Late Biggleswade Goal Denies Town A Point

Leighton continued their interesting and positive start to the season with a third home game at Bell Close.

The hosts had already enjoyed two contrasting but hard fought victories, one based on a flowing attacking display, the other, an inspiring fight back fuelled by a collective determination not to fail.
Therefore it was hard to predict how the game would unfold, however it was easy to see how it started and that was slowly and without cohesion for both teams.
As the game continued it was the visitors who found their feet first, Leighton probably shaded possession and territory but Biggleswade grew in attacking menace till they finally broke through with a clinical finish to grab the lead.
Maybe this would spark the home team into action but despite a show of reactive defiance it was not really translated into a response on the pitch, in fact, the visitors grabbed a second from a set piece and rocked the home support by striking a deflected third before the home team had opened their account.
In fact, another deflected effort was brilliantly kept out the home net by the finger tips of the defiant George Zammit.
The 3-0 score line looked harsh, despite not being at their best Leighton had enough moments of opportunity to believe that one goal could change the game.
The home team rolled their sleeves up, rallied themselves and stuck together to stop the team bus hurtling off the cliff, in fact, they did more than just slam it in reverse they actually managed to steer it in the opposite direction and drove it towards footballing redemption.
With the games momentum finally on their side Leighton struck a crucial retaliatory goal scored by the all action, never say die, George Oliver.
The first half ended as a completely different game with the home team dominant and believing a second goal was imminent.
The second half started with Leighton on the front foot and determined to push for more goals, it should be noted however that the visitors had also regrouped, and an open game unfolded with both defences looking vulnerable.
The hosts were fortunate to have the vibrant attacking thrusts of George Dentice to call upon but it was the silky skills of Alfie Rushton that changed the game with a scrambled finish and a clinical despatch of a penalty.
The introduction of Dominic Owen also added purpose, pace and bravery to the home teams armoury but the final outcome remained hard to predict.
With minutes remaining the scores were finally level but neither team was willing to settle for a draw and the games decisive moment was about to take place in the home teams penalty area.
An excellent free kick delivery was initially foiled but the rebound fell kindly for the Biggleswade attack to pounce on and settle the game, it could easily be argued that the visitors had already wasted a couple of easier chances earlier in the half so although heartbreaking for Leighton great credit goes to any team scoring 4 goals on their travels.
With seconds remaining even the outstanding George Tippite could not rally the home team for yet another fight back as time finally defeated the home teams efforts.
An exciting game ended with both teams acknowledging their opponents individual and collective performances , congratulations to Biggleswade for their victory and well done to Leighton for their stubborn and inspiring refusal to accept defeat.

Report By

Gary Mander