Leighton Progress To Beds Senior Cup Semi Final

Leighton Town progressed to the next round of the Bedfordshire Senior Cup last night, after a memorable shootout win against a youthful Luton Town side.
868 people piled into Bell Close to see Luton take the lead in the second half before Luke Pyman took the game straight to penalties in the 91st minute.
Luton missed two of their kicks whilst Leighton converted every one to seal a 4-2 victory from 12-yards.
In the first half, Luton enjoyed a lot of controlled possession and nearly took the lead through Zack Nelson on the 28th minute. Ed McJannet’s free kick cross was accurate but Nelson could only watch as his glancing nod bounced off the post.
The hosts went up the other end and had a great opportunity of their own. Young Hatter Eddie Corbitt was dispossessed but Jervon Campbell couldn’t take advantage with only the keeper to beat.
Before the half was out, it was another Campbell that was causing trouble. On 43’, Ashton robbed the ball from the Luton defence during some casual build up. Goalkeeper Jameson Horlick was equal to the task though and saved well.
After the break, the forward would have another golden chance but was yet again unable to convert under pressure.
As the second half battle ticked over, Luton introduced Josh Neufville. Back from a lengthy injury, it would’ve had a perfect return if it wasn’t for Joe Fitzgerald in the 75th minute. The defender tracked back to deny the winger with a brilliantly timed last-ditch tackle.
Luton kept up the pressure and Corey Panter was next to come close. Connor Coulston produced a great save to deny the defender from point blank range as the visitors looked more likely to break the deadlock.
Minutes later, they did finally get their goal. Tyrelle Newton found the net after some determined build up from Neufville amidst some good team play.
The returning winger drove through midfield and played in Panter whose cross was pushed on by Josh Allen and the arriving Newton finished well to seal a somewhat inevitable lead.
Despite the harsh weather and the game slipping away, Leighton were unrelenting. Bonham’s men went for the direct route and that’s how the equaliser came.
A ball from the right was floated in and Pyman rose against the keeper to challenge for it. Horlick looked to have it but the ball slipped away from him and to the fans ecstasy, the midfielder was able to pass into the open net in added time taking it to penalties.
Josh Allen and TQ Addy were unable to score from the spot, both missing the target. Leighton on the other hand were cool from 12-yards and Ross Adams scored the winning penalty to spark rapturous celebrations in front of the clubhouse.
By Max Bradfield