LEIGHTON TOWN 0 -- 1 ASHFORD TOWN

LEIGHTON TOWN 0 -- 1 ASHFORD TOWN
After their disappointing midweek performance in the FA Cup, Town returned to League action on Saturday when they entertained Ashford Town at Bell Close hoping to return to winning ways after three below par performances.
Manager Craig Wells shuffled his line up with Ross Hanley and Enzo Silvestri both returning to the team after missing the midweek game. Jake Bewley was suspended and Aidy Chaves came in at left back. Leon Simpson was unavailable for this game and with Ben Gallant still missing through injury Town on paper looked decidedly lightweight in attack. Sean Bishop who has been playing as the holding midfielder was chosen to lead the Town attack with new signing Jerry Nash coming into midfield.
On a warm afternoon both teams took a while to settle down and Ashford had an early chance from a corner but the ball was headed wide. In the 14th minute Town put together a nice passing move with Seam Bishop playing a clever ball through to Enzo Silvestri who quickly touched it back for Lewis Mcbride but his well struck left footed effort flashed wide of the keepers right hand post. In the 21st minute Town put together a good 6 pass move but Aaron Morgan’s left footed effort was tipped over at full stretch by the visitor’s keeper. Both teams were passing the ball well in midfield but carried little threat in attack and Town’s next opportunity was from a corner which was knocked to the far post, Charlie Cunningham kept it in play and when the ball eventually reached Sean Bishop his curling shot went wide of the goal.
In the 39th minute Ashford had a great chance to go in front but Brown’s 7yard shot was touched over the bar by Haydn Dodge to keep the scores level. A minute later Bitmead cut in from the right but his fierce left footed effort from 18 yards was well saved by Dodge. Two minutes later Ashford again looked dangerous in attack but some good defending by Stuart Deaton prevented a clean strike at the ball and Dodge was easily able to catch the ball.
Ashford had the first attack of the second half but Bitmead’s shot was easily dealt with by Dodge. The visitors remained on the front foot and in the 51st minute Brown ran clear after but when he played the ball into the path of Lockhart- Adams the striker put his effort way over the bar from a good position. Leighton replied with a good 7 man covering ¾ of the pitch but it was all wasted when Andre Maltay’s cross drifted behind the goal. Ashford then won a fre kick just outside the area but this was wasted when the ball ws knocked way past the far post and straight out of play. Town were struggling to build any momentum and in the 70th minute they conceded a free kick near the half way. The ball was knocked into the box and Charlie Cunningham was penalised for holding an opponent and the referee had no hesitation in awarding the spot kick. Bitmead converted the kick despite a good effort by Haydn Dodge. Leighton replied with a good move but Sean bishop shot wide although the referee had already blown for offside. Ashford had another chance in the 77th minute when Brown ran clear after Stuart Deaton missed his header but the striker wastred the chance by shooting high and wide. Right at the end of the game Lewis McBride had a half chance but the midfielder who was probably Town’s best player on the day could not make a firm contact.

Town probably deserved appoint on the day but until they get their strikers back in action each game will be an uphill struggle. Some of Town’s approach play on the day was excellent but lack of a serious goal threat cost them this game. The team is working hard but have some pity for Town Manager, Craig Wells must be losing a serious amount of sleep thinking of a way to solve Town’s current problems. New signing Jerry Nash made a promising debut in midfield for Leighton.
TEAM: DODGE, MALTAY, CHAVES, CUNNINGHAM, DEATON, NASH, MCBRIDE, HANLEY, BISHOP, SILVESTRI( Bradley 85). MORGAN( Hassan 77).
SUBS: 12: BRADLEY, 14; HASSAN, 15: WALTON ATT:81
FIXTURES
TUESDAY 4TH SEPT 7:45 BIGGLESWADE TOWN V LEIGHTON TOWN EVO- STIK LGE.
SAT 8TH SEPT 3PM AYLESBURY FC V LEIGHTON TOWN EVO-STIK LGE.

Town are hoping to run a coach to Rainworth for their FA Trophy game. Any fans wishing to travel with the team, will find a Travel List in the Clubhouse. Price will be £15