Disappointment At Berko For Development Team

Once again the squad was made up of the usual suspects, a couple of promising newcomers and two first team squad members in need of some game time.

As usual there were some enforced changes in personnel but some consistency was maintained in defence.

The game started with Leighton moving the ball quite well but also looking surprisingly vulnerable when placed under pressure by the enthusiastic home team.

An early attack down the visitors left flank resulted in a free kick being conceded in an attempt to halt the home teams momentum. This might have worked if the resulting delivery had been dealt with in a more positive manner by the Leighton defence but unfortunately they were caught on their heels and Berkhamsted took an early lead.

Leighton looked a little taken aback and immediately tried to assert themselves on the game but their general play continued to be a little off colour and despite a couple of attacks they conceded a second goal.

Now the hosts were full of belief and passion in their play and Leighton were being asked questions about their character and resilience, thankfully Leighton gave an instant answer by Kuda Butawo , who bravely pounced on a towering Josh Peacock knock down to score.

Now Leighton were looking more dangerous and the home defence looked like it was going to be breached again, frustratingly however it was the visitors who slipped up, conceding a third goal just before the whistle blew for half time.

Faced with a 2 goal deficit that was probably a harsh reflection of their first half efforts Leighton had a choice to bemoan their hard luck or to return to the pitch determined to turn the game in their favour.

Within seconds of the restart it become clear which decision they had made as they quickly surged forward into the home teams half.

The Leighton defence immediately seemed more secure and by pushing forward they provided the platform to enable the visitors to establish territorial advantage.

Not only was the game being played in the home teams half but the ball was being controlled by the visitors as well.
Pressure was starting to mount on the home teams defence and their tackling became more desperate as they struggled to cope with the speed and regularity of the Leighton attacks.

A lightning quick attack down the right wing was finished off by a sensational strike by Ude Osmin which flashed past the flailing keeper to reward Leighton for their renewed attacking vigour.

Now the game momentum had permanently changed in the favour of the visitors and the home team looked to be in some disarray, Leighton continued to launch attacks in search of an equaliser that would surely be followed by a winner.

Nathan Beck in particular drove the visitors forward, winning tackles and driving deep into home territory again and again.
For a short period of time it seemed like the game was there to be won, let alone drawn, but credit must be given to the home team for their refusal to buckle and their determination to keep the three points they would argue their first half performance deserved.

Squad

George Zammit Charlie Davis Nick WaltonJosh Peacock
Tom McCormick CharlieGreen Harry Ryan George Tippite
Ricki Wigg-Booden David Johnson Kuda Butawo Ude Osmin
Tom Bryant Nathan Beck Carl Harrison

Report by

Gary Mander