Leighton Town kick off their season with a flying start…

The first game of the season for Leighton was away to AFC Hayes and with Leighton only losing 2 out of their 8 pre-season friendlies they were looking like a strong side, especially after recent signings from various teams of whom were in the starting line-up. With Craig Wells away on holiday the team were left in the capable hands of Richard Batten and Lee Halling who proved that even though the main man was away they could still be victorious.

AFC Hayes kicked off the first half strongly with a corner being awarded within the first few minutes but was caught firmly by the hands of Dodge. Leighton started confidentially passing the ball between the back four managing to hold off the AFC Hayes forwards without hesitation.

The first chance to change the score line came for Leighton in the 4th minute when Bewley crossed the ball to Toomey who managed to find Bishop in the penalty area, but unfortunately was greeted with the keepers’ hands skimming the ball over the cross bar, awarding Leighton with a corner.

The 6th minute produced some excitement for the supporters when handball was declared entailing Leighton to a penalty. Silvestri stepped up to the plate and struck the ball only to be blocked by the keeper, the ball then found its way to McBride who planted it in front of Silvestri and with an eruption of cheers from the supporters it was clear that Leighton were 1-0 up.

Leightons main aim of the game at this point was to keep the ball, have trust in the passes they were making and try and increase the lead to make them feel more comfortable.

The game continued in Leightons favour with crosses being made towards the goal left, right and centre only to be flagged offside due to the lack of care and attention from the players. However the chance for a second goal for Leighton came in the 19th minute when Morgan went down and yet another penalty was award. Silvestri once again stepped up and delivered making the score 2-0.

Leighton continued to look strong with AFC Hayes run ragged trying to chase the ball down. After the constant effort of keeping the ball the 38th minute brought the score to 3-0 when McBride crossed the ball to Morgan who found the back of the net. Temperatures started to rise and this wasn’t just because of the weather, AFC Hayes went a man down in the 40th minute when Charlie Cunningham was elbowed in the face during a tackle.

The second half brought more entertainment with a goal, sending offs and substitutions. AFC Hayes scored in the 56th minute which occurred from the lack of marking and pace by Leighton who were starting to look tired due to the ridiculous summer heat. Silvestri had numerous chances to achieve a hat-trick but unfortunately was not able to succeed with him being offside on several of the occasions.

With AFC Hayes down to 10 men they seemed to be picking up the pace and creating chances only to be knocked back by the Leightons’ defence. Temperatures rose yet again in the 65th minute when Deaton was badly tackled, where Bewley was then unable to control his temper and squared up to the AFC Hayes player who had created the trouble. Both Bewley and the trouble causer were shown a red card and sent off the pitch, leaving 9 men standing for AFC Hayes.

Leighton’s last chance to increase their lead was when McBride crossed the ball in front of the goal behind Silvestri and Hanley, managing to retrieve ball Hanley found Silvestri who scored only to be shown the flag for being offside. The last few minutes of the game saw Leighton keep the ball in their possession with AFC Hayes chasing at their heels. McBride unfortunately picked up a yellow card in the last minute of the match.

Overall Leighton’s performance looked strong and with a win from their first game of the season they are confident about facing Daventry at home on Tuesday 21st August.

Team- Dodge, Toomey, Bewley, Cunningham, Deaton, Bishop, McBride, Hanley, Simpson, Silvestri, Morgan

Subs- McNulty, Chaves (Bishop 70), Maisiri (Simpson 87), Sam-Heywood (Deaton 70), Kimani

Attendance- 64

By Hannah Sellman