Disappointing defeat for Leighton Town
Reds draw a blank
Biggleswade Town 1
Leighton Town 0
Leighton travelled to newly-promoted Biggleswade Town and were hoping to get their game back on track after a disappointing result last week in the FA Trophy.
However, another below-par display saw them return without a point and goalless from this game.
Town, surprisingly against a side that has made an average start to the season, decided to start with a 4-5-1 formation with Ben Gallant as the main attacking midfielder.
Steve Root returned in goal, with Kevin Higby relegated to the bench and former Leighton striker Chris Johnson included in the Biggleswade attack.
Town started well enough and in only the second minute a Craig Kench shot was deflected wide. The corner was only partially cleared and Nick McFarlane shot wide of the far post.
The next chance fell to the hosts after five minutes when, after a quick free kick, the ball was knocked right across the face of the Leighton goal before Bobby Dance put his shot high and wide of the Reds' goal.
In the 21st minute Leighton had a wonderful chance to take the lead when a long kick by Root went straight through the home defence and Dan Walker ran onto the ball. However, with only the keeper to beat the young striker decided to take his shot early and struck a weak effort wide of the left-hand post.
In the 38th minute Walker and Kench exchanged passes but the striker's shot was deflected for a corner which was easily dealt with by the home defence.
Just before half time a decent effort by Charlie Cunningham from 20 yards flashed just wide of the post.
In the 53rd minute a Gallant pass put Dennis Fenemore through but the striker only managed to put his shot into the side netting.
Biggleswade immediately replied with a shot by Smith from the edge of the penalty area which was well wide of the target.
Leighton went straight to the other end of the pitch but Dan Walker's 30-yard effort went well wide.
The hosts opened the scoring after 66 minutes when substitute Steele ran after a through ball, cut inside onto his right foot and then shot for the far corner. Although the shot did not appear to carry a serious threat it squirmed under the hands of the diving Root and settled in the back of the net.
The hosts should have increased their lead in the 70th minute when after a good move the ball was driven across the front of the goal but was missed at the far post with the whole goal gaping .
Three minutes later they had another great opportunity to seal the win when they broke down the left and the ball was crossed accurately but the unmarked Smith headed over the bar from right in front of goal.
Biggleswade were looking the more dangerous of the two sides at this stage and created another chance in the 78th minute when Heron challenged Root for a high ball. The ball broke loose but Biggleswade drove the ball well wide from just 10 yards out.
Fenemore replied for Leighton in the 80th minute when he turned and shot but his effort went high and wide.
Three minutes after this the striker showed some terrific skill to beat three defenders in a tight space but home keeper, Bull managed to spread himself and make an important save with his legs.
If Leighton realistically are hoping to get near the play- offs this season, they will have to show a marked improvement on this display.
Leighton return to action tonight when they travel to Burnham in the Southern League Cup, 7.30pm. The focus then reverts to the league with a home game against Bromsgrove Rovers.
Line-up: Root, Cunningham, McFarlane, Lasbrey, Clifford (Scott 85), Deaton, Walker (Porter 73), Kench, Fenemore, Gallant, Goss (Edge 73).
>> After two successive defeats Leighton Reserves halted the run with a 3-3 draw with Harefield. On Saturday the side travels to North Greenford Reserves.
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Leighton Buzzard
Wednesday 23 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 11 C to 23 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: North east
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 11 C to 25 C
Wind Speed: 13 mph
Wind direction: North east
