AFC Rushden & Diamonds 3-2 Leighton Town: Preseason friendly
In a battle between Northern Premier AFC and Southern League Leighton Town, this five-goal game was as inconsistent as the weather.
The hosts started strongest, splashing through the Northamptonshire downpour to open the lead with Ethan Johnston on 11 minutes. Before the half, it could’ve been two – yet defiant blocking from Luke Pyman, and a little luck as a goalkeeper’s clearance just deflected wide, kept the deficit to one.
Travelling Town got one back with Albie Hall’s smart flick as the sun settled on the hour mark. However, just five minutes later the clouds loomed once more as a rapid John Dean cut in from the left to slam home.
Making matters worse on 70’, it seemed the heavens had opened in every sense for Leighton as they conceded again. It was played back to keeper Karl Daley, yet the ball slipped by him and Will Jones tapped home easily.
Now, in the final 15 the rays looked to peak through the grey for the Reds as substitute Josh Hatton scored a sublime (yet unintentional) cross. However, AFC weathered the changing forecast and saw out this preseason victory at Hayden Road.
Report by Max Bradfield