Match Report v Aylesbury Vale Dynamos

Leighton Town enjoyed continued momentum in the league as they picked up another three points at the Greenfleets Stadium. 10th place Aylesbury Vale were a tough adversary in this midweek meeting, but a smart Ashton Campbell finish in the second half was enough to separate the two sides.
The opening exchanges were capped by a yellow card for Aylesbury keeper James Weatherall. In what could’ve been an early dismissal for bringing down Jervon Campbell on the edge of the box 14 minutes in, the ref opted for only a booking.
20 minutes reflected a good period for Town, enjoying a lot of the ball and encroaching the opposition box. However, there were no clear-cut chances created.
The next notable moment fell to James Towell. The midfielder pounced on a defensive mistake but couldn’t convert – his volley flying just wide of the goal.
Leighton had a bigger chance just before the half was out. On 38 minutes, a Joe Fitzgerald cross was headed on by Luke Pyman. Brian Foulger got on the end of it, but keeper Weatherall was equal to it – tipping round the post.
The second half began with a couple of stoppages with Joe Fitzgerald being caught late in his own box. Just a minute later on 52’, Foulger was also down requiring treatment.
As Leighton composed themselves, it seemed that since the restart Aylesbury had been the stronger side. The visitors’ performance on the other hand had been more of a stop-start affair.
65 minutes saw pressure from the hosts. Will Mullarkey produced a great run and pass to Chris Stapleton but Leighton managed to block. Shortly after, Jake Baldwin had a freekick – but as the Aylesbury Twitter lamented – it flew on to the A41.
On the 78th minute the deadlock was broken and it seemed to be against the run of play. It was very route one football but seemed the formula for this dogged Aylesbury side. Ashton Campbell latched onto the long ball and showed class to lob the keeper for his 15th goal of the season.
After a scrappy end to the game, Leighton Town kept a hold of their slender lead. Now, Paul Bonham’s team sit third in the Spartan. The next game is the highly anticipated meeting with Luton Town’s development at Bell Close in the Beds Senior Cup next Tuesday.

Max Bradfield