Leighton Town 5 2 Northwood

LEIGHTON TOWN 5 - 2 NORTHWOOD
Leighton ended the season on a high note with a convincing win over ‘play-off’ contenders Northwood at Bell Close on Saturday. Town saved the best until last when they recorded their highest scoring win of the season a thanks to a goal in the 95th minute of the game. Northwood arrived at Leighton needing a win and a home defeat for Beaconsfield to give them a place in the ‘play- offs’ but their hopes were in tatters after just 11 minutes when they found themselves two goals down to a Town team that started the game at a blistering pace in very wet conditions. Former Chairman, Bruce Warner did a magnificent job during the morning to ensure the pitch remained playable after heavy overnight rain and Town Manager, Craig Wells selected the same side that played so well at Slough a week ago hoping for a win to end the season in style.
Town started well and had a terrific chance in the 9th minute but from just outside the box Sam Chapman lifted his shot over the bar. Town did not have to wait long however to take the lead, Lewis McBride’s shot was kicked away by the visitors defence but only fell to Jake Bewley outside the box on the left hand side, the young defender struck a fierce shot with the outside of his left foot that curled across the keeper and into the far side of the net for arguably Town’s best goal of the season. A minute later Town had doubled their lead, the ball was played into the box from wide on the right and Lewis McBride jumping with two defenders partially controlled the ball on his chest and when it dropped he quickly struck a low left footed shot across the keeper into the far corner of the net. Northwood must have been surprised by the intensity of Town’s opening and before they had a chance to mount any sort of a recovery they found themselves three goals down. In the 15th Lewis McBride displayed some nice skills on the right before laying the ball back to Enzo Silvestri but his shot was blocked by a defender, Ross Hanley followed up and his first attempt was blocked but the hard working midfielder was quickly onto the loose ball to drive his shot into the net for his second goal in two games. Northwood mounted an attack straight from the restart and Frempong fired a 25 yard shot inches over the bar. Some minutes later from a free kick wide on the right Hawkins headed wide of the post after getting above the Town defence. In the 30th minute Northwood won a free kick wide on their left and when the kick was taken the ball went right across the Town goal but a Leighton player must have got a decisive touch as the referee awarded a corner kick to Northwood. Any hope Northwood had of getting back into the game ended when Ben Gallant scored a terrific solo goal. The striker collected the ball about eight yards inside the Northwood half and wide on the left flank the hard working striker cleverly evaded a lunging challenge before racing down the pitch and into the penalty area. As the keeper came towards him Gallant with consumate ease stroked the ball across him and into the far side of the net. Northwood managed to reduce the deficit following a corner on the right when Bellotti’s header struck Christian and ended in the net. Just before the end of the first half Enzo Silvestri found himself well placed in front of goal but his left footed effort struck the keeper’s right hand post and bounced to safety.
After the pace of the first half it was always unlikely that Town could maintain the same momentum and the game settled at a more sedate pace. Town created the first chance of the half in the 60th minute when Gallant knocked in a low ball from the right which the keeper fumbled but he made amends with a good save to block Enzo Silvestri’s follow up shot. Town suffered a blow in the 80th minute when Gallant injured ankle ligaments in an innocuous incident and he was replaced by Lorenzo Green for the closing stages. A few minutes after the change Northwood created a chance when the ball was crossed from the left but Hawkins at the far post could not reach the ball. In the 86th minute Northwood scored their second when substitute Gary Senior knocked the ball in and a minute later they nearly scored a third from a free kick awarded just outside the box, the ball was curled around the wall and against Dodge’s left hand post before rebounding to safety. In the 5th minute of time added on Lewis McBride on the left laid the ball inside to Sean Bishop who instantly struck a fierce shot into the far top corner to ensure Town recorded their biggest win of the season. This was another entertaining display by Leighton particularly in the first half against a team sitting in 6th place in the table and at home Town have proved they are a match for any team. Manager Craig Wells and his assistant Richard Batten have done a terrific job since taking over the reins and if they can retain most of this squad things look promising for next season.
TEAM: 1.Dodge, 2. Chapman, 3.Bewley, 4.Cunningham,5.Deaton, 6. Bishop, 7.Gallant(Green 82),8.Silvestri, 9.Simpson(Bradley72), 10.Hanley,11.McBride. Subs. 12. Green, GK. Kirkwood, 14. May, 15.Bather, 16.Green.
Att. 135
Fixtures .
Sat 5th May 3pm Leighton Reserves v Hanwell Reserves Suburban League
Leighton Town would like to take this opportunity to thank all their fans for their support during the past season and We look forward to seeing you all again next season.
Town’s presentation night will now take place at the club on Saturday 26th May at 7:30