FLEET TOWN 1 - 2 LEIGHTON TOWN

FLEET TOWN 1 - 2 LEIGHTON TOWN
Town secured their Southern League survival with only their 4th away win of the season at Fleet on Saturday. Two second half goals won the game for Town and the only disappointment was the sending off of Andre Maltay and Deji Ojuroye after an incident mid way through the second period. Both sides needed to win the game, but Town knew that a win here would leave them clear of Fleet’s maximum possible points and guarantee their league place.
Town started the game kicking up the slope and there was very little to report from the early stages as both sides took time to settle and there was little flow to the game as both sides conceded free kicks . Town had a piece of bad luck in the 15th minute when left back Sam Scott made a clearance and then collapsed with a hamstring injury. He was replaced by Leon Simpson and Jake Bewley dropped back into the left back slot. A minute later Fleet had the first shot of the match but Haydn Dodge was not troubled. Leighton’s first chance came in the 22nd minute when Ross Hanley flashed a left footed shot just over the Fleet crossbar. Leighton playing some excellent football broke quickly from one end of the park to the other in a series of quick passes but unfortunately the hosts were able to clear the final ball. Fleet had the next opportunity but Cox shot wide of Dodge’s left hand post from a good position. Five minutes before the interval Fleet looked dangerous but Andre Maltay read the situation well and made a terrific interception to clear the danger.
Kicking down the slope in the second half Leighton took the lead in the 52 minute when Leon Simpson laid the ball to Jake Bewley and the young full back struck an absolute screamer across the keeper into the far corner of the net. Midway through the half Leighton found themselves with their backs to the wall after being reduced to 9 men. Andre Maltay made a late tackle near the half way line and immediately the whole Fleet team converged on the Town fullback. Within seconds every player except Haydn Dodge was involved in a melee that took the referee about 5 minutes to sort out. After a lengthy discussion with his assistant the referee produced red cards for both Maltay and also Deji Ojuroye. Manager, Craig Wells re-organized his remaining nine players with Leon Simpson playing as a lone striker . Fleet must have been lifted by the chance they been handed by the two red cards but they showed very little imagination or invention to trouble a Leighton side who understandably had dropped deeper to defend their lead. The hosts did create a chance in the 76thminute but Byres put his effort over the bar. It was Leighton however who scored the crucial next goal in the 77th minute following a free kick. Leon Simpson jumped with the keeper who dropped the ball allowing the big striker time to volley the loose ball into the net. Following some ’banter’ between Simpson and the keeper, Fleet defender James Scott was dismissed by the referee for kicking the ball at Simpson. In the 88th minute Town had a let off when Fleet substitute, Taylor headed just wide following a corner. Leighton then conceded another corner on their left in the 92minute and the ball went right across the face of the goal before Taylor at the far post drove a low shot past Dodge to give the hosts a consolation goal.
Town held out for a deserved win and their celebrations revealed how much this win meant to them, they can relax a little now they are safe but Craig Wells will still be looking for his team to take as many points as possible from their remaining matches particularly as Town can still have a large say about what happens at the top end of the table as they take on opponents who are looking to qualify for the ‘play- off ’ places and even challenge for the title itself.
Fixtures;
WED 11th 7:45 Leighton Reserves v Leverstock Green Suburban League
Sat 14th 3pm Uxbridge v Leighton Town Evo Stik League
Sat 21st 3pm Slough v Leighton Evo Stik League
Sat 28th 3pm Leighton Town v Northwood Evo Stik League