turned defence into attack and Barrett raced clear to claim his hat-trick and put Raiders into the second round. MoM Goode – lynchpin of the Raiders attack.

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