Penalties Knock Development Team Out Of Intermediate Cup

AFC Dunstable Dev 1 Leighton Town Dev 1 after ft

5 - 3 after Penalties

The game was played on the 3G AstroTurf and there was an initial opening period where Leighton struggled to adapt to the passing pace of the pitch.

Eventually Leighton started to impose themselves on their opponents but it quickly became obvious that this was going to be a tight, competitive encounter.

AFC Dunstable were looking like a dangerous attacking unit but the visitors defence was looking very solid with Carl Harrison in outstanding form at left back.

Gradually Leighton were starting to gain the upper hand in midfield with some good tackling and passing keeping AFC at bay.

Nick Walton was having a good game at right back and was also contributing in attack, one surging run into area was ended in such desperation that a penalty was conceded, David Johnson stepped up to slot the penalty home and give the visitors a half time lead they just about deserved.

AFC started the second half determined to get on equal terms as soon as possible, they surged forward but found their number attacks floundering on the granite like Leighton defence.

When AFC did break through they were unable to beat the impressive George Zammit who dealt with any shots efficiently and also handled the ball well in the air.

The home team started to get frustrated that they were unable to get the equaliser their attacking play was starting to deserve.

This led to space in their defence that Leighton were trying to exploit in sporadic attacks that threatened to provide the second goal that would have killed the game.

In fact, despite being on the back foot Leighton had 2 or 3 good opportunities that were created and frustratingly not taken.

Leighton continued to be one quality pass away from killing the game but AFC also continued to attack with vigour, a quick passing move from the home side led to their attacker drilling the ball home with glee.

Leighton were now faced with the challenge of dealing with a rampant AFC side for the last period of the game.
As it turned out, they achieved this without too much drama, greatly helped by the introduction of Charlie Green.

Sadly all the effort that Leighton put into the game was undone by a 5- 3 defeat in the penalty shoot out lottery.

A very tight hard fought game with grit and determination shown by both teams, good luck to AFC in the next round.