Reds Leave Harpenden Empty Handed

Manager Joe Sweeney made some changes to his line up with Aaron Murrell left on the subs bench and Archie McClelland coming into the side and Aston Campbell starting at number 9.
Town started with the breeze at their backs and in an early attack the hosts keeper just beat Aston Campbell to a through ball. Shortly afterwards Archie McClelland tried his luck but it was easily saved by the keeper. A couple of minutes after this Harpenden produced a good attacking move but their attacker shot over from about 10 yards when left completely unmarked. Town were then awarded a free kick but Webb’s curling effort caused the keeper no real problem. Then Town were awarded a corner and Dave Murphy headed wide at the back post. ​ Harpenden then broke well down their right flank and when the ball was crossed low they had nobody in front of goal to get the decisive touch. Leighton then returned to the attack but Ross Adams effort was easily collected by the keeper. Harpenden then had a chance but a 25yard effort was lifted well over the bar. Leighton then produced another attacking move when Tom Silford slotted the ball through the middle but the keeper just beat Ashton Campbell to the ball.
Harpenden went very close to taking the lead in the 25th minute when their 7 shot towards the near post but Rennell Mckenzie -Lyle in the Leighton goal produced a fine save low to his left at the expense of a corner.
Danny Webb went close just after this with a curling free kick which beat the wall but went inches wide of the post. Harpenden then pushed forward and their number 7 cut inside the Town defence from a throw in but then lifted his shot over the bar. Leighton had a couple of chances just before the break but in the first Silford lifted his free kick way over the bar and then Murphy at the far post was off target with a headed effort. Town had produced some half chances in the first half but often gave the ball away by missing out their midfield using long balls to try to get behind the home defence.
The second half was not a great spectacle but Town were down to 10 men when Campbell was sent to the Sin-Bin for his comments to the referee. 3 minutes after the hosts took the lead when their 9 slotted a low shot into the corner of the net after some poor defending by Town. Leighton changed their line up by taking off Ross Adams and bringing on Aaron Murrell.
Four minutes after Campbell came back onto the pitch Town were again reduced to 10 men when Alfie Osborne received a second yellow card from the Referee, he will now miss the FA Cup game next Saturday. In the 88th minute with time running out for Town Murrell got clear down the right and lifted a cross into the hosts penalty area and Ashton Campbell came running in to head home and put Town level. Most Town fans would have settled for a point at this stage of the game but 2 minutes after the equalizer Town lost the ball from their own throw in and Harpenden scored another soft goal to go back in front.
Leighton immediately responded and could have earned a point but Webb headed just over from Frederick’s cross.
A disappointing performance and a bad day for everyone associated with Leighton. The fans will be hoping for an improved display against Broadfields on Tuesday night at Harefield in the League Challenge Trophy.
On Saturday Town travel to Thame United for their FA Cup game ko 3pm.
The Under 18 team have a friendly at Bell Close on Tuesday night and on Wednesday night Leighton Youth Under 15 also have a game .