Uxbridge 1 1 Leighton Town

UXBRIDGE 1 - 1 LEIGHTON TOWN
Town travelled to Uxbridge on Saturday facing a difficult match against a team who started the day positioned in 4th place and are looking certain to achieve a play off place. Town came away from the game with a well deserved point and a lot of credit after an excellent second half performance that included a fine goal from Enzo Silvestri. Town were never overawed by their high flying opponents and a neutral spectator would never have believed that there were 11 League places between the two sides after this match.
Leighton started the game with Sam Chapman at right back in place of the suspended Andre Maltay with Charlie Cunningham restored to central defence, Alex Bradley was selected on the left side of midfield for his full debut in the First Team. Leon Simpson led the attack with Ben Gallant playing in a wide right midfield role.
Town started the game well and were stroking the ball around with confidence although they were unable to create any real chances. Just when Town looked as if they had got through the opening stages without any major problems the hosts took the lead in the 19th minute. The ball was played in from the Town left flank but eluded everyone but Tomkins was quickest to the loose ball and delivered a terrific cross into the box which the unmarked Farrell headed into the Town net. Town replied a few minutes later and the home keeper Elston- Bull was forced to make a fine save with his legs to deny Jake Bewley. Uxbridge then created another chance from a left wing cross but Farrell was off target. In the 39th minute Murray tried a shot from about 22yards but Haydn Dodge made a good catch high to his left. Town also had a chance when Leon Simpson and the Uxbridge keeper challenged for a high ball, the Town striker won the ball and the keeper clattered into him but despite the appeals of the Leighton players and bench, neither Mr Finch nor his nearest assistant showed any interest in awarding a penalty.
Craig Wells asked his team to play at a higher tempo in the second half and they made a great start to the second half. They were awarded a free kick on their right flank and when Jake Bewley swung the ball into the penalty area the ball broke loose on the edge of the box and Enzo Silvestri fired in a fierce shot that hit the net with the keeper a mere spectator. Leighton then believed they should have had a penalty when Silvestri appeared to be pushed as he tried to head a cross but again the referee showed no inclination to award the spot kick. Soon after this Lewis McBride replaced the injured Sean Bishop. In the 57th minute Jack Bewley ran down the left and then delivered a low ball across the face of the Uxbridge goal and the keeper could only kick the ball against Leon Simpson, unfortunately for Leighton the ball rebounded off the striker but went wide of the post. Leighton were looking much the better side at this point and in the 61st minute Ben Gallant delivered a cross from the right which Ross Hanley touched into Silvestri but his shot was too high. Town kept up the pressure and in the 62th minute Ben Gallant delivered the ball to the far post where Ross Hanley looked a certain scorer but the midfielder could not get a decisive touch and the chance was lost. Uxbridge then created a chance but Haydn Dodge saved well with his leg to deny Carter, the Uxbridge captain. In the 64th minute Bewley again did well down the left flank but a defender just beat Enzo Silvestri to the ball as it passed across the front of the goal. Town were still pushing for a winner and in the 70th minute Silvestri delivered a high cross into the box, Simpson outjumped the keeper to head the ball towards goal but a defender was on hand to kick the ball to safety. In the 80th minute Leighton built up a quick attack and Ben Gallant crossed from the left but the keeper was able to catch Bewley’s headed effort. Uxbridge reminded Town of their attacking potential when they moved forward and a dangerous ball went right across the front of the Leighton goal with 2 players unable to make contact. The host applied some late pressure but Town defended well and just before the final whistle Ben Gallant went close after he cut inside from the left to curl a shot inches wide of the far post.
This was a terrific display by Leighton and a draw was the least they deserved for their efforts. Craig Wells called it exactly right when he asked his team to up the tempo in the second half. Alex Bradley made a terrific debut in midfield and the young midfielder’s efficient distribution and positional play were a joy to watch as he helped to keep Town on the front foot, along with his experienced midfield partners.
Town’s next game is another tough one when they travel to Beaconsfield next Saturdayto take on Slough Town who are still looking for automatic promotion but need to win their last two games to have a chance.
Team: 1. Dodge, 2. Chapman, 3. Bewley, 4. Cunningham, 5. Deaton, 6. Bishop(McBride53), 7.Gallant,8.Silvestri(Ojuroye75),9. Simpson, 10. Hanley, 11. Bradley SUBS: 12: Ojuroye GK: Kirkwood, 14.Nick May, 15. McBride
Att:117

Next Game
Sat 21st April. 3pm Slough Town v Leighton Town
Sat 21 April 3pm. Aylesbury United v Royston Town