FA Cup: Leighton Town 1-0 Enfield FC

In this FA Cup Preliminary Round tie, Leighton were boosted by an excellent attendance of 429 at Bell Close – something especially key as the opening exchanges saw the two sides inseparable.
Hometown striker Albie Hall hoisted his side out of a stalemate on 37’ as the Red and Whites took the lead. He darted down the right before cutting back onto his left foot – opening up to find the bottom left with a confident ease. The move was so clean, he left a defender grounded in his wake.
The second period went from aforementioned ease, to unease – as Ethan Flanagan found himself in the book after handbags with the travelling team. Unfortunately, after a looping header over from Luke Pyman on 67’, Flanagan received his marching orders ten minutes before time. Perhaps a breakdown in communication between officials, the defender was sent off for throwing a dead ball back to his own player. Finding some sort of dissent, the ref waved him away.
A gritty contest continued as 7 minutes of added time was signalled. Enfield found a lot of the ball, yet couldn’t muster a comeback. If anything, Jack Sayell could’ve cemented a two-goal win. Enfield’s shot stopper Jarvis Monk reacted smartly to his left to deny him.
Gary Flinn cut a positive figure after his side’s determined showing in LU7:
“Really pleasing, it was a real gutsy performance from us today. We showed a different character, it was a different type of game with two really good teams going at it. One decent bit of quality from Albie… it was a fantastic goal from him.”
The goal scorer Hall added to the post-match buzz and put an onus on Town’s defence:
“From the balance of play, I think we deserved the win. They were a tough team that moved the ball around well. But we’re so solid at the back, if we just nick a goal, I always fancy us to win.”
On his goal:
“It was nice, just instinct really once I get in the box. I saw the defender go to ground, cut inside and just bent it in the corner – so yeah, I loved seeing it go in. In front of all the fans as well, it was a nice moment.”
Leighton now have a week to prepare for the next fixture. This time it’s back in the league for a test away at Biggleswade United on Saturday.

LTFC XI: Comas; Joyce, Sage, Simpson, Flanagan, Powell, Barrett, Pyman, Quigley, Hall, Brennan.
Subs: Sayell, Hatton, Burnside, Blackmore-Read, Heeps, King.

Match Report by Max Bradfield