Leighton Town 2 - Uxbridge 0

At last there were some smiling faces around Bell Close on Saturday as Leighton after a run of five games without a win finally got back on the winning track at Bell Close on Saturday with a win over fellow Southern Leaguer side, Uxbridge after a keenly contested match. Two first half goals by James Hatch and Ben Gallant were enough to put Town into the next round when they will meet Abingdon United at Bell Close on 17th September.
Manager, Sean Downey made some changes to the side that lost narrowly at Biggleswade in the week. Goalkeeper Lee Clark rejoined the Club in midweek after a season away and he was included at the expense of Joe Cox, James Hatch returned after his holiday and Charlie Cunningham returned in midfield after missing the last two matches through injury.
The game started at a lively pace and Bilal Hassan shot way over after just 4 minutes. Uxbridge then attacked and a deep cross had to be headed away under pressure by Andre Maltay. A minute later Town had a half chance when Ben Gallant turned quickly in the box but his shot lacked power and Stone made an easy save. Town did get the ball in the net in the 16th minute when Ben Gallant shot home but the effort was ruled out for offside against the Town striker. Town had a real let off in the 24th minute when a deep cross from the left was headed wide by Uxbridge forward Yarnie who had been left unmarked at the far post. The visitors were made to pay a heavy price for this miss just 5 minutes later when Ben Gallant played the ball into the box for James Hatch, the Town striker neatly controlled the ball on his chest then turned quickly and volleyed the ball between Stone and his right hand post. Things were still fairly even between the teams but Town had the next chance when Hatch headed Jake Bewley’s corner kick over the target. With the first half in injury time Bilal Hassan broke down the right and played the ball inside to Gallant who shot quickly and the ball took a slight deflection which lifted it over the diving Stone and into the net to double Town’s lead.
Uxbridge started the second half well and in the 66th minute Tomkins shot just wide of the far post after a couple of scrambled efforts around the Town goal. Some minutes later Tomkins rose highest to a corner Kick but Andre Maltay kicked his effort off the line to keep Town’s lead intact. Town returned to the attack and after some neat footwork Gallant drove just over the bar from 20 yards. Uxbridge then won a free kick just outside the Town penalty area in the 79th minute but Lee Clark made an easy catch to the resultant kick. Tomkins was again involved in the 85th minute but his 12 yard shot went over Clark’s crossbar. The last chance of the game fell to Leighton when a wonderful pass from Ben Gallant looked to have sent substitute Deji Ojuroye clear of the defence but the new signing’s first touch was poor and the keeper was able to collect the ball before he could get a second touch.
This was a good win for Town, they played some good football and kept a clean sheet for only the second time this season. Clark looked assured in goal although he had very little to do as Town defended well as a team. Hatch added energy and class in attack where he and Ben Gallant renewed their lively partnership. Lewis McBride and Charlie Cunningham were also industrious in the centre of midfield. Uxbridge worked hard but on the day Town’s better finishing deservedly won the match.
TEAM: Clark, Maltay, Bewley, Chapman(Ojuroye 88), Deaton, Cunningham, McBride, Hussein, Gallant, Hatch(Bush 79), Copson.
Other subs (not used) Cox, Blackwell, Slatter, McNulty.